Phil Collins - If Leaving Me Is Easy (2016 Remaster)

Track from Phil Collins' debut solo album Face Value (1981).

Stay up-to-date with Phil Collins:

Lyrics
I read all the letters, I read each word that you've sent to me
And though it's past now, and the words start to fade
All the memories I have still remain

I've kept all the pictures, but I hide my feelings so no-one knows
Oh sure my friends all come round, but I'm in a crowd on my own
It's 'cos you're gone now, but your heart, still remains
And it'll be here if you come again

You see, I'd heard the rumours, I knew before you let me know
But I didn't believe it, not you,
No you would not let me go
Seems I was wrong, but I love, I love you the same
And that's the one thing that you can't take away but just remember...

If leaving me is easy,
Coming back is harder...

----------------------

This is the official YouTube channel for the solo work of English singer-songwriter, drummer, and producer, Mr. Phil Collins. As a solo artist, he has sold more than 100 million records, won 7 Grammys, 6 Brit awards, and an Oscar.

[jonathanshumpert]

The first time I heard this song was in 1989. I was a newly married young man who had been sent overseas. I was confident that she would stay as faithful as I was, but it wasn't to be. There is a line in the song where he sings, "I knew before you let me know." Well, I knew because mutual friends saw her with someone else. I was crushed and it affected me for a long time. I had kept all the letters and read them, but after a while, I realized that was not good for me. So many lines in this song seemed like they were written just for me and my situation. It took years to be able to truly trust again, but now I am going on 17 years of marriage with my wife (2nd) and have an awesome 15 year old son. What caused me so much pain and despair, actually was one of the best things that could have ever happened to me. If there are those who listen to this and feel sad, there is nothing wrong with that. Just know that there is hope and happiness even after devastation. When I listen to this song now, I am not sad. I realize it is a beautifully written, and performed, song about a sad situation. Phil's songs have touched countless people and our world is a better place for his songs being in it. Thanks Phil.

[jeanreksodiputro]

"I've kept all the pictures,
But I hide my feelings so no-one knows
Oh sure my friends all come round,
But I'm in a crowd on my own" .... OMG, Phil!!!

[rickherrera]

I used to sob to this song over a woman I loved with all of my heart long ago.

[steverussell]

Those bass lines, and so beautifully played by Leland. This is a timeless classic - as shown by so many of the comments. From the very opening bars thru to when you anticipate the stab by the orchestra and right to the end.

[cassius_]

this song was released in 1981... it's 2023... and 40 years from now it will still be beautiful and timeless... congratulations Mr Phil Collins.

[tedaman]

A haunting and beautiful song, you can feel the pain.

[JohnSmith-wpyu]

I've loved this song since the first time I heard it.

[paytaheri]

I remember this song moved me so much as a teenager even though I hadn't really experienced this type of heartache. But tonight, every note makes my heart long for those carefree teenage moments. Thank you Phil for the memories. This song is so heartfelt and it is hauntingly honest and beautiful.

[Nostalgic-Lady]

It's one thing to write brutally heart-rending lyrics, but to deliver such a wistful and sincere vocal just completes the package. "Oh sure, my friends all come round, but I'm in a crowd and on my own ..." 💔 Have loved this absolute masterpiece forever - can feel the pain in every note. To anyone who hasn't personally experienced the devastating sentiment of it, lucky you ...

[kevinlally]

From 1981 to 2023 Phil’s lyrics are timeless .
You take so much from this ballad , vocally Phil is brilliant the soft percussion eases you through the song .
In my top ten of all time classics

[gachamarissa]

This song just touches my soul every time 🥺

[byronsamuels]

I played this song five years ago when my mother departed, and the words in the song got me feeling emotional. The memories I had with my mother, and how she meant to me had a profound impact. I will never again hear her laugh, sing, ( what a voice she had before she had an stroke) and share things in my life.

[BlueOstinato]

Phil Collins really helped me through some sad and lonely times as a teenager.

[nelcimirandadias]

Linda música lembramos melhores momentos da adolescência

[BobRoss-xhqn]

There is always a musician that sticks with you thru stages of yr life. PHIL is one of em !

[biancafalaschi]

lyrics:
“I read all the letters, I read each word that you've sent to me
And though it's past now, and the words start to fade
All the memories I have still remain
I've kept all the pictures, but I hide my feelings so no-one knows
Oh sure my friends all come round, but I'm in a crowd on my own
It's 'cause you're gone now, but your heart, still remains
And it'll be here if you come again
You see, I'd heard the rumors, I knew before you let me know
But I didn't believe it, not you,
No you would not let me go
Seems I was wrong, but I love, I love you the same
And that's the one thing that you can't take away but just remember
If leaving me is easy,
And you know, coming back is harder
And leaving me is easy
And you know, coming back is harder
And leaving me is easy
And you know, coming back is harder
And leaving me is easy
And you know, coming back is harder
And leaving me is easy
And you know, coming back is harder
And leaving me is easy
And you know, coming back is harder
And leaving me is easy
And you know, coming back is harder”

[rosaj]

Im not a fan of phil collins but this song is outstanding even after hearing it again after 30 years. ❤

[wanderleygomesdeoliveira]

Na minha humilde opinião, Phil Collins é um clássico dos clássicos, evidenciado pela letra de cada música que ele compõe.

[xdd]

I fell in love with a classmate back in 1980. Not sure she ever felt it as much as i did. We used to play this on vinyl in my bedroom all the way back in 1982. We were 17 then. 42 years on and i still love this record. And eventhough I havent seen her for 20 odd years, i still love her. Always will i guess. Her heart still remains for sure.

[petergough]

Phil Collins is a total one off his songwriting is that of a genius. I remember seeing him in concert in 1990 and when he did in The Air To tonight it blew the roof off when he stepped up to those drums. Thank you Phil for your amazing talent.🇬🇧