45 Of The Best Songs About Saying Goodbye And Farewell

Written by Dan Farrant

Saying goodbye is one of the hardest things to do. It often stirs up strong emotions. This is a universal experience that many people can relate to, even songwriters.

The theme of saying goodbye has been explored extensively in music. The songs written about it resonate with listeners on a deeper level. They often provide comfort or catharsis during times of change, loss, or transition.

From pop ballads to blues, we have compiled 45 of the best songs about saying goodbye. If you need to say goodbye, let these songs help you get through it. Let’s start.

Table of Contents

1. “50 Ways To Say Goodbye” By Train

Saying goodbye is so difficult for some people that they’d rather resort to immaturity than end the relationship properly. In “50 Ways to Say Goodbye” by Train, the narrator makes up silly stories to explain his ex’s departure.

As you can guess, the narrator is left licking his wounded pride after the breakup. It’s difficult for him to accept his new reality, so he comes up with dramatic scenarios to explain his lover’s absence. Some of those scenarios include the girl “fried getting suntanned” and being eaten by a shark.

This approach is a humorous and creative way to deal with a typically painful experience. While it sounds absurd, it just shows how difficult it is to accept the end of a relationship.

2. “Bye Bye” By Mariah Carey

It’s tough talking about grief. Somehow, words are not enough to express the pain of losing someone very important. But Mariah Carey found a way by penning the song “Bye Bye,” a tribute to her father, who died in 2002, and to those who have lost a loved one.

Through introspective lyrics, Carey reminisces about the short time she shared with her father. The words reflect both her pain and her hope.

The line “The hardest thing to say, bye” speaks for all who have lost someone, whether “Your best friend, your baby, your man or your lady.” It depicts the struggle of bidding farewell to people who have become a part of your life.

3. “If You Leave Me Now” By Chicago

Even though “If You Leave Me Now” by Chicago was released in the mid-1970s, its message still resonates today. Here, Peter Cetera sings about the fear of saying goodbye to a loved one, so he pleads with his lover not to leave him.

“If You Leave Me Now” presents a scenario where the narrator struggles with his lover leaving him. He is at a loss, wondering how their love “that’s hard to find” can end just like that.

The line “If you leave me now / you’ll take away the biggest part of me” shows just how important she is to him. And if she leaves, he’ll be left with nothing but emptiness and loss.

4. “Careless Whisper” By George Michael

The chart-topper “Careless Whisper” by George Michael is an enduringly popular song from the 1980s. It’s particularly popular on social media for the saxophone riff that was used in an internet meme.

Lyrically, the narrator struggles with regret and guilt after being unfaithful. The gravity of what he did feels heavy, particularly since it led to the end of a cherished relationship.

The song is not about saying goodbye in the traditional sense. Rather, it’s about saying goodbye to trust and innocence. It also focuses on the emotional turmoil one goes through in the wake of a breakup.

5. “I Will Survive” By Gloria Gaynor

 Let’s move on to Gloria Gaynor‘s “I Will Survive.” This is one of those songs with “goodbye” in the lyrics. The whole song itself indicates the narrator’s resolve to turn away from her ex, who “did [her] wrong.”

It’s easy to see why “I Will Survive” became a female-empowerment anthem. Here, the narrator finds the strength to move away from a relationship that’s no longer serving her. It was not easy, but she survived the many nights she cried from a broken heart.

Now, she won’t take any amount of disrespect from someone, especially an ex who left her. She is proof that someone can say goodbye to a toxic relationship and grow stronger from that experience.

6. “I Will Always Love You” By Whitney Houston

Did you know that “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston wasn’t intended as a love song? Country music legend Dolly Parton penned it as a farewell to her business partner as she intended to pursue a solo career. Houston’s version is a soul ballad that topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1992.

Thematically, “I Will Always Love You” sends a message of goodbye to someone you love. It tells us that, sometimes, two people must part ways even when they share a deep love. Separating is much better than staying together.

