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"Let It Go" is a song from Disney's 2013 animated feature film, Frozen, with music and lyrics composed by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. The song was performed in the film by American actress and singer Idina Menzel in her role as Queen Elsa. The song appears after an ostracized Elsa abandons her kingdom soon after her ice powers are discovered by the public. Realizing that she no longer needs to hide her abilities anymore, Elsa declares herself free from the obstacles that she has faced. The song won the award for Best Original Song at the 86th Academy Awards.
Composition
"Let It Go" was the first song that Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez wrote for the film. The duo took inspiration from other Disney films such as The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast and contemporary artists including Lady Gaga and Adele. Although unintentional, the song's composition was pivotal in the film's characterization of Elsa. Originally written as a villain, co-directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee gradually rewrote Elsa as one of the film's protagonists. Anderson-Lopez and Lopez specifically wrote the song for Idina Menzel, referring to her as "one of the most glorious voices of Broadway and an icon in musical theater". Menzel's vocal range was taken under consideration during the music's composition.
Cover version
Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez selected American singer Demi Lovato to cover the song on the soundtrack album. Anderson-Lopez admitted that Lovato was chosen because of the singer's own personal struggles. Lovato identified herself with the song's context, stating "It's so relatable. Elsa is finding her identity; she's growing into who she is and she's finally accepting her own strength and magical powers. Instead of hiding it, like she's done all her life, she's letting it go and embracing it."
Live Performances
"Let It Go" was a part of the setlist for Demi's Neon Lights Tour.
Lyrics
Let it go
Let it go
Can’t hold it back anymore
Let it go
Let it go
Turn my back and slam the door
The snow glows white on the mountain tonight
Not a footprint to be seen
A kingdom of isolation
And it looks like I'm the Queen
The wind is howling like the swirling storm inside
Couldn’t keep it in, heaven knows I tried
Don’t let them in,
Don’t let them see
Be the good girl you always had to be
Conceal, don’t feel
Don’t let them know
Well, now they know
Let it go
Let it go
Can’t hold it back anymore
Let it go
Let it go
Turn my back and slam the door
And here I stand,
And here I'll stay
Let it go
Let it go
The cold never bothered me anyway
It’s funny how some distance
Makes everything seem small
And the fears that once controlled me
Can’t get to me at all
Up here in the cold thin air
I finally can breathe
I know left a life behind
But I’m too relieved to grieve
Let it go
Let it go
Can’t hold it back anymore
Let it go
Let it go
Turn my back and slam the door
And here I stand
And here I’ll stay
Let it go
Let it go
The cold never bothered me anyway
Standing frozen
In the life I’ve chosen
You won't find me,
The past is so behind me
Buried in the snow
Let it go
Let it go
Can’t hold it back anymore
Let it go
Let it go
Turn my back and slam the door
And here I stand
And here I’ll stay yeah,
Let it go
Let it go
The cold never bothered me anyway yeah,
Yeah yeah yeah Oh Whoa
Let it go
Yeah yeah
Na na
Here I stand Ooh,
Let it go
Let it go Ooh,
Ooh, let it go
Music video
The music video was released on November 1, 2013 and was directed by Declan Whitebloom.
Charts
Chart (2013) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australia (ARIA) | 25 |
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) | 23 |
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) | 31 |
Ireland (IRMA) | 51 |
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) | 13 |
United Kingdom (Official Charts Company) | 42 |
US Billboard Hot 100 | 38 |
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