Let Me Be the One (Carpenters song)

Let Me Be the One is a song written by Roger Nichols and Paul Williams, and most famously performed by The Carpenters. It was released in 1971 as a single, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is a soft rock ballad characterized by Karen Carpenter's signature vocals, lush orchestral arrangements, and a prominent piano melody.

The lyrics express a desire for enduring love and commitment, with the singer offering themselves as a constant and supportive presence in the life of the person they love. The narrator acknowledges past heartaches the other person has experienced and pledges to provide a more stable and fulfilling relationship.

"Let Me Be the One" was included on The Carpenters' self-titled album, often referred to as the Carpenters album, released in 1971. The single's success further solidified The Carpenters' position as a leading act in the soft rock genre during the early 1970s. The song remains a popular staple on adult contemporary radio stations and is considered one of The Carpenters' signature songs.