10 Best Songs With The Word 'Leave' In The Title

Feature Photo: Birmingham Museums Trust

Sometimes a single word can capture a world of emotions, and in music, “leave” is one of those words that holds a surprising power. For rock artists, it’s a word that encapsulates departure, loss, liberation, and longing—a word that can turn an ordinary story into something resonant and deeply personal. From reflective ballads to high-energy anthems, rock music has seen many artists explore the theme of leaving in ways that stay with listeners long after the final note.

In “Leave My Girl Alone,” Stevie Ray Vaughan channels raw blues energy, defending his love with a fierce protectiveness. Sheryl Crow’s “Leaving Las Vegas” weaves a complex story of escape and exhaustion against the neon-soaked backdrop of a city that never sleeps. Meanwhile, Helen Reddy’s “Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress)” delves into the psyche of a woman society has overlooked, using her powerful voice to command both empathy and respect. Foghat’s “Take It or Leave It” is a high-octane demand for clarity, brimming with attitude and unfiltered emotion.

David Bowie, in “You’ve Got a Habit of Leaving,” takes a different approach, capturing the bitterness of abandonment with his early mod influences. Belinda Carlisle’s “Leave a Light On” balances departure with hope, expressing the desire for reunion in a tender, heartfelt way. The Beatles’ “She’s Leaving Home” tells a bittersweet narrative of a young woman’s bid for freedom, wrapped in orchestral beauty that contrasts with its melancholy. Each song on this list has carved out its place in rock history by showing us that sometimes, leaving is just another way to hold on.

# 10 – You Can Leave Your Hat On – Three Dog Night/Randy Newman

Three Dog Night - Coming Down Your Way - ABC Records - 1C 062-96 690

As the first song on our list, “You Can Leave Your Hat On” by Three Dog Night sets an intriguing tone with its unique blend of rock and theatricality. Originally written and recorded by Randy Newman for his 1972 album Sail Away, the song was covered by Three Dog Night on their thirteenth album, Coming Down Your Way (1975). This rendition infuses Newman’s evocative lyrics with a fresh energy, delivering a sensual yet confrontational track that plays on the notions of trust and defiance. The band, known for their harmonious vocal arrangements, brings a layered complexity to Newman’s lyrics, emphasizing the song’s mood and leaving an indelible mark on the listener.

The track’s recording reflects Three Dog Night’s collaborative spirit, with Chuck Negron, Cory Wells, and Danny Hutton each contributing to its vocal dynamics, layered over Jimmy Greenspoon’s expressive keyboard tones and Joe Schermie’s robust bass lines. Produced during the band’s later years, Coming Down Your Way was recorded as they navigated the evolving landscape of mid-1970s rock. Producer Jimmy Ienner helped the group capture the essence of Newman’s nuanced storytelling, giving the song a balanced mix that preserves its seductive undertone without overshadowing its subtle commentary on judgment and authenticity.

Lyrically, “You Can Leave Your Hat On” revolves around an intimate scene, but with undertones that suggest rebellion against social scrutiny. Lines like “Suspicious minds are talking, trying to tear us apart” reflect the tension of outside judgment. Yet, in urging the listener to “leave your hat on,” the song emphasizes personal choice and unrestrained expression. This bold approach to intimacy and autonomy resonates with themes in rock music that celebrate defying norms and asserting personal freedom. As the first entry on this list, “You Can Leave Your Hat On” perfectly introduces the powerful resonance of the word “leave” in music—capturing both a moment of intimacy and a defiant stand against outside forces.

Read More: Top 10 Randy Newman Songs

# 9 – If You Leave Me Now – Chicago

CHICAGO X (CLEAR GOLD VINYL/LIMITED EDITION/GATEFOLD COVER)

“If You Leave Me Now” by Chicago is a classic emblem of soft rock’s emotive power, showcasing a love on the verge of loss with a hauntingly tender arrangement. Released as the lead single from Chicago X in 1976, this song marked a milestone for the band by reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominating international charts. Written by Peter Cetera and featuring his lead vocals, the song reveals a softer, more reflective side of Chicago, contrasting the bolder tones of “You Can Leave Your Hat On” by Three Dog Night, which expresses confidence and intimacy with playful energy. While “If You Leave Me Now” is delicate and pleading, “You Can Leave Your Hat On” is bold and direct, revealing the wide emotional spectrum found within songs about relationships on this list.

