Let It Be Me
Etta James & Jerry Butler Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

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
Oh, 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

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
And that you'll always let it be me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to the song "Let It Be Me" by Etta James and Jerry Butler explore the themes of love, devotion, and commitment. The first verse expresses the singer's joy at finding their loved one and their desire to be around them forever. The second verse speaks to the fear of losing that love and urges the loved one to never let go of their relationship. The chorus reinforces this commitment, expressing that without the other person, life would be incomplete, and begging them to always choose the singer to be their partner.

The song is both romantic and vulnerable as the singer makes a plea to their partner to choose them in a world full of other potential partners. The lyrics acknowledge the possibility of competition while also expressing a hope that their love is strong enough to endure. The song's message is clear: the singer has found a love that is worth fighting for, and they will do whatever it takes to hold onto it.

Line by Line Meaning

I bless the day I found you
I am grateful for the day I met you

I want to stay around you
I desire to be near you

And so I beg you, let it be me
Please choose me to be with you

Don't take this heaven from one
Don't take away this feeling of bliss from one person

If you must cling to someone
If you must hold on to someone

Now and forever, let it be me
Choose me to be with you for now and always

Each time we meet love
Every time we see each other with affection

I find complete love
I experience a feeling of fullness and contentment in love

Oh, without your sweet love what would life be
I cannot imagine life without your love

So never leave me lonely
Please never abandon me and leave me alone

Tell me you love me only
Let me know that you love only me

And that you'll always let it be me
Promise that you will always choose me to be with you

And that you'll always let it be me
Repeat the promise that you will always choose me to be with you

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gilbert Becaud, Manny Kurtz, Pierre Delanoe

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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01Let It Be Me

Etta James & Jerry Butler

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Comments from YouTube:

@darryleavenjr.2171

12w↑43

I'm old school, as I'm 71 and yes i remember these beautiful love ballards. Our generation had the best love songs and the best songs to dance to . Sure a lot of singers have been called home, there music lives on.❤

@southerngirl1960

14w↑94

I'm 😭 crying... Singers these days 2024, don't write or sing songs like this anymore... For many people it might have been the good, the bad or the ugly time in their life... But Thanks to God Almighty we made it to 15 Jan 2024🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

@sandraserles

14w↑4

❤

@Darrick-zq9hl

14w↑5

❤🎉😢❤ sounds good still

@beautyRest1

13w↑7

Totally agree! The 70 ‘s had the best music!!

@geetaseusingh6551

13w↑3

Happy memories ❤

@nomawetundleleni811

12w↑3

So true

10 More Replies...

@pj2614

8w↑13

The best. The very best. So glad to have been born in that generation. The music now days is pure shyt.

@debradixon3222

15w↑47

I just Love Jerry Butler ❤Betty still got that Beautiful Voice 😊😘🙏

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you 😊

@sybilblake-zd8gl

9w↑12

I am still dreaming, can't get over those sweet old days. Lord! Have mercy.

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing 😊

@beverlyford3818

15w↑34

I remember my mom and dad dancing to this song RIP mom &dad love ❤️ you

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

9w↑1

Hello how are you doing today 😊

@thomasdowns1117

14w↑35

I remember when this tune came out on the radio in 1964. I was amazed at what a beautiful sound Jerry and Betty had in recording this classic love song. 60 years later it is still as rich.

@justinekarcher5045

That's when I found out who kept playing this song, you see I was a waitress during the midnight shift and every night this song was played on the jukebox. Then I met him and we dated and got married. We was married for 24yrs 6 months and then he passed away.

@maryellenlukosevage

7w↑3

the duet of all time

@bigredd6684

13w↑23

One of the most beautiful duets in music.❤

@rickmarshall18

7w↑1

It’s easy to sing such a beautiful song like this but these two hit it way out of the park. Magnificent ❤❤

@lillianwilliams5510

8w↑6

I am a BABY BOOMER. THIS WAS A FAVORITE IN MY TEENAGE YEARS AND MARRIAGE.
MANY YEARS LATER, IT STILL IS SPECIAL.
TEACHING MY GRANDCHILDREN AND GREAT GRANDDAUGHTERS TO LISTEN TO LYRICS AND MUSIC, SO THEY WILL UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOOD MUSIC AND NOT TRASH.

