Don't Let Him Go

Don't Let Him Go" is a song written by Kevin Cronin. It was originally released as the opening song for REO Speedwagon's #1 album Hi Infidelity. It was also released as a single, reaching #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #11 on Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.[1]  It also reached #22 in the Netherlands and #15 in the Canada RPM Top 100 Singles chart.[2]

Like the #1 single from Hi Infidelity, "Keep on Loving You," the lyrics of "Don't Let Him Go" are about breaking up with a longtime girlfriend.[3]  According to Joseph Timmons of Seattle Post Intelligencer, the song is a "warning to not take the man you love for granted."[4]  Allmusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewineremarked on the song's "insistent beat."[5]  He and other critics have also pointed out that the song was influenced by Bo Diddley.[5] [6] [7]  Author Chuck Eddy described it as a "Bo Diddleyed do-si-do."[6]

"Don't Let Him Go" was also included on the compilation albums The Hits and The Essential REO Speedwagon. A live version was included on The Second Decade of Rock and Roll, 1981-1991, Arch Allies: Live at Riverport, and Setlist: The Very Best of REO Speedwagon Live. In 1981, the band performed the song on the television show America's Top 10.