About the Song

Let It Be Me by The Everly Brothers is a heartfelt ballad that resonates with deep emotions of love, adoration, and devotion. Don and Phil Everly, renowned for their close harmonies and pioneering contributions to country rock, crafted this timeless classic. The song, released as a single in 1960, became one of their iconic hits and remains cherished for its tender sentiments.

The song was originally based on the 1955 French composition Je T’Appartiens by Gilbert Bécaud, and it was reworked into English by various artists before The Everly Brothers’ version became the most well-known. Don Everly first heard an instrumental version on Chet Atkins’ album Chet Atkins In Hollywood in 1959, and he immediately fell in love with the melody. Upon discovering the lyrics, he brought the song to producer Archie Bleyer, despite a disagreement with Wesley Rose, the Everlys’ publisher. Don was adamant about recording it with strings, and the resulting lush arrangement—with eight violins and a cello—gave the song an emotional depth that made it stand out.

This was a groundbreaking moment for the Everly Brothers, as Let It Be Me became the first song in their catalog to feature strings, and one of the first pop songs to incorporate such an arrangement. The combination of the brothers’ harmonies and the string section created a hauntingly beautiful sound that elevated the simple yet powerful message of devotion in the lyrics.

While Let It Be Me would become one of the Everly Brothers’ most enduring songs, it marked a turning point in their career. Shortly after its success, they parted ways with Cadence Records and signed with Warner Brothers for a lucrative deal. However, their professional success was marred by personal differences. Despite these tensions, Don and Phil’s musical chemistry was undeniable, with Don remarking in a 2014 interview that their vocal harmonies were so tightly synchronized, it felt as though they could “read each other’s minds” when they sang.

Let It Be Me has since been covered by several artists, including Bobbie Gentry and Glen Campbell, cementing its place in pop culture. Whether it’s the nostalgic beauty of the original or the warmth of its string arrangement, the song continues to stand as a testament to the power of love and harmonization that defined The Everly Brothers’ legacy.

Lyrics

I bless the day I found you
I want to stay around you
And so I beg you, let it be me
Don’t take this Heaven from one
If you must cling to someone
Now and forever, let it be me
Each time we meet, love
I find complete love
Without your sweet love
What would life be?
So never leave me lonely
Tell me you love me only
And that you’ll always, let it be me
Each time we meet love
I find complete love
Without your sweet love
What would life be?
So never leave me lonely
Tell me you love me only
And that you’ll always let it be me