Stay Or Let It Go
Brian McKnight · Back At One [1999]
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.

