“Can't Let Go” was released as the second single from Mariah's Emotions album on October 23, 1991. “This was one of my favorite songs on my sophomore album,” Mariah said about the song in 2012. “I think it may have leaned a bit too R&B for the record label at the time. I still love it and look forward to singing it live again soon.”
Mariah wrote and co-produced the song with Walter Afanasieff. “Mariah and I started writing together for the album a few months before starting to record,” Afanasieff explained. “I was doing Michael Bolton's album and during the time that Michael would do a small little tour or take a break over the holidays, I would have the opportunity to write with Mariah.”
“Can't Let Go” was Mariah's first single not to top the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number two behind Color Me Badd's “All 4 Love” on the chart dated January 25. The song spent eleven consecutive weeks in the Top 10 and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America on November 17, 2022. In the United Kingdom, “Can't Let Go” became Mariah's third Top 20 hit, peaking at number twenty during the week of February 1, 1992.
| Song | Remix | Run time |
|---|---|---|
| Can't Let Go | Edit |
3:50 |
The black-and-white music video for “Can't Let Go” was directed by Jim Sonzero and included on the MTV Unplugged +3 home video release.
In the United States, the “Can't Let Go” Single was released on Cassette including “To Be Around You” as the B-side.
The European “Can't Let Go” Single was issued on Cassette and 7" Vinyl, including “To Be Around You” as the B-side. The Maxi Single, issued on CD and 12" Vinyl, also contains the Album Version of “Can't Let Go.”
“Can't Let Go” was commercially released in the United Kingdom on December 2, 1991. CD 1 includes the Edit Version of “Can't Let Go” and two songs from the Emotions album: “To Be Around You” and “The Wind.” CD2 contains the Edit Version of “Can't Let Go” and two songs from Mariah's debut album: “I Don't Wanna Cry” and “All In Your Mind.” The Single, available on Cassette and 7" Vinyl, includes the Edit Version of “Can't Let Go” and “To Be Around You.”
In Australia, “Can't Let Go” was released on CD and Cassette, both including the Edit Version of the song and “To Be Around You.”
The Japanese “Can't Let Go” CD single was issued on a 3" CD including “To Be Around You” as the B-side.
There you are holding her hand
I am lost
Dying to understand
Didn't I cherish you right
Don't you know you were my life
Even though I try I can't let go
Something in your eyes
Captured my soul
And every night I see you in my dreams
You're all I know
I can't let go
Just cast aside
You don't even know I'm alive
You just walk on by
Don't care to see me cry
And here I am
Still holding on
I can't accept
My world is gone
Even though I try I can't let go
Something in your eyes
Captured my soul
And every night I see you in my dreams
You're all I know
I can't let go
Do you even realize the sorrow I have inside
Everyday of my life
Do you know the way it feels
When all you have just dies
I try and try to deny that I need you
But still you remain on my mind
No I just can't get you out of my mind
I never can say goodbye
'Cause every night
I see you in my dreams
You're all I know
I can't let you go
Even though I try
I can't let go of something I need so badly
You're all I know
I can't let go
Lyrics: Mariah Carey. Music: Mariah Carey, Walter Afanasieff.
Produced by Walter Afanasieff and Mariah Carey.
