“Release Me (And Let Me Love Again)” is a signature song of Engelbert Humperdinck, released in 1967 and catapulting him to international stardom. Humperdinck, born Arnold George Dorsey in India, initially struggled in the music industry before reinventing himself with a more flamboyant persona and adopting his stage name, borrowed from the 19th-century composer. Known for his powerful baritone voice and romantic ballads, Humperdinck became a major force in the easy listening and pop music scenes, selling millions of records throughout his career.
“Release Me” is a plea for freedom from a relationship that has run its course. The song’s narrator acknowledges that their partner no longer loves them and implores them to let go so that both can move on and find happiness elsewhere. The lyrics, simple yet emotionally resonant, speak of painful loyalty and the desperate desire to avoid further heartbreak. The straightforward message of lost love and longing is what resonated deeply with a wide audience.
The song was a massive commercial success, reaching number one in the UK Singles Chart for six weeks and keeping The Beatles’ “Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever” off the top spot. It also became a hit in the United States, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. “Release Me” earned Humperdinck a Grammy Award nomination and cemented his place in music history.
Feedback from audiences has consistently praised the song’s emotional depth and Humperdinck’s compelling vocal delivery. Many listeners relate to the universal theme of unrequited love and the courage to break free from a stagnant relationship. Even decades after its release, “Release Me” continues to be a popular choice for karaoke and remains a beloved classic for generations of music lovers, solidifying its status as Engelbert Humperdinck’s signature song.