@lisaatkins9797

8w↑7

I’m getting chills. 2/28/24 would have been my parent’s 60th wedding anniversary. This was their song. They made it to 50 years but my mom was ill and died on March 4th 2014. My dad passed away in 2020. I miss you guys so much! Rest now I love you ❤

@torontosdoowopmusicguy

43w↑42

What a wonderful moment in time preserved for everyone to enjoy. A great song done justice by two beautiful voices. Thanks for making it happen TJ and for sharing it with all of us.

@clapolla

38w↑49

I remember purchasing the DVD from PBS when this show aired. I purchased it because of THIS performance. It was really touching and Jerry Butler was a complete gentleman, giving so much of the spotlight to Betty. Her voice never failed her and, yes, I'd say this was THE most special moment of all your PBS specials. I've watched all of them on PBS. Thank you, TJL.

@solraclarkin4375

23w↑8

Beautiful.

So sad. They found her in retirement for this show as TJ tried to memorialize a lot of these aging oldies masters on video for us.

This PBS show was in 2001 I believe.

Betty passed just months later.😢😢

@clapolla

23w↑5

@@solraclarkin4375 TJ did a remarkable job bringing so many of these classic artists back into the spotlight (for many of them - one last time). I miss the specials he would put together for PBS.

@MaSTaFiaX

15w↑5

@clapolla this was my Parents favorite song, But mine was “Walk Easy My Son” because my Dad sung this song to me when I was a kid 9 years old. Every since then I started listening to Doo-Wop on PBS in 1979

@charlesedward5216

42w↑24

Thanks for this. Truly a great moment for those of us of a certain vintage.

@roxanne5766

14w↑3

We had and still have great music and great taste 😊😊

@chuckebgood1

44w↑53

A magic moment captured for the ages, brings tears to my eyes it is so beautiful...

@brilliantdiva5068

14w↑24

1-17-24 Ah The Ice Man Cometh and he has stayed with Betty Everette. Please bring back these soulful live songs. The world is in need.

@user-vd4hn4hs9d

10w↑1

That is so true they are better than this stuff they are singing now.

@roxanne5766

14w↑9

So touching and beautiful 😊😊. Thanks TJ for bringing us memories of great music.

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing today 😊

@barbarathomas1768

7w↑2

This is real music ❤😂😊🎉

@deirdreyearwood3383

14w↑19

I have know of this song since childhood. Betty and Jerry sung it beautifully. What a classic tune ❤❤❤

@marthamattocks2202

15w↑8

Thank you,for this beautiful moment❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing today 😊?

@ramonagoodman3811

14w↑19

Beautiful song

@stillstanding6031

14w↑17

I blieve this is Miss Everett's final performance. RIP dear Betty.

@conniewolf7300

14w↑3

Yes I believe you are correct.

@carolynharrison6987

13w↑1

She was ill when doing that performance.

@stillstanding6031

13w↑3

@@carolynharrison6987 Bless her. ❤‍🩹

@cuffeear1

11w↑1

Yes, and she passed the following year. That's why this video is so bittersweet to me. She was so nervous because she hadn't performed in many years. And she knocked it out of the box!!! Continue to RIP sweet Betty.😔🙏

@carolynharrison6987

11w↑1

@@cuffeear1 yes she did! I love her performance as well.

1 More Replies...

@annettejamison5565

14w↑9

I miss the days when all singers could/would sing. The days when the lyrics had such meaning. Couldn't give us a better demonstration . Thank you, Betty and Jerry, and all involved. ❤

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing today?😊

@carrienixon6663

10w↑6

That’s what I’m talking bout. A blast from the past duet. Still sounds good in 2024. Memories it is. 🩷🧡💜💚💛❤️💙🩵

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing?😊

@deborahcaesar7196

15w↑14

I fell in love with this song in the 8th grade. I decided then, that I wanted it at my wedding.
I married, but no wedding! I think it’s one of the most beautiful songs ever. ❤

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing today 😊?

@lynngray2960

18w↑13

They were fantastic!!

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing 😊?

@shirleybuchanan5288

6w↑1

i love tis song here n 2024

@dawnwoodruff7358

10w↑3

Brings back my happy years

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing today 😊?

