"Before I Let Go" is a song by the American R&B group Maze. It was released as the second single from the band's fifth album, Live in New Orleans, which is their first live album. Even though Live in New Orleans is a live recording, "Before I Let Go" is a studio version on the album. The song was written and produced by Maze's lead singer, Frankie Beverly. It reached number 13 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1981. The song remains popular in Black American culture and is often played at gatherings and parties. Beyoncé performed the song in her 2019 film Homecoming. The song is also the subject of an episode from 2021 on the New York Times podcast Still Processing, hosted by Jenna Wortham and Wesley Morris.

Production

Frankie Beverly first wrote the song as a ballad about his mixed emotions for Delores Marie "D'Marie" Warren, who was connected to Alton McClain and Destiny. She died in a car crash in 1985 while he was in love with her but in a relationship with another woman. After the rest of the band heard Beverly's version, they changed the song's sound to be more upbeat as they practiced.

Beyoncé version

Beyoncé performed the song for her 2019 film Homecoming and included the version on the live album that came with the film. The song uses a sample from New Orleans bounce artist DJ Jubilee, who helped create bounce music and recorded for Take Fo' Records. It also includes a part of the song "Candy" by Cameo.

Beverly told Billboard that the cover was "one of the most important moments of (his) life… in a class of its own" and made him "feel more successful than ever! I feel like I have a huge hit out there."

Beyoncé performed the song during her Renaissance World Tour and Cowboy Carter Tour. During the Cowboy Carter Tour, a video of the song "Maze" is shown next to Beyoncé's performance as a tribute to Beverly, who passed away in September 2024.