Introduction
George Strait’s “Let It Go” premiered on April 20, 2015, serving as the lead single from his twenty-ninth studio album, Cold Beer Conversation . This song marked Strait’s return to releasing new material following the conclusion of his career-spanning “Cowboy Rides Away” farewell tour, which ended on June 7, 2014.
Penned collaboratively by George Strait, his son Bubba, and singer-songwriter Keith Gattis, “Let It Go” embraces a breezy, laid-back tone reminiscent of summertime beach tunes . The arrangement features ukulele, steel drum, fiddle, and steel guitar, crafting a mellow “hakuna matata” ambiance that underscores the song’s core message: releasing life’s anxieties and emotional baggage .
Lyrically, Strait reminds listeners that “it’s all just stuff, it ain’t ever enough, and you can’t take it with you,” urging them to let go of what’s holding them back and embrace peace and acceptance . Critics responded warmly—Taste of Country praised the track for its soothing simplicity and noted Strait’s mellow voice serves it effortlessly, even drawing comparisons to his own earlier “Seashores of Old Mexico” and the early-2000s style of Kenny Chesney.
Released under MCA Nashville, “Let It Go” debuted as Strait’s first new single in nearly two years and was promoted with a live performance at the April 19, 2015 ACM Awards, where he also received the ACM 50th Anniversary Milestone Award .
While not a chart‑topping smash, the song reached No. 29 on Hot Country Songs and served as a heartfelt reminder of Strait’s enduring artistry and personal philosophies, resonating deeply with fans as the seasoned “King of Country” encouraged listeners to find freedom by simply… letting it go .