Meaning of 'Easy to Say (But Hard to Do)'

by Johnny Mathis

Interpretation

The lyrics of the song "Easy to Say (But Hard to Do)" by Johnny Mathis are about the difficulties of saying goodbye to a loved one, even if it may be the right decision. The singer expresses how painful it is to be without his friend and how difficult it is to be with someone else. He says that it's so easy to say, but so hard to actually do. Sometimes, we have to separate from people, even if it's hard. The lyrics also include the idea that there are many other people to love, but still we worry about that one person we have to let go.

An important line in the lyrics says, "But sometimes, sometimes you just have to walk away." Here, the singer expresses that there are moments when you just have to leave, even if it's hard. He explains that sometimes you have multiple good reasons to let someone go, even if it hurts.

The lyrics also include the idea that you can love someone, but still have to be willing to let them go, both for yourself and for the other person, to give them the opportunity to be happy. The line "They say if you love somebody, then you have got to set them free" expresses this idea. The singer explains that he would rather be tied to the loved one than live in pain and misery, but he also recognizes that he has to let them go.

Overall, the lyrics of the song are about the challenges and pain that come with a separation, but also about the need to sometimes let go to give both yourself and the other person the chance to find happiness.