Passenger - Let Her Go: Lyrics And Translation
"Let Her Go" by Passenger is one of those songs that just gets you right in the feels, doesn't it? It's a beautiful, melancholic tune that resonates with so many people because it talks about something we've all experienced in some way: realizing the value of something or someone only after they're gone. The lyrics are simple yet profound, and the song's stripped-down acoustic arrangement only adds to its emotional impact. In this article, we're diving deep into the lyrics of "Let Her Go" and providing a translation to help you fully grasp the meaning behind this modern classic. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering this gem, get ready to connect with the song on a whole new level.
The Story Behind the Song
Before we dive into the lyrics and translation, let's take a quick peek at the story behind "Let Her Go." Penned by the incredibly talented Michael David Rosenberg, who goes by the stage name Passenger, this song wasn't an instant hit. In fact, it took a while for it to gain traction. Released in 2012 as part of the album "All the Little Lights," it wasn't until 2013 that it truly exploded in popularity, topping charts worldwide.
Passenger has mentioned in interviews that the song is about a breakup he went through. It captures that bittersweet feeling of regret and the realization of what you've lost. The song isn't just about romantic relationships; it can also apply to friendships, family, or even phases of life. That universality is a big part of why it's touched so many hearts. He wrote it after a particularly painful breakup, channeling his emotions into the raw and honest lyrics that we all know and love. The simplicity of the arrangement, featuring just his voice and a guitar, allows the listener to really focus on the words and the emotions they convey. It's a testament to the power of vulnerability and honesty in songwriting. So, when you listen to "Let Her Go," you're not just hearing a song; you're hearing a story of heartbreak and reflection, told with remarkable sincerity and depth.
"Let Her Go" Lyrics and Translation
Alright, guys, let's get to the heart of the matter: the lyrics themselves. I'll break down each section and provide a translation to give you a clear understanding of what Passenger is singing about.
Verse 1
Well you only need the light when it's burning low
Translation: Kita baru membutuhkan cahaya saat ia mulai redup.
Only miss the sun when it starts to snow
Translation: Kita baru merindukan matahari saat salju mulai turun.
Only know you love her when you let her go
Translation: Kita baru sadar mencintainya saat kita melepaskannya.
This first verse sets the stage for the entire song. It speaks to the human tendency to take things for granted. We often don't appreciate what we have until it's gone. The metaphors of needing light when it's dim and missing the sun in the snow perfectly illustrate this point. It's a universal truth that resonates deeply with anyone who's ever experienced loss or regret. The line, "Only know you love her when you let her go," is the crux of the song and encapsulates the painful realization that often comes too late. It's a moment of clarity when you understand the depth of your feelings only after the person is no longer in your life. The simplicity of these lines is what makes them so powerful. Passenger doesn't use flowery language or complex metaphors; he speaks directly to the heart, making the message all the more impactful.
Chorus
And you let her go
Translation: Dan kau melepaskannya.
Staring at the bottom of your glass
Translation: Menatap dasar gelasmu.
Hoping one day you'll make a dream last
Translation: Berharap suatu hari kau bisa mewujudkan mimpi.
But dreams come slow and they go so fast
Translation: Namun mimpi datang perlahan dan pergi begitu cepat.
You see her when you close your eyes
Translation: Kau melihatnya saat kau menutup mata.
Maybe one day you'll understand why
Translation: Mungkin suatu hari kau akan mengerti mengapa.
Everything you touch surely dies
Translation: Semua yang kau sentuh pasti mati.
This chorus is the emotional core of the song. The repetition of "And you let her go" emphasizes the finality and the regret associated with the decision. The image of staring at the bottom of a glass suggests a sense of emptiness and despair. The line about hoping to make a dream last speaks to the desire for things to stay the same, but the realization that dreams are fleeting adds to the melancholy. Seeing her when you close your eyes is a poignant reminder of her presence in your thoughts and memories. The line, "Maybe one day you'll understand why," hints at the search for meaning and closure after the relationship has ended. The final line, "Everything you touch surely dies," is a bit of an exaggeration. It's more of an emotional statement about the feeling that the person causes things to die.
