When I was six years old, I kinda wet the bed
My stepdad came in and nearly beat me to death
All bruised and broken, I was lonely and scared
My mom, she was working, there was nobody there
My nana showed up, she was super protective
Had a tear in her eye, she saw how I was neglected
The crazy part about it, she’s a straight-up detective
But you never would’ve guessed, how she’d cook you a breakfast
Three weeks later, she had him locked in a cell
Now I’m seven years old with a story to tell
Sing it
I’m gonna let it go
Forgiveness is something we gotta know
‘Cause if you hold on forever, it’ll hurt your soul
That’s why I’m learning how to let it go
That’s why I’m learning how to let it go
Now middle school’s here, a new chapter in life
New stepdad, too, made my mama his wife
Got new problems now, like tryna fit in
Getting looked down on just because of your skin
It’s bad enough, I can’t afford them clothes
Got high water’s on with holes in my sole
Now, that’s the type of stuff to put a hole in your soul
I’m gonna let it go
Forgiveness is something we gotta know
‘Cause if you hold on forever, it’ll hurt your soul
That’s why I’m learning how to let it go
That’s why I’m learning how to let it go
I’m grown up now, I learned enough for a song
Still got some friends, but most of ’em gone
Overdoses or killed by a gun
Breaking into houses, life on the run
Did it for his kid, now he won’t be around
Guess the little one’s gonna be just like me now
If you’re carrying the bitterness around on your shoulders
Then just remember what I told you
Sing it
I’m gonna let it go
Forgiveness is something we gotta know
‘Cause if you hold on forever, it’ll hurt your soul
That’s why I’m learning how to let it go
That’s why I’m learning how to let it go
I’m learning how to let it go
Facing Pain and Finding Strength
“Learning” by Kane Brown is a powerful reflection on overcoming adversity and trauma. The song’s verses chronicle Brown’s own childhood experiences, including abuse, neglect, and the struggle to fit in. Through these raw and honest lyrics, listeners are drawn into the emotional complexity of his upbringing, from moments of vulnerability to the small acts of kindness that brought hope.
The Power of Forgiveness
At its heart, “Learning” is about the journey toward forgiveness. Brown’s repeated refrain—”I’m gonna let it go”—serves as a mantra for healing. He recognizes that holding onto bitterness can be damaging, and encourages listeners to release pain in order to move forward. The song is both a personal story and a universal message about the importance of letting go and choosing compassion, even in the face of hardship.
Song Credits
Artist: Kane Brown
Songwriters: Kane Brown, Sam Ellis, Tom Douglas
Release Year: 2016
Label: RCA Nashville