In terms of production, “If You Leave Me Now” benefited from the orchestration of Jimmie Haskell and the meticulous production of James William Guercio. The lush strings and subtle instrumental backing emphasize Cetera’s vocals, underscoring the vulnerability in lyrics like, “You’ll take away the biggest part of me” and “A love like ours is love that’s hard to find.” This vulnerability contrasts with the assertiveness of “You Can Leave Your Hat On,” where the lyrics invite connection with confidence. Both songs, however, delve into the intensity of relationships, capturing distinct emotional nuances within the theme of parting or connection.

Lyrically, “If You Leave Me Now” draws the listener into a world of regret and longing, expressing the fear of losing an irreplaceable love. The song’s timeless appeal stems from its honest portrayal of heartbreak, with Cetera’s earnest delivery making it one of the most memorable ballads of the decade. Just as “You Can Leave Your Hat On” uses suggestive lyrics to heighten the emotional stakes, “If You Leave Me Now” does so with an entirely different approach, offering a heartfelt plea rather than an invitation. This difference showcases the range in how songs on this list approach the theme of connection, separation, and everything in between.

# 8 – Leaving Las Vegas – Sheryl Crow

Tuesday Night Music Club by Sheryl Crow (1993-08-03)

“Leaving Las Vegas” by Sheryl Crow captures the restless desire for a fresh start, framed against the iconic neon-lit landscape of Las Vegas. Released as a single from her 1993 debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club, the song draws inspiration from John O’Brien’s novel of the same name, co-written by Crow alongside several members of the Tuesday Night Music Club, including David Baerwald, Bill Bottrell, Kevin Gilbert, Brian MacLeod, and David Ricketts. The song, marked by Crow’s vocal melancholy and a blend of alternative rock with bluesy undertones, reflects a longing to escape a life that feels both fleeting and stifling, much like the transient allure of Las Vegas itself. Although it achieved only moderate chart success in the United States, it resonated well in Canada, making a notable entry in the top 30.

The song’s narrative of departure resonates with a certain resignation, as Crow’s lyrics describe the character’s disillusionment with the glitzy yet hollow allure of Las Vegas. Lines like “I spent the best part of my losing streak / In an Army Jeep” suggest the protagonist’s journey of weariness and self-reflection, emphasizing that while life “springs eternal” on the neon streets, it may not offer any real escape. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I’m leaving Las Vegas… for good,” becomes a declaration of finality, marked by images of blackjack tables and the relentless brightness of Vegas’s lights, which only underscore the emptiness beneath the surface. Crow’s voice is imbued with a mix of vulnerability and resolve, capturing the complex emotions associated with leaving behind a familiar, albeit troubled, life.

Crow’s live performance of “Leaving Las Vegas” on the Late Show with David Letterman garnered attention when she remarked that the song was “sort of” autobiographical. This statement reportedly caused tension with the song’s co-writers, particularly David Baerwald, who felt her comment downplayed the collaborative nature of the album’s creation. Despite the controversy, the song remains one of Crow’s most evocative early works, solidifying her reputation as a songwriter capable of blending personal experience with universal themes of loss and longing. In the context of this list, “Leaving Las Vegas” stands as a powerful anthem of departure and reinvention, embodying the often bittersweet nature of letting go.

“Leaving Las Vegas” by Sheryl Crow captures a journey of self-reflection and escape, themes similarly explored in “If You Leave Me Now” by Chicago. Both songs delve into the emotional complexity of leaving something significant behind, though Crow’s take leans into a gritty, almost existential exploration, while Chicago’s soft rock ballad centers on romantic loss. While “If You Leave Me Now” showcases a tender plea not to leave, “Leaving Las Vegas” channels a determined acceptance, expressing resolve in lines like, “I’m leaving for good, I’m leaving for good.” The contrast between these two songs underscores how departures, whether from people or places, can bring varied emotions, from the soulful longing in Chicago’s lyrics to Crow’s desire for liberation.

“Leaving Las Vegas” also ties well with “You Can Leave Your Hat On” by Three Dog Night, where themes of choice and independence surface, though in entirely different contexts. While Crow’s song represents a physical departure from a city tied to loss, Three Dog Night’s cover of Randy Newman’s piece centers on reclaiming autonomy in a moment of intimacy. Both tracks underscore “leaving” as an expression of individual freedom, illustrating the many facets this concept brings to the human experience.

