Introduction:
Emerging from the heart of the American South in 1971, Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” became a cornerstone of the Soul and R&B landscape. This iconic song, both a critical and commercial success, solidified Green’s position as a rising star and continues to resonate with listeners today.
Green, born Albert Leornes Greene in 1946, initially found his calling as a gospel singer. However, by the late 1960s, he had transitioned to secular music, signing with Willie Mitchell’s Hi Records in Memphis, Tennessee. Mitchell, a legendary producer known for his work with artists like Ann Peebles and Otis Redding, would become a crucial collaborator in shaping Green’s sound.
“Let’s Stay Together” was featured on Green’s fourth studio album of the same name, released in 1972. The song itself was actually released as a single the previous year, generating significant buzz and anticipation for the full album. Mitchell’s production on the track is masterful, layering Al Green’s powerful vocals with a tight instrumental backing featuring Al Jackson Jr. on drums, Charles Hodges on piano, and the Hi Rhythm Section providing a smooth and soulful foundation. The gospel influences of Green’s background are evident in the song’s call-and-response format and impassioned delivery.
Lyrically, “Let’s Stay Together” portrays a plea for commitment and reconciliation in a relationship. Green’s impassioned vocals convey both desperation and tenderness as he sings of wanting to work through problems and build a lasting bond. The song’s universal themes of love, forgiveness, and second chances have resonated with listeners across generations and cultures.
The impact of “Let’s Stay Together” is undeniable. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1972, solidifying Green’s status as a rising star. It remained on the chart for a significant 16 weeks and topped Billboard’s R&B chart for nine weeks. Billboard Magazine even ranked it as the number 11 song of 1972. “Let’s Stay Together” has also earned its place in the Grammy Hall of Fame and continues to be covered by a wide range of artists, a testament to its enduring legacy.
Beyond its commercial success, “Let’s Stay Together” stands as a landmark recording in the evolution of Soul music. The song’s blend of gospel fervor with R&B grooves helped define the genre’s sound in the early 1970s. Al Green’s powerful vocals and Mitchell’s masterful production combined to create a timeless classic that continues to move and inspire listeners.
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Lyrics:
Let’s stay together
I, I’m I’m so in love with youWhatever you want to doIs all right with me‘Cause you make me feel so brand newAnd I want to spend my life with you
Let me say that since, baby, since we’ve been togetherOoh, loving you foreverIs what I needLet me, be the one you come running toI’ll never be untrue
Oh babyLet’s, let’s stay together (‘gether)Lovin’ you whether, whetherTimes are good or bad, happy or sadOh, oh, oh, oh, yeahWhether times are good or bad, happy or sad
Why, somebody, why people break up?Oh, then turn around and make upI just can’t seeYou’d never do that to me (would you, baby?)Just being around you is all I seeHere’s what I want us do
Let’s, we oughta stay together (‘gether)Loving you whether, whetherTimes are good or bad, happy or sadCome onLet’s, woo (let’s stay together) let’s stay togetherLoving you whether, whether times are good or bad