“Before I Let Go” by Maze Ft. Frankie Beverly

“Before I Let Go” is basically a breakup song. In other words, it has Frankie Beverly contemplating if he is actually making the right decision by walking away ‘before he lets go’.

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Maze's Before I Let Go at Lyrics.org.

Frankie highlights that the romance has experienced both good and bad times. But for the most part, he speaks affectionately about this woman. In fact he acknowledges that “the sun rises and shines” with her. As such, he cannot understand exactly what it is that is now bringing their relationship to an end.  So instead of acting hastily, he wants to “make sure (he’s) right before (he lets) go”.

Lyrics of the classic "Before I Let Go"

This song was actually founded in a dilemma Beverly was going through in his personal life. While he was involved with one woman, he was instead desiring to be with another. And apparently he could not be with the one he actually longed for due to her dying in a car crash. As such, “Before I Let Go” was not originally penned as the party song that has become an enduring piece of African-American culture. However, his band, Maze, transformed it into the up-tempo product we know today. As such, it can be concluded that this track is based on Frankie addressing the aforementioned woman who he is no longer particularly interested in dating.

Facts about “Before I Let Go”

  • This song was originally featured on the 1981 Maze album Live in New Orleans, even though it is a studio recording.
  • This song is a firmly-established staple at African-American parties and social gatherings, particularly with older audiences.
  • Frankie Beverly himself is surprised by and appreciative of the lasting and powerful effect this song has had on the African-American community.
  • The track actually originated in the melancholy of singer Frankie Beverly, who at the time “wasn’t with the woman (he) wanted to be with and couldn’t stay with the one (he) was with”. Indeed the one he was longing for seems to have been a lady friend who died in a car crash. Thus when the track was presented to Maze, they transformed it from more or less a ballad (which the band were actually more-renowned for) to an up-tempo and more-joyful sounding song.
  • Maze received a BET Lifetime Achievement award back in 2012, with “Before I Let Go” of course being recognized as their greatest hit.
  • This classic from Maze reached a peak of number-13 on Billboard’s R&B chart.

Who wrote “Before I Let Go”?

Frankie Beverly solely penned this song. Not only did he write “Before I Let Go”, but he also produced it.

Are there any notable covers of this song?

Yes. In 2019, renowned American singer Beyoncé released a critically acclaimed cover of this classic.

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