About the song
When Engelbert Humperdinck first stepped onto the stage in the late 1960s with his smooth baritone voice and magnetic charm, few could have predicted that one song would define his career and cement his place in music history. That song was “Please Release Me”, a heartfelt ballad that not only topped charts worldwide but also became one of the most iconic love songs of all time.
Originally written by Eddie Miller and Robert Yount in the early 1950s, “Please Release Me” had been recorded by several artists before Engelbert took it into the studio in 1967. Yet, it was his tender interpretation, emotional delivery, and the rich orchestral arrangement that transformed it into a global sensation. The song tells the story of a man trapped in a loveless relationship, gently asking his partner to let him go so he can find true happiness elsewhere. Its simplicity, sincerity, and universal theme resonated deeply with listeners of all ages.
Engelbert’s version was released at a time when The Beatles and the rock revolution dominated the charts. Incredibly, “Please Release Me” broke through the wave of electric guitars and psychedelic sounds, climbing to No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in March 1967 and staying there for an astonishing six weeks. Remarkably, it prevented The Beatles’ “Penny Lane”/“Strawberry Fields Forever” from reaching the top spot. In the United States, it also became a major hit, peaking in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Adult Contemporary chart.
The success of “Please Release Me” marked the beginning of Engelbert Humperdinck’s rise to international stardom. Dressed in sharp suits, with his signature sideburns and romantic stage presence, he quickly became a heartthrob for audiences around the globe. His performance style — a blend of old-fashioned crooner elegance and modern emotional connection — made him stand out among his contemporaries.
Beyond its commercial success, the song became a staple in Engelbert’s live performances, often greeted by standing ovations. Its opening line, “Please release me, let me go”, has been etched into the collective memory of music fans for decades. Even today, it is instantly recognizable to those who grew up during the golden age of pop ballads.
Over the years, “Please Release Me” has been covered by countless artists, but none have matched the timeless quality of Humperdinck’s version. The song has been translated into multiple languages, performed on grand stages and intimate venues alike, and featured in films, television shows, and commercials.
For Engelbert, the song’s enduring popularity is both a blessing and a reminder of how one track can change a career forever. It opened doors to international tours, television appearances, and a loyal fan base that still follows him decades later.
More than half a century after its release, “Please Release Me” remains a testament to the power of melody, heartfelt lyrics, and authentic performance. In Engelbert Humperdinck’s hands, it became more than just a song — it became an emotional experience, a timeless plea for freedom, and a jewel in the crown of popular music history.
Video
Lyrics
Please release me, let me go
For I don’t love you anymore
To waste our lives would be a sin
Release me and let me love again
I have found a new love, dear
And I will always want her near
Her lips are warm while yours are cold
Release me, my darling, let me go
For I don’t love you anymore
(To waste my life would be a sin)
So release me and let me love again (ah-ah)
Please release me, can’t you see
You’d be a fool to cling to me?
To live a lie would bring us pain
So release me and let me love again
(Let me love, let me go)
