I'm holdin' this picture
You drew when you were four
It was one we proudly hung
On our refrigerator door
I found it in the attic
In your old dresser drawer
By a pillow that we made you
A blanket that you had
When we learned to chase the monsters
From underneath your bed
And I remember
How I learned hold you when you cried
I Learned how to let you be strong
Learned how to calm you in the dark
Learn how to listen with my heart
I Learned how to watch you grow
But how will I learn to let go
When I walk in your in your bedroom
The memories that I keep
Are bedtime stories
And rockin' you to sleep
And as I held you
You'd drift off to dream
And I know this might sound crazy
Now that you have grown
But yesterday still feels
Like the day we brought you home
And I remember
How I learned how to hold you when you cried
Learned how to let you be strong
Learned how to calm you in the dark
Learned how to listen with my heart
Learned how to watch you grow
But how will I learn
When will I learn
How will I learn
To let go
Learn To Let Go Video
Learn To Let Go Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Learn To Let Go: A Journey of Surrender and Trust
Introduction:
Learn To Let Go is a poignant and heartfelt song by Christian artist Mark Schultz. Released as part of his self-titled debut album in 2000, it captures the struggles and emotions of a parent learning to let go of their child as they grow and gain independence. This song resonates with many listeners who have experienced the bittersweet process of watching their loved ones embark on their own journeys.
Verse 1: Holding onto Memories
The song opens with the lines, "I'm holding this picture, you drew when you were four. It was one we proudly hung on our refrigerator door." These words immediately evoke a sense of nostalgia and the sentimental value attached to the memories of a child's younger years. The parent discovers the picture in the attic, alongside other mementos that remind them of the early stages of their child's life.
These lines convey the deep connection and love that a parent feels for their child. The refrigerator door symbolizes a place of honor, where important achievements and special moments are displayed for all to see. The parent's pride in their child's artwork signifies the joy and pride they feel in witnessing their growth and development.
Verse 2: The Challenge of Letting Go
As the song progresses, Schultz sings, "And I know this might sound crazy, now that you have grown. But yesterday still feels like the day we brought you home." These lyrics highlight the paradoxical nature of parenthood. Despite the passage of time and the child's maturation, the parent still sees them as the same innocent and vulnerable individual they once cradled in their arms.
This sentiment resonates with parents who struggle to accept that their children are no longer dependent on them. The realization that their child has grown into an independent person can be difficult to grasp, creating a sense of longing for the past.
Chorus: Learning to Surrender
The chorus encapsulates the main message of the song, emphasizing the importance of learning to let go. Schultz sings, "How I learned to hold you when you cried, learned how to let you be strong. Learned how to calm you in the dark, learned how to listen with my heart. Learned how to watch you grow, but how will I learn to let go?"
These lines express the various skills and lessons the parent has acquired throughout their child's journey. They have learned to support their child emotionally, allowing them to express their vulnerability and strength. They have become a source of comfort during difficult times and have developed the ability to truly listen and understand their child's needs. However, the ultimate challenge lies in learning to let go, releasing control and allowing their child to forge their own path.
Verse 3: Relinquishing Control
In the next verse, Schultz sings, "When I walk in your bedroom, the memories that I keep are bedtime stories and rocking you to sleep." These lyrics depict the parent's continued connection to their child's room, which holds countless memories of nurturing and care. The act of rocking their child to sleep symbolizes the soothing presence and protection that the parent provided during their early years.
The parent's attachment to these memories serves as a reminder of the bond they share with their child. However, it also signifies the need to relinquish control and allow their child to create new memories and experiences outside of the safety of their childhood bedroom.
Bridge: The Pain of Letting Go
The bridge of the song portrays the emotional struggle that comes with letting go. Schultz sings, "And as I held you, you'd