Read More: Top 10 Sheryl Crow Songs

# 7 – Take It Or Leave It – Foghat

Fool For The City (180 Gram Emerald Green Audiophile Vinyl/Limited Anniversary Edition)

Take It or Leave It by Foghat serves as the poignant closer to the band’s 1975 album, Fool for the City, which marked a pivotal era for Foghat. Co-written by lead vocalist Dave Peverett and producer Nick Jameson, the song exemplifies the blues-driven hard rock sound that propelled Foghat to platinum status with this album, their first to achieve such success. Recorded after original bassist Tony Stevens left the group, Jameson stepped in, not only providing the bass lines and keyboard parts but also overseeing production, which added a unique depth to the album’s sound. This track, along with hits like “Slow Ride” and “Fool for the City,” contributed to the album’s acclaim, securing its place as a quintessential ’70s rock record.

In “Take It or Leave It,” Peverett’s impassioned vocal delivery captures the emotional tension between desire and uncertainty, as he sings lines like, “Take it or leave it, tell me what you want to do / Take it or leave it, now the choice is up to you.” The lyrics express a longing for resolution in a relationship, where time is of the essence, and any delay only intensifies the pain of potential loss. This theme of vulnerability and yearning, common in rock ballads, is enhanced by Rod “The Bottle” Price’s evocative slide guitar work, which adds a haunting edge to the song. The musical interplay between Price’s guitar and Jameson’s bass establishes a moody atmosphere that aligns perfectly with the song’s lyrical uncertainty.

“Take It or Leave It” aligns with other songs on this list that grapple with themes of choice and separation, such as Chicago’s “If You Leave Me Now,” where the emotional weight of a potential departure is evident. While Chicago’s piece leans toward a softer, melancholic sound, Foghat’s take is rawer, steeped in blues-rock urgency that emphasizes the gritty realities of facing love on the edge. This stylistic contrast highlights the diverse ways the concept of “leaving” is expressed within the rock genre, from tender appeals to resolute u

# 6 – Leave Me Alone – Helen Reddy

Helen Reddy - I Am Woman & Long Hard Climb [SACD Hybrid Multi-channel]

“Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress)” by Helen Reddy brings a haunting narrative to the 1973 hit, centering on the tragic story of Ruby, a woman left emotionally scarred by a past love. Written by Linda Laurie and recorded by Reddy for her album Long Hard Climb, the song captures the essence of a heartache that runs so deep, it renders Ruby an outcast in her community. With its recurring plea, “Leave me alone,” the song conveys both Ruby’s need for solitude and the pain of societal judgment, underscoring the alienation that comes from personal trauma. Reddy’s rendition was met with tremendous commercial success, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and ultimately becoming one of her signature tracks, despite her initial reservations about recording it.

The song’s recording, produced by Joe Wissert in Los Angeles, reflects Reddy’s mastery of emotion, as her nuanced vocals evoke Ruby’s despair and inner turmoil. Musically, the song has a simplicity that contrasts with the depth of its lyrics. While the arrangement is not overly complex, it accentuates Reddy’s voice, allowing the tragic story of Ruby to unfold with clarity. Capitol Records, recognizing the thematic parallels between “Leave Me Alone” and Reddy’s prior success “Delta Dawn,” saw the potential for another hit, despite Reddy’s concerns that the repetition in the chorus could wear thin. Their judgment proved right, as the song went on to resonate deeply with listeners, solidifying Reddy’s place in the 1970s music scene.

Thematically, “Leave Me Alone” finds its place on this list by exploring themes of abandonment, heartbreak, and resilience, much like Sheryl Crow’s “Leaving Las Vegas.” While Crow’s song contemplates escape from the harshness of her surroundings, Reddy’s Ruby is trapped, unable to find peace amidst haunting memories. The chorus’s insistent repetition mirrors Ruby’s emotional state—her desperate call to be left in peace reverberates with a timeless appeal, resonating with listeners who recognize the toll of unhealed wounds. The song’s plaintive refrain echoes not just Ruby’s isolation but a universal cry for understanding in the face of judgment, making it a powerful entry among other songs on this list.

Read More: Top 10 Helen Reddy Songs

# 5 – Take It Or Leave It – The Rolling Stones

Aftermath (UK) - Remastered- Made In USA

Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards at the request of their manager Andrew Loog Oldham, the song bears many hallmarks of their work during this period, characterized by catchy melodies and an undertone of cynicism. Originally recorded in 1965, Take It or Leave It shows a softer musical style than their usual fare, yet with lyrics that stay true to the band’s rebellious attitude. This song, although initially written for The Searchers—a group struggling with declining popularity at the time—was later included on Aftermath, where it provided a counterpoint to more rock-heavy songs like “Under My Thumb.”

