the lyrics of the song are poetic and melancholic, describing the regrets associated with ending a relationship. The chorus describes situations in which you don't appreciate what you have until it's gone, and relates this to love. The verses give detailed scenes involving a heartbroken man dealing with his breakup.
"Let Her Go" is driven by a chorus which is repeated five times throughout the song. The second half of the final chorus is performed acappella. Including acoustic guitar and vocals from Rosenberg, backing vocals, piano, drums, bass, and strings, the song is instrumentally diverse. The song is performed in the key of G major, played with a capo on the seventh fret of the guitar.