Verse 2
Well you only hate the road when you're missing home
Translation: Kita baru membenci jalanan saat kita merindukan rumah.
Only know you love her when you let her go
Translation: Kita baru sadar mencintainya saat kita melepaskannya.
This verse mirrors the sentiment of the first, using different metaphors to convey the same message. The line about hating the road when missing home speaks to the feeling of discontent and longing for something familiar and comforting. The repetition of "Only know you love her when you let her go" reinforces the central theme of the song. It's a reminder that we often don't realize the value of what we have until it's gone. This verse serves to deepen the emotional impact of the song, driving home the message that appreciation and gratitude are essential in relationships.
Chorus
And you let her go
Translation: Dan kau melepaskannya.
Staring at the bottom of your glass
Translation: Menatap dasar gelasmu.
Hoping one day you'll make a dream last
Translation: Berharap suatu hari kau bisa mewujudkan mimpi.
But dreams come slow and they go so fast
Translation: Namun mimpi datang perlahan dan pergi begitu cepat.
You see her when you close your eyes
Translation: Kau melihatnya saat kau menutup mata.
Maybe one day you'll understand why
Translation: Mungkin suatu hari kau akan mengerti mengapa.
Everything you touch surely dies
Translation: Semua yang kau sentuh pasti mati.
The chorus repeats, further emphasizing the feelings of regret and loss. The repetition reinforces the emotional weight of the lyrics and allows the listener to fully absorb the message of the song. Each time the chorus is sung, it carries more emotional impact, as the listener becomes more deeply connected to the feelings of the singer.
Bridge
And you let her go
Translation: Dan kau melepaskannya.
And you let her go
Translation: Dan kau melepaskannya.
Well you let her go
Translation: Dan kau melepaskannya.
This bridge is simple but powerful. The repetition of "And you let her go" drives home the finality of the decision and the deep regret that accompanies it. It's a stark reminder of the consequences of letting go and the pain that can result. The simplicity of the bridge allows the listener to fully focus on the weight of the words and the emotions they convey.
Chorus
And you let her go
Translation: Dan kau melepaskannya.
Staring at the bottom of your glass
Translation: Menatap dasar gelasmu.
Hoping one day you'll make a dream last
Translation: Berharap suatu hari kau bisa mewujudkan mimpi.
But dreams come slow and they go so fast
Translation: Namun mimpi datang perlahan dan pergi begitu cepat.
You see her when you close your eyes
Translation: Kau melihatnya saat kau menutup mata.
Maybe one day you'll understand why
Translation: Mungkin suatu hari kau akan mengerti mengapa.
Everything you touch surely dies
Translation: Semua yang kau sentuh pasti mati.
The final chorus reiterates the feelings of regret and loss, leaving the listener with a sense of melancholy and reflection. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the emotional impact of the song and leaves a lasting impression on the listener. It's a reminder of the importance of appreciating what we have and the consequences of letting go.
The Impact and Resonance of "Let Her Go"
So, why has "Let Her Go" resonated with so many people around the world? It's not just the catchy melody or Passenger's distinctive voice. It's the raw, honest emotion that the song conveys. We've all been there – taking something for granted, not realizing its value until it's gone. Whether it's a relationship, a friendship, a job, or even a place, the feeling of loss and regret is a universal human experience. This song taps into that feeling in a way that's both comforting and heartbreaking. It reminds us that it's okay to feel sad and to mourn what we've lost, but it also encourages us to appreciate what we have in the present. The lyrics are simple and relatable, and the acoustic arrangement allows the listener to really connect with the emotions being expressed. It's a song that speaks to the heart, reminding us of the importance of cherishing the people and things that matter most to us.
Final Thoughts
"Let Her Go" is more than just a song; it's an emotional journey. Through its poignant lyrics and heartfelt delivery, Passenger has created a timeless piece that continues to touch the hearts of listeners worldwide. The song's message about appreciating what you have before it's gone is a powerful reminder for us all. So, the next time you listen to "Let Her Go," take a moment to reflect on the people and things that are important in your life and cherish them while you can. You never know when they might be gone. And who knows, maybe you will want to play this song on repeat. This song it's a banger!