Let Her Go

Mac DeMarco's song 'Let Her Go' delves into the complexities of love and the importance of honesty in a relationship. The lyrics suggest a scenario where one is in a relationship but uncertain about their true feelings. DeMarco advises to affirm one's love only if it is genuine, and if there's doubt, it's crucial to communicate that uncertainty rather than lead the partner on. The song uses the metaphor of a flower growing and dying to represent the natural cycle of a relationship, emphasizing that when love has faded, it's necessary to let go rather than hold on to something that's no longer there.

The repeated phrase 'Let her go' serves as both a refrain and a poignant reminder of the song's central message: the act of releasing someone when you cannot offer them the love they deserve. This message is underscored by the line 'Separation's supposed to make the heart grow fond, but it don't,' which challenges the common belief that distance will always strengthen feelings. Instead, DeMarco acknowledges that sometimes distance can reveal the lack of a strong connection.

The closing lines of the song offer a more conversational tone, as if DeMarco is speaking directly to the listener, giving them the freedom to choose their path. He suggests that keeping the partner is an option, but it should be a conscious choice rather than a default. The casual 'It's okay' and 'Whatever you gotta do' imply that there's no right or wrong in matters of the heart, but rather what's most honest and true to one's feelings. The song closes with a blessing, a gentle nod to the gravity of such decisions and the goodwill wished upon the listener, regardless of the choice they make.