Recorded with Decca Records and produced by Oldham, “Take It or Leave It” marks a subtle departure into folk influences, aligning with some of the era’s softer, more introspective rock tendencies. However, the song’s lyrics lean into The Rolling Stones’ trademark edgy sensibility, with lines that paint a picture of mistrust and disappointment. Jagger’s vocals capture the frustration of a protagonist worn out by the flippant behavior of a partner. His voice, layered over folk-inspired guitar work, crafts a narrative that feels as emotionally direct as it is musically approachable. This emotional tension, set against a relatively restrained folk-rock backdrop, adds complexity to the Aftermath album.

As the first song on this list that explores the emotional struggle of leaving or staying in a tumultuous relationship, “Take It or Leave It” mirrors some of the conflicted sentiments seen in Helen Reddy’s “Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress),” albeit with a rock-folk twist. While Reddy’s Ruby chooses isolation, Jagger’s protagonist issues an ultimatum, refusing to conform to his partner’s whims. The song’s repeated line, “Just take it or leave it,” reflects a common theme in Stones’ music: a blunt confrontation of feelings without apology. Through this lyrical defiance, Take It or Leave It captures an enduring tone of self-assurance and independence, resonating with audiences drawn to The Rolling Stones’ unfiltered portrayal of personal conflict.

# 4 – Leave A Light On – Belinda Carlisle

Belinda Carlisle’s “Leave a Light On” was the lead single from her 1989 album, Runaway Horses, marking a high point in her solo career following her success with the Go-Go’s. Written by Rick Nowels and Ellen Shipley, the song explores themes of longing and commitment, with lyrics that evoke the imagery of a reassuring light left on, a symbol of hope and connection for a loved one who must leave but promises to return. Produced by Nowels, the track’s synth-heavy and guitar-laden production captures a late-80s pop-rock essence while also highlighting Carlisle’s powerful, emotive vocals.

Musically, “Leave a Light On” is marked by an instantly recognizable guitar solo from George Harrison, whose distinct sound complements Carlisle’s vocals and enriches the song’s emotive atmosphere. This connection to Harrison adds a layer of rock credibility to Carlisle’s work, bridging her pop sensibilities with a touch of classic rock flair. The song was recorded in the late 1980s during a period of expansive production for Carlisle, with Nowels layering synths and guitar riffs that lend the track both emotional depth and radio appeal.

Chart-wise, “Leave a Light On” performed notably well, reaching number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and breaking into the top five in countries such as the UK, Canada, and Australia. The song’s commercial success was bolstered by its polished production and the complementary music video directed by Peter Care, which captured the yearning and optimism reflected in the lyrics.

“Leave a Light On” shares a sense of emotional distance and longing that appears in other tracks on this list, such as Helen Reddy’s “Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress),” though Carlisle’s song presents this sentiment from a place of hope rather than isolation. Lines like “You are still the air that I breathe” and “Just leave a light on for me” underscore the profound connection between Carlisle’s narrator and her loved one, drawing listeners into the story of a bond that distance cannot break. This powerful expression of love and commitment cements the song as a lasting anthem of devotion, making it a fitting inclusion in any list of the best songs with ‘leave’ in the title.

Read More: Top 10 Belinda Carlisle Songs

# 3 – You’ve Got a Habit of Leaving – David Bowie

“You’ve Got a Habit of Leaving” by David Bowie is a fascinating snapshot of the early evolution of Bowie’s music, recorded and released in 1965 during his formative years as “Davy Jones” with his band, the Lower Third. This song marks one of Bowie’s early attempts at capturing the British mod-rock sound, heavily influenced by the Who and produced by Shel Talmy, who worked with the Kinks and the Who. Recorded at IBC Studios in London in July 1965, the song showcases Bowie’s attempt to capture the frenetic energy and raw expression of mod-rock, complete with a vocal performance that channels Roger Daltrey’s expressive, almost abrasive style. The recording featured notable talents such as pianist Nicky Hopkins and was engineered by Glyn Johns, both of whom were influential figures in 1960s rock production.

“You’ve Got a Habit of Leaving” deals with themes of abandonment and emotional volatility, which would later appear in more nuanced forms throughout Bowie’s career. The lyrics explore a pattern of emotional desertion, with lines like “Got a habit of leaving me, got a habit of deserting me,” repeated in a way that underscores the frustration and resignation of the narrator. This early effort highlights Bowie’s budding songwriting abilities, even as he grapples with his influences. His vocal phrasing and the structure of the song draw clear inspiration from the Who’s “Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere” and the Kinks’ work, placing the track firmly in the mid-1960s British rock landscape, yet giving it a raw, almost unfinished quality that reflects his youth.

