About the song
“Let It Be Me” is one of the most tender and timeless ballads recorded by The Everly Brothers, the American duo whose close harmonies and heartfelt performances left a profound mark on popular music. Released in 1960, the song demonstrated not only their unmatched vocal chemistry but also their ability to bring emotional depth to romantic material. With its roots in French chanson and its transformation into an English-language pop standard, “Let It Be Me” has endured across decades, covered by countless artists, yet it is The Everly Brothers’ rendition that remains one of the most beloved.
Origins of the Song
The story of “Let It Be Me” begins in France. The song was originally written by Gilbert Bécaud with lyrics by Pierre Delanoë under the title “Je t’appartiens” (“I Belong to You”), first recorded in 1955. Its poignant melody and lyrical devotion quickly made it a favorite in Europe. In 1957, American lyricist Manny Curtis adapted the song into English, giving it the title “Let It Be Me.”
The Everly Brothers, already rising stars in the United States thanks to hits like “Bye Bye Love” (1957) and “All I Have to Do Is Dream” (1958), recorded their version in 1960. With their seamless vocal harmonies and emotionally resonant delivery, they transformed the song into an international success, bringing it to audiences far beyond its French origins.
Musical Style and Arrangement
The Everly Brothers’ version of “Let It Be Me” exemplifies their signature style: simple yet lush instrumentation paired with intricate vocal harmonies. The arrangement features strings, acoustic guitar, and a gentle rhythm section, creating a romantic and almost orchestral backdrop.
What truly elevates the recording, however, is the brothers’ singing. Don and Phil Everly’s voices intertwine with flawless precision, producing a sound that is intimate yet powerful. Their harmonies carry the emotional weight of the song, conveying both vulnerability and unwavering devotion. The result is a performance that feels deeply personal, as though the singers are baring their hearts directly to the listener.
Lyrics and Themes
The lyrics of “Let It Be Me” speak of commitment, devotion, and the yearning for exclusivity in love. Lines such as “Each time we meet love, I find complete love, without your sweet love, what would life be?” express the profound dependence one feels when truly in love. The refrain, “So never leave me lonely, tell me you love me only, and that you’ll always let it be me,” captures the vulnerability of trusting one’s heart entirely to another.
At a time when popular music often emphasized playful romance or teenage infatuation, “Let It Be Me” stood out as a mature, earnest declaration of love. Its sincerity made it resonate not only with younger audiences but also with adults who recognized the depth of its sentiment.
Commercial Success
The Everly Brothers’ recording of “Let It Be Me” became a major hit. It entered the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1960 and climbed to No. 7, further cementing their status as one of the premier vocal duos of the era. The song also achieved international popularity, with strong sales and radio play in the UK and other markets.
This success was significant because it showed the brothers’ versatility. While they had been known for their energetic rock-influenced hits and country-tinged harmonies, “Let It Be Me” demonstrated that they could also master the more sophisticated, string-laden ballad style that appealed to a wide audience.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Beyond its initial chart success, “Let It Be Me” has endured as one of the Everly Brothers’ most cherished songs. Its heartfelt lyrics and universal theme of devotion have made it a popular choice for weddings, anniversaries, and other occasions celebrating love and commitment.
The song has been covered by numerous artists across genres, including Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Nina Simone, and even modern performers, each bringing their own interpretation to the timeless material. Yet the Everly Brothers’ version remains definitive, thanks to its purity of emotion and perfect vocal blend.
For the Everly Brothers themselves, “Let It Be Me” reinforced their reputation as trailblazers of harmony-driven popular music. Their influence can be heard in the work of countless later artists, from Simon & Garfunkel to The Beatles, who admired and emulated their vocal interplay.
Place in The Everly Brothers’ Career
By 1960, Don and Phil Everly had already established themselves as hitmakers. “Let It Be Me” came during a period of rapid success, following their run of hits in the late 1950s and preceding their continued impact throughout the 1960s. While the duo faced challenges later in their career, this song stands as a reminder of their artistry at its peak.
It also highlighted the duo’s ability to adapt material from outside sources and make it entirely their own. Though the song originated as a French ballad, the Everlys’ version gave it a new life in the English-speaking world, ensuring its place as a standard in the canon of popular love songs.
Conclusion
“Let It Be Me” by The Everly Brothers is much more than a successful pop single from 1960—it is a timeless declaration of love, a masterclass in vocal harmony, and a bridge between cultures. With origins in French chanson and a transformation into an international standard, the song reflects the universality of love and devotion.
The Everly Brothers’ interpretation remains definitive because of its emotional honesty, lush arrangement, and flawless vocal delivery. More than six decades later, “Let It Be Me” continues to resonate with listeners, reminding us of the enduring power of love songs to capture our deepest feelings and to connect us across time and place.
For Don and Phil Everly, it is one of the crowning achievements of a career that influenced generations of musicians and left an indelible mark on the history of popular music.