“Take It Easy on Me” is a soft rock ballad by Little River Band released in December 1981 as the second single from their album Time Exposure. Written by band member Graeham Goble, the song was produced by legendary Beatles producer George Martin at his AIR Studios in Montserrat. It peaked at No. 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming the band’s sixth and final top 10 hit on that chart.
Background and Recording History The song was created during a period of significant turmoil for the band, marked by a failing marriage for Goble and fractious internal dynamics regarding vocal duties. Glenn Shorrock and new member Wayne Nelson both recorded lead vocals for the track. Although Martin initially selected Nelson’s version for the album and first single, Shorrock’s complaints led to his version being used for the “Take It Easy on Me” single, with Nelson’s higher register retained for the bridge. This vocal conflict contributed to Shorrock’s eventual departure from the band shortly after the album’s release.
Lyrical Themes and Meaning Lyrically, the song serves as a plea for mercy and compassion during a breakup. Goble channeled his personal frustration and emotional vulnerability into the lyrics, which contrast past happiness with present isolation. The narrator acknowledges the inevitability of the separation but begs his former partner to be gentle, highlighting themes of heartbreak, dignity, and the pain of losing one’s identity. The song remains a defining example of the band’s ability to blend rich vocal harmonies with emotionally resonant soft rock.
[Verse 1]
It used to be so easy to be your lover
We wandered through the days like they had no end
But now that you are gone I’m undercover
I just can’t think about you as a friend
[Chorus]
Take it easy on me
It should be easy to see
I’m getting lost in the crowd
Hear me crying out loud
Just want you to know
I know that you have to go
It’s all up to you but whatever you do
Take it easy on me
[Verse 2]
So now I’ll go the minstrel road without
I know there will be times when I’ll need you there
And each night as I sing those songs about you
I’ll think back to the time when you used to care
[Chorus]
Take it easy on me
It should be easy to see
I’m getting lost in the crowd
Hear me crying out loud
Just want you to know
I know that you have to go
It’s all up to you but whatever you do
Take it easy on me
[Bridge]
Take it easy on me
Oh baby don’t leave me crying
It should be easy to see
I’ve needed you for so long
Just one more chance with you
One more chance will you, take a chance?
Come on and take a chance
[Chorus]
Take it easy on me
It should be easy to see
I’m getting lost in the crowd
Hear me crying out loud
Just want you to know
I know that you have to go
It’s all up to you but whatever you do
Take it easy on me
[Outro]
It’s still up to you but whatever you do
Take it easy on me
