In 1964, Betty Everett and Jerry Butler released their version as a single. This version became a number five Hot 100 hit as well as a number one hit on Cashbox's R&B chart. (Billboard did not print comprehensive rhythm and blues charts during 1964.)
Many other versions of the song have since been recorded:
In 1960, The Everly Brothers released their remake as a single. This version was extremely popular and became a top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number seven. The harmony arrangement of this version was often emulated in subsequent remakes.
In 1961, Chet Atkins released his instrumental version on the RCA album "Chet Atkins in Hollywood" with the Dennis Farnon Orchestra.
In 1962, The Lettermen released their version as a track on their album Jim, Tony, and Bob.
In 1962, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass released their version as a track (instrumental) on their album The Lonely Bull.
In 1964, Andy Williams and Claudine Longet released their version on Andy Williams' album "The Wonderful World of Andy Williams". Claudine Longet has a brief solo in which she sings the original French lyrics.
In 1966, Nancy Sinatra released a version of the song on her album How Does That Grab You? Arthur Prysock's version also charted that year.
In 1967, The Sweet Inspirations released their version as a single. The song performed very well on Billboard's R&B chart and also became a minor Hot 100 hit. This version of the song incorporates some gospel-style vocals.
Also in 1967, Chuck Jackson and Maxine Brown included a version on their duet album Hold On, We're Coming.
In 1969, Glen Campbell and Bobbie Gentry had a top forty Hot 100 hit duet with their version of the song. It met with even greater success on Billboard's country chart.
Also in 1969, Tom Jones released the song on his album This Is Tom Jones.
In 1970 Elvis Presley released his version of the song on his album On Stage. Elvis introduced it by saying: "there's a beautiful song that came out a few years ago, it's not my song but I'd like to sing it for you anyway."
In 1970 Bob Dylan released the song on his album Self Portrait.
In 1973 the italian rock group New Trolls, make his own version in Concerto Grosso (excellent adaptation)
In 1974 Mary McCaslin released her version on her album "Way Out West."
In 1974, singer/pianist/songwriter Nina Simone covered the song on her album It Is Finished.
In 1979, Kenny Rogers and Dottie West released their version as a track on their duets album Classics.
In 1982, Willie Nelson experienced pop and country success with his remake of the song.
In 1984, David Hasselhoff released his version of the song on his album Night Rocker.
In 1989 it was covered by Sam and Al on the TV series Quantum Leap in the episode Camikazi Kid.
In 1992, Collin Raye covered it for his In This Life album.
In 1999 Marc Jordan (Canada) recorded the song on his album "Charlie Parker Loves me"
British vocalist Justin had minor chart success in the United Kingdom when he released his remake in 2000.
In 1999 The Mudballs (later known as The Cardinals (Slovak band)) covered the song for their never commercially released album C. Of Love.
In 2001 Laura Nyro released this song on her last album, Angel in the Dark.
In 2002 Anne Murray released this song, as a duet with country singer Vince Gill, on her album, Country Croonin.
In 2003, Willy DeVille sang and recorded the song on his album Live in Berlin.
In 2004, Paul Weller has covered the song as a b-side to the single "Wishing On A Star".
In 2005, singer-songwriter Rosie Thomas released a version of the song, as a duet with Ed Harcourt on her album If Songs Could Be Held
In 2006, alternative rock musician Pajo released a version of the song on his album 1968.
In 2007, country act Charlie Daniels Band released a duet version of the song with Brenda Lee on their album Deuces.
In 2008, acadian singer Roch Voisine released a version of the song on his album Americana.
Also covered by Magneto Group in spanish under the name "Reza por mi" (Pray for me)
Let It Be Me
Jerry Butler & Betty Everett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
The lyrics of Jerry Butler and Betty Everett's song "Let It Be Me" express a deep desire to be with someone for eternity. The singer is grateful for having found this person and wishes to always be near them, requesting that they allow the singer to be with them, even if they are clinging onto someone else. The singer believes that their love is complete with this person and cannot imagine what life would be without them. Therefore, the singer asks this person to never leave them alone and to reassure them of their love, promising to always be with them.
The lyrics are simple yet powerful, conveying the singer's intense emotions of love and devotion. Through words such as "bless," "cling," "complete," and "lonely," the singer expresses their deep longing to be with someone who completes them. The repetition of the phrase "let it be me" reinforces this desire, almost pleading with the other person to choose the singer and allow them to be with them forever.
Overall, "Let It Be Me" showcases the lengths someone will go for their love, their desire to be with that person even if it means letting go of other connections. The song is an ode to true love and devotion, capturing the essence of a deeply committed relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I bless the day I found you
I am grateful and fortunate to have met you.
I want to stay around you
I desire to be near you as much as possible.
And so I beg you, let it be me
I implore and plead with you to choose me as your partner.
Don't take this heaven from one
Don't deprive someone of the happiness they have found.
If you must cling to someone
If you need to hold onto someone tightly for support.
Now and forever, let it be me
From now until eternity, please choose me.
Each time we meet love
Every time we come together in affection.
I find complete love
I discover a full and satisfying love.
Without your sweet love what would life be
Life would be incomplete and less joyful without your love.
So never leave me lonely
Please don't abandon me and leave me feeling alone.
Tell me you love me only
Assure me that you only love me and no one else.
And that you'll always let it be me
Promise to always choose me and let me be by your side.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gilbert Becaud, Manny Kurtz, Pierre Delanoe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@darryleavenjr.2171
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
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
❤
@Darrick-zq9hl
❤🎉😢❤ sounds good still
@beautyRest1
Totally agree! The 70 ‘s had the best music!!
@geetaseusingh6551
Happy memories ❤
@nomawetundleleni811
So true
@pj2614
The best. The very best. So glad to have been born in that generation. The music now days is pure shyt.
@debradixon3222
I just Love Jerry Butler ❤Betty still got that Beautiful Voice 😊😘🙏
@JacobWilson-uf6zq
Hello how are you 😊