Let Me Go, Lover! – Joan Weber (1955)

About the song

## Let Me Go, Lover! – Joan Weber (1955)

Joan Weber, a name perhaps less familiar to modern audiences, was a prominent jazz vocalist during the mid-20th century. Her rendition of “Let Me Go, Lover!” from 1955 stands as a testament to her emotive power and the enduring appeal of classic jazz.

This heart-wrenching ballad, penned by Ira Gershwin and George Gershwin, explores the bittersweet pain of parting. The lyrics, filled with longing and regret, paint a vivid picture of a love that has reached its end. Weber’s interpretation, characterized by her rich, velvety voice and impeccable phrasing, elevates the song to a level of emotional intensity that few can match.

The arrangement is simple yet elegant, allowing Weber’s vocals to take center stage. The accompaniment, featuring a subtle piano and a restrained bassline, provides a delicate framework for her expressive performance. The song’s tempo is slow and deliberate, creating a sense of melancholy and introspection.

Weber’s delivery is both vulnerable and powerful. She conveys the character’s emotional turmoil with a raw honesty that is both captivating and heartbreaking. In the bridge, she reaches a crescendo of passion, her voice soaring above the accompaniment as she pleads for release from her lover’s grip.

“Let Me Go, Lover!” is more than just a beautiful song; it is a timeless piece of art that continues to resonate with listeners today. Weber’s performance captures the essence of heartbreak with a depth and intensity that is truly unforgettable. It is a testament to the enduring power of music to move and inspire us, long after the initial thrill of its release has faded.

Video

Lyrics

(Go . . . go . . . go)

Oh, let me go
Let me go
Let me go, lover
Let me be
Set me free
From your spell

You made me weep
Cut me deep
I can’t sleep, lover
I was cursed
From the first
Day I fell

You don’t want me
But you want me
To go on wanting you
Now I pray that
You will say that
We’re through

Please turn me loose
What’s the use?
Let me go, lover
Let me go
Let me go
Let me go