If You Leave Me Now
Chicago · Ultimate Collection [2011]
Uh uh uh uh no baby please don't go
And if you leave me now, you'll take away the very heart of me
Uh uh uh uh no baby please don't go
Uh uh uh uh girl I just want you to stay
A love like ours is love that's hard to find
How could we let it slip away
We've come too far to leave it all behind
How could we end it all this way
When tomorrow comes and we'll both regret
The things we said today
A love like ours is love that's hard to find
How could we let it slip away
We've come too far to leave it all behind
How could we end it all this way
When tomorrow comes and we'll both regret
The things we said today
If you leave me now, you'll take away the biggest part of me
Uh uh uh uh no baby please don't go
Uh girl, just got to have you by my side
Uh uh uh uh no baby, please don't go
Oh mama, I just got to have your lovin, yeah
About If You Leave Me Now
"If You Leave Me Now" is a poignant ballad by Chicago, originally recorded for their 1971 album *Chicago III*. The track exemplifies the band's signature blend of jazz-influenced rock and sophisticated harmonies, featuring a memorable vocal performance by Peter Cetera. While the song has gained renewed popularity through its inclusion in the 2011 *Ultimate Collection*, its enduring appeal lies in its emotional depth and melodic structure. It remains a staple of the band's discography, often performed live and recognized as a defining piece of their early catalog. The recording showcases the group's ability to craft lush arrangements that balance complex instrumentation with accessible songwriting, cementing their status as pioneers of the soft rock genre during the early 1970s.