When comparing “You’ve Got a Habit of Leaving” to other songs on this list, Bowie’s exploration of departure and the pain of being left behind is a clear thematic connection to tracks like “Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress)” by Helen Reddy, where abandonment is seen through a lens of isolation and societal judgment. Unlike Reddy’s depiction of a character retreating into herself after suffering heartbreak, Bowie’s piece feels more impersonal—a young artist channeling his influences to navigate universal feelings of frustration and rejection. His later re-recording of the song during the Toy sessions in 2000 reflects Bowie’s matured sound and a more confident approach to his early material, adding depth and texture that complement his refined artistic sensibilities.

The 2000 Toy version of “You’ve Got a Habit of Leaving,” released in 2021, features Bowie’s longtime collaborators such as guitarist Earl Slick and bassist Gail Ann Dorsey, showcasing a more polished production. This reimagined version underscores Bowie’s journey from an artist imitating his idols to one who had long since become an icon himself. This transformation also mirrors the broader journey evident in the songs on this list, capturing the many dimensions of leaving and loss in rock music through his own shifting styles and sounds.

Read More: 10 Best David Bowie Songs

# 2 – Leave My Girl Alone – Stevie Ray Vaughan

“Leave My Girl Alone” by Stevie Ray Vaughan is a blistering blues track featured on Vaughan and Double Trouble’s final studio album, In Step (1989). Recorded at Kiva Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, with producer Jim Gaines and co-songwriter Doyle Bramhall, the track resonates with raw emotion and defiant energy. Vaughan’s experience in recovery and his personal struggles deeply influenced the album, which became a powerful statement of resilience and newfound clarity for the artist. This particular track, “Leave My Girl Alone,” highlights Vaughan’s ability to blend traditional blues themes with his own searing guitar work, resulting in a haunting warning to those who would meddle in his personal life.

The song’s lyrics serve as an assertive declaration, warning an intruder to stay away from Vaughan’s love interest. Lines like “You better leave my little girl alone / Lord, before I get evil, man, and go and do something wrong” capture the tension between restraint and aggression. Vaughan’s vocals are intense and resolute, underscoring the protective instincts that fuel the song’s narrative. Musically, Vaughan pays homage to classic blues legends, using a slow-burn approach that builds suspense, which he punctuates with powerful guitar solos echoing influences from blues giants like Buddy Guy and Albert King.

Compared to other songs on this list, “Leave My Girl Alone” stands out for its passionate defense of personal boundaries, bringing a unique perspective on the theme of “leaving” through the lens of warning and protection. The raw sentiment here contrasts with tracks like Belinda Carlisle’s “Leave a Light On,” which centers on longing and reassurance. Vaughan’s command of the blues shines through in this track, making it a fitting inclusion in a list dedicated to songs about leaving, while reminding listeners of his exceptional artistry and unfiltered emotional expression.

Read More: Top 10 Stevie Ray Vaughan Songs

# 1 – She’s Leaving Home – The Beatles

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Remastered) (CD)

Released on the iconic 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, this song presents a haunting story of a young woman leaving her parents behind to find her independence. Written by Paul McCartney, with John Lennon contributing to the chorus, the song diverges from much of the Beatles’ typical instrumentation. Instead, a small string orchestra arranged by Mike Leander provides a delicate, somber backdrop, marking one of the few Beatles recordings where none of the band members played an instrument. The orchestration emphasizes the gravity of the lyrics and amplifies the song’s emotional depth.

The lyrics unfold like a narrative, recounting the moment a young woman silently exits her family home early one morning, leaving only a note behind. McCartney’s lyrics reveal her yearning for freedom and a new life, while Lennon’s counterpoint in the chorus gives voice to her parents’ anguish. Lines like “She’s leaving home, after living alone, for so many years” capture the bittersweet experience of a child seeking independence, balanced by the parents’ painful realization that they may have been too preoccupied with providing material security to truly understand her needs. The chorus, with phrases like “we gave her everything money could buy,” poignantly contrasts the material comforts they offered with the deeper fulfillment she craves.

As the final song on this list, “She’s Leaving Home” brings a reflective and contemplative close, aligning with the complex emotions found in other songs about “leaving.” Unlike Sheryl Crow’s “Leaving Las Vegas,” which tackles themes of personal liberation tinged with disillusionment, “She’s Leaving Home” focuses on the layered dynamics within family and the inevitable need for self-discovery. By using orchestration over rock instrumentation, the Beatles create a moving, cinematic quality that emphasizes the universality of this bittersweet moment, leaving listeners with a resonant ending note to this collection.