Anna (Go to Him)
The Beatles
The Heartache of Letting Love Go: The Beatles' 'Anna (Go to Him)'
The Beatles' song 'Anna (Go to Him)' is a poignant ballad that delves into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and the noble act of letting go. The lyrics, sung from the perspective of a man named in the song as Anna's current partner, express his heartbreak as he learns that Anna, the girl he loves, has feelings for another man. Despite his own feelings, he is willing to release her from their relationship so that she can pursue happiness with the one she truly loves. This act of selflessness is underscored by the repeated line 'Go with him,' which serves as both a permission and a painful resignation.
The song's narrative captures the universal experience of loving someone who does not love you back in the same way. The protagonist's internal struggle is evident as he grapples with the reality that every girl he has ever loved has left him feeling heartbroken and despondent. The rhetorical question 'What am I, what am I supposed to do?' underscores his sense of helplessness and confusion in the face of repeated romantic disappointments. The request for Anna to return her ring symbolizes the end of their commitment and the finality of his decision to let her go.
Musically, 'Anna (Go to Him)' is characterized by its soulful melody and the emotional delivery of the lyrics, which convey the depth of the protagonist's pain. The Beatles, known for their versatility and ability to capture a wide range of emotions in their music, deliver a performance that resonates with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet act of releasing someone they love for the sake of that person's happiness. The song remains a touching example of the complexities of love and the sacrifices one may make in its name.