Leaving Love Behind

Album: The Owl (2019)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This poignant ballad about lost love was inspired by Zac Brown's divorce from his wife of 12 years, Shelley. The couple, who met through a mutual friend and had been married since 2006, announced their separation in October of 2018 in a joint statement. The pair explained their personal journeys had taken them in "different directions."
  • The emotive, piano-driven breakup song is one of several tracks on The Owl inspired by the breakdown of Brown's marriage. "Sometimes life can be challenging in facing things that are hard, and music has always been my therapy," Brown told CNN. "It's been my way to make it through a lot of things, so I'm blessed to be able to do that."
  • The lighthearted music video shows clips of pets doing amusing and endearing things. It was filmed in partnership with Best Friends Animal Society to raise money for animals displaced by Hurricane Dorian.

    "Whether it's funny things they do or the fact that they comfort us when we need them, we wanted to highlight how pets can make us smile even when we think we can't," Zac Brown said in a press statement. "Especially in the wake of Hurricane Dorian, thousands of pets are without homes. We hope you'll help by donating to Best Friends Animal Society who is doing incredible work taking care of the animals that need love too."

Comments: 1

  • Groda from New EnglandSongs like this absolutely kill me. Although he's singing about divorce. Leaving love behind only makes me think about the loved ones, 2 and 4 legged that have died, and the inevitable thought that someday my wife and I will be separated in health or death until we can hold hands again in heaven. I truly believe we met in the guff and eternity is our future.
    I don't believe you can ever just leave love behind. It may hide or others will try to blind you from it but a true 2 way love is forever.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

American Hits With Foreign Titles

American Hits With Foreign TitlesSong Writing

What are the biggest US hits with French, Spanish (not "Rico Suave"), Italian, Scottish, Greek, and Japanese titles?

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"They're Playing My Song

With the band in danger of being dropped from their label, Alice Cooper drummer Neal Smith co-wrote the song that started their trek from horror show curiosity to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?

Zac Hanson

Zac HansonSongwriter Interviews

Zac tells the story of Hanson's massive hit "MMMbop," and talks about how brotherly bonds effect their music.