@leobutlerjr543

7w↑1

Beautiful blessings 🙏🏿

@sandy6660

15w↑9

Love hearing them sing this beautiful song and have on DVD. They sing it the best. 🎶😍❤️

@user-xu7yw4wq7m

9w↑1

the two were magic together

@davidgoveia8613

40w↑13

And That is a WOW.............Absolutey Beautiful

@Kat-ko4hj

15w↑3

Omg ! Amazing… beautiful duet … ❤

@ellisisland1374

20w↑18

Classic duet!❤🙂

@jim-xj4ub

23w↑24

RIP Betty. You are missed. If I remember...Betty passed away shortly after this performance.

@robinbouwer2932

7w↑1

Beautiful

@pamcarter4552

8w↑1

I cry every time

@dooley_walker9046

35w↑15

In 1996 I got to see a moment like this live at the Rhythm & Blues Foundation's Seventh Annual Pioneer Awards where Betty was one of the honorees. When the two of them came out on stage I almost started crying. It was definitely my favorite performance that evening, along with Bobby Womack who also was honored. Sadly, the video made was not aired on TV. So happy that this video is here for me to reminisce. Thank you.

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you today 😊

@willardgibbs9862

12w↑4

Congratulations to both singers on their version of this classic ❤❤❤ Love it 💗💗

@michaelolson9112

17w↑8

WHAT A CLASSIC GOD LET US SEE THIS AND HEAR THIS

@bufb

10w↑1

Chills down my spine

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing 😊

@hortenceniles6316

14w↑4

Jerry Butler your voice is like Butter sweet for so Betty Everett you can sing you melt my heart with that voice This is what you called singing ❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉

@AvDominguez74

36w↑8

I love and miss you grandma. Your only grandchild! ❤

@jamesorsby7553

R.I.P to the late, great Betty Everett.

@patm11236

9w↑2

This performance was beautiful.

@delmahnori1582

13w↑3

Wow I love this couple how they sing my favourite song. This is what love should be.

@stephaniecannon410

15w↑5

My first time hearing this Beautiful song 🌹

@ClaireJohnson-te4jd

15w↑5

A song for my wedding ❤

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing 😊

@ilonafrissina5617

13w↑3

There singing is the ultimate.❤❤❤❤

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing?😊

@terrygarcia897

16w↑5

God its nice to be home. Tears rolling down my cheeks. Texas

@adamcompson7747

44w↑10

I Remember this Song From Your PBS Special VHS I love hearing this song Again TJ it's a really beautiful song

@barbaradorton5213

13w↑3

So beautiful!!

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you today 😊

@user-xu7yw4wq7m

it doesnt get any better than this

@dianeclay3737

10w↑1

Beautifully 🌹 🌹 sung.

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

9w↑1

Hello how are you doing?😊

@gamingwithjayla312

22w↑8

Betty Everett! RIP

@rogbrown1458

10w↑2

Bought the 45 back in 1964 and still have Rog.Pacific Sunset( LA).

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing 😊

@rosebolanos1541

42w↑10

The best ever!!!

@IngridloveiBoyd

14w↑2

I would listen to this song everyday brings back so much memories

@anthonyconcadoro6266

15w↑5

I cannot find the word s for this song,all I know is yi love it puggy

@shirleywalters2717

14w↑2

I remember this song my Auntie loved it it was so lovely to hear

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you?

@deborahjames8251

This is so beautiful

@faithbobb5777

11w↑2

They wrote so many beautiful songs in that era ❤❤❤ to hear this one back then on the radio☺️

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing?

@user-yn1xr7fc8q

8w↑1

I’m an old soul ..Love Love this! 2024 Love Momo ❤

@valeriarobinson3791

14w↑2

Also such a beautiful song they were Excellent ❤

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you??😊

@kaymerry369

11w↑2

Beautiful song and perfectly sung.

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing?😊

@Noomz-of-Earl

41w↑12

I grew up a big fan of Chicago soul and had multiple records by these two, including their exquisite 1964 hit duet version of this Gilbert Be'caud 1950s French pop classic "Je t'appartiens" ("Let It Be Me"). With Jerry Butler I go back to "Moon River" (1961) and "Make It Easy on Yourself" (1962); with Betty Everett it was "You're No Good" 1963). This incredibly moving PBS TV performance decades later took me completely by surprise. Its back story alone is emotionally overwhelming. Notice how Betty holds on to ultimate gentleman Jerry the whole time for the strength to make it through.

