Stay Or Let It Go

Brian McKnight · Back At One [1999]

(Spoken:)

What's up girl

I need to talk to you for a minute

I can't keep playin' myself like this

There's only one thing I wanna know

Should I stay, or should I go?



It's not my fault that you made yourself

A regretful past

But all I know is it makes me look bad

When I'm holding your hand and you see

Old friends you knew

And they walk away laughing calling me a fool

Now baby I can't change the things you did before we met

Even though I didn't know you

But it's hard for me to trust you even though girl I love you

So tell me what am I to do



Chorus:

Don't know if we will last

And if we do last can I erase the past

Girl can you tell me I don't know

Should I stay or let it go

Don't know if we're meant to be

And if we should be can you live faithfully

Girl can you tell me I don't know

Should I stay or let it go



I think of the night that I made reservations just for two

But you gave your attention to someone across the room

I should of known right then that things just weren't right

But I couldn't see it 'cause love had me so blind



Now tell me how can I be so secure in loving you

When everybody's calling me a fool

I can't keep holdin' on to broken promises from you

I can't take no more from you



Chorus



Baby time and time again I tried to overlook the pain

Couldn't think of losing all we had to gain

Girl if it takes me losing you for happiness in me

I think that I might just have to let you go

Don't know



(Spoken:)

So you like playin' those games huh

I'ma see how you do

When I walk out the door

I'm out



Chorus till fade

Stay Or Let It Go

Brian McKnight's "Stay Or Let It Go" stands as a defining track from his 1999 album, Back At One. During this era, McKnight solidified his reputation as a master of contemporary R&B and soul, known for his smooth baritone and emotive delivery. The song captures the introspective quality that characterized much of his work in the late nineties, exploring themes of relationship uncertainty with his signature melodic sophistication. As part of a prolific discography that includes numerous chart-topping hits, this recording highlights McKnight's ability to craft intimate, polished ballads. The track remains a testament to his enduring influence on the genre, showcasing the vocal control and harmonic richness that have made his body of work a staple in adult contemporary radio for decades.