The song "The Letting Go" by Joe Cocker is about the process of moving on from a past relationship or loss. The lyrics describe the singer's journey towards self-discovery and healing after a breakup. The song begins with the singer driving home and hearing a song that reminds them of the past. They long to go back to the time when they were together and happy. However, despite stumbling along the way, they acknowledge that it is important to learn to take care of themselves and let go of the past. The singer expresses that nobody truly prepares you for the difficulty of letting go. Even though they have reasons to move on, it is not an easy process. The rain serves as a metaphor for the emotional pain that keeps reminding them of the past. As the song progresses, the singer reflects on how they have changed and grown since the breakup. They state that they have become a different person, almost unrecognizable to the way they were when they were with their former partner. Despite the progress made, the singer still experiences moments of sadness and longing. They question whether the rain or other triggers are responsible for reminding them of their past love. The pain in their heart will take time to go away, but at least they have come to the realization that letting go is necessary. The chorus emphasizes that nobody warned them about the difficulty of letting go. The reasons for moving on do not lessen the pain. The singer pleads for help to overcome their fears and be lifted above their sadness, comparing themselves to a bird longing to fly freely again. In the end, the singer acknowledges that forgetting the reasons for the breakup won't make the pain go away. Nobody warned them about the challenges of letting go, but they have come to understand and accept the process. The song expresses the universal struggle of moving on and finding healing after a broken relationship.