@sulevisydanmaa9981

23w↑1

@Noomz-of-Earl DO YOU HAVE ANY TYRONE DAVIS quality footage from late 70s period w his superb and rare band ? Why dont cha release it here if so ? Just some brief excepts availbale on the forum. Suggest read the PRUTER book CHICAGO SOUL. Got any Johnny Sayles footage. Oer

@Noomz-of-Earl

23w↑1

@@sulevisydanmaa9981- Sorry, I don't have any footage (and have never posted a video). I have read the Robert Pruter book and found it enjoyable and informative.

@suzannebenz8928

13w↑2

Very well done!!!!!! Thank you!!!!

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing 😊

@ruthannelackey8624

13w↑2

Absolutely awesome

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing today 😊

@sybilblake-zd8gl

12w↑1

I love the yesterdays. These songs touch the soul. Waw! I love yesterday.

@user-bx3vs4kk5o

14w↑3

So beautiful

@marleenneil7542

12w↑1

Bravo🙏

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing today I

@yvettewilliams5967

14w↑2

I had tears in my eyes. My mom was present too!

@williammartinez840

11w↑1

One of my mother's favorite songs she'd sing to us all the time❤

@charlottedoe3467

10w↑1

Beautiful l remember when l first heard this lovely song YES!!!❤😂

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing today 😊?

@barbaraosorio8830

12w↑1

Love it

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing 😊

@kevinbarry3548

11w↑1

Old school. Doesn't get any better than this.

@joycebelgrave429

12w↑1

My mother just loved this song so much. Beautiful song

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing

@DeniseWaghorn-ok2gj

14w↑2

This is such a good video with the two of them their voices blend so well ❤❤

@sybilblake-zd8gl

13w↑3

The tears are falling, please let it be me. Tell me you love me only lease let it be me.

@batistanerys8676

8w↑1

Maravilhoso

@howardthrongard640

10w↑1

75 years old here in the Philippines listening to this beautiful music. Fond memories of listening on my little AM transistor radio back in Minnesnowta 60 years ago. Such great music we had back then.

@user-vd4hn4hs9d

10w↑1

you got that right, boys would dance with girls that were not their girlfriends, she just wanted to dance because she was a teenager and the music was sounding good, We had hard times in this country back when they were young and singing, but their music made us forget what was going on, we were young and our parents were paying the bills.

@annamariehewitt3173

14w↑3

Where words fail...... Music speaks.....

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you 😊

@annamariehewitt3173

@@JacobWilson-uf6zq You are crawling all over this site

@jannicethompson1739

14w↑2

Absolutely Beautiful

@davidgoveia8613

10w↑1

I can Watch This PERFORMANCE on Repeat.............the voices the faces the smiles

@emmadavis771

14w↑2

So beautiful. And well done

@sheilapalmer224

12w

Gone but not forgotten

@sunlandleaonard

16w↑8

so sad ,at that time she was very sick( cancer) she died shortly after,

@djowinzschuschen235

11w

Best Music!!!

@jodie4609

10w

Omg a man thst can dance
Be stuill my heart

@jannicethompson1739

14w↑2

Awesome!!!

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you doing

@jameswilliams8568

How sweet and yet so sad...

@crystaldavy5320

14w↑2

My mom and dad's love song!!

@yvettewilliams5967

14w↑2

Oh I remember seeing it live!!! Yes😃

@user-ce8dv3jj4o

14w↑3

one of the most classest men ever

@yvettewilliams5967

14w↑2

Thank youTJL!!!!

@johnbones8274

An amazing rendition 😮😊😊😊

@conniewolf7300

12w

beautiful.....😢

@cathawilliams159

THE ICE MAN Is COLD BLOODED much ❤️

@eddie054

12w

Thanks TJ !!

@marleenneil7542

12w↑1

Beautifully done

@EllenpearlJackson-hm2yl

13w↑1

The lady and the man beautiful

@JacobWilson-uf6zq

Hello how are you today 😊

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