" Let It Be " is a song by the English rock band the Beatles , released on March 6, 1970 as a single, and (in an alternative mix) as the title track of their album Let It Be . It was written and sung by Paul McCartney and credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. The single version of the song, produced by George Martin , features a softer guitar solo and the orchestral section mixed low, compared with the album version, produced by Phil Spector , featuring a more aggressive guitar solo and the orchestral sections mixed higher. At the time, it had the highest debut on the Billboard Hot 100 , beginning its chart run at number 6 and eventually reaching the top. It was the Beatles' final single before McCartney announced his departure from the band. Both the Let It Be album and the US single " The Long and Winding Road " were released after McCartney's announced departure and the subsequent break-up of the group. - source