However, the song is not just about the pain of parting. It also conveys the enduring nature of love. The line “I will always love you” speaks to an unbroken emotional bond despite the physical separation.

7. “Seasons In The Sun” By Westlife

There is a season for goodbyes. In Westlife‘s “Season in the Sun,” the narrator, a dying man, bids farewell to his loved ones.

“Seasons in the Sun” represents the passage of time and the impermanence of life. It’s about the changing seasons that bring about significant experiences. In the song, the narrator knows he has limited time remaining. It seems to be the perfect time to recollect his “seasons in the sun.”

On a sad note, the song underscores the inevitable goodbyes that life brings. In his final moments, the narrator expresses his love and gratitude for the people who have been a part of his life.

8. “Too Good At Goodbyes” By Sam Smith

In Sam Smith‘s “Too Good at Goodbyes,” the narrator resorts to self-preservation in the face of heartbreak. Released in 2017, this song was born out of Smith’s experience of getting dumped.

The lyrics reflect Smith’s experience when they were in a relationship in 2016. As they were dumped three times, they have become accustomed to emotional pain. So when the relationship ended for good, they could say that they became “too good at goodbyes.”

As this shows us, the narrator has built emotional walls to protect themselves from getting hurt again. They already anticipated the end of the relationship and have figured out how to get over their ex.

9. “Goodbye” By Bo Burnham

It’s not always a person we say goodbye to. Bo Burnham‘s “Goodbye” is about saying goodbye in a unique context. In this case, the narrator bids farewell to certain aspects of himself and his life.

The song centers on feelings of loneliness and isolation, experiences not foreign to Burnham. He wants to reconnect with the world but is stumped on how to do so. His uncertainty is expressed through the act of saying goodbye. This represents a departure from his current state of being and his desire for change.

The narrator hopes that he will leave his loneliness behind and face the world with a better disposition — a feeling some people might relate to.

10. “The Last Goodbye” By ODESZA Ft. Bettye LaVette

The last goodbye is always the most difficult. “The Last Goodbye” by ODESZA, featuring Bettye LaVette, resolves around that idea. This emotional track will resonate with those who have reached the end of a relationship.

A breakup is often accompanied by feelings of sadness and resignation, which the song captures. The narrator pleads with her ex to “let [her] down easy,” knowing that their love is over. Despite how hard it is to say goodbye, she asks for closure and kindness.

In essence, “The Last Goodbye” encapsulates the pain of goodbye and the hope for a gentle closure. It speaks about taking a chance on something, indicating one’s willingness to risk heartbreak for the sake of love.

11. “Even Though I’m Leaving” By Luke Combs

A relationship between a father and his child is one of the most beautiful bonds out there. “Even Though I’m Leaving” by Luke Combs leaves a message of reassurance that all children need to hear.

The narrative spans different stages of both father and son. From his childhood to the moment he left home for the first time, his father had always been there. The last verse of the song witnesses the son leaving home to make a life for himself.

The line “I never thought I’d see the day I had to say goodbye” reflects his apprehension about facing the world without his parents by his side. However, his father assures him that he’ll always be there. He promises that whenever his son needs him, he’ll be there for him.

12. “Bye Bye Bye” By NSYNC

Having a partner who’s not serious about your relationship definitely begs for a breakup. In NSYNC‘s “Bye Bye Bye,” the narrator has grown weary of his relationship. He figures it’s time to say “bye bye bye” and move on.

“Bye Bye Bye” shows the importance of going separate ways when the relationship becomes unfulfilling. It’s a difficult decision, but it comes with feelings of empowerment and liberation when you’re able to do so.

In the song, the narrator shows his resolve in saying goodbye to his partner. This is addressed in the lines “I’m checking out, I’m signing off / I don’t want to be the loser, and I’ve had enough.”

13. “Somebody’s Always Saying Goodbye” By Anne Murray

Moving forward, we have a song with “saying goodbye” in the title. Anne Murray‘s “Somebody’s Always Saying Goodbye” is about the unavoidable goodbyes that occur in life.

Various scenarios where goodbyes take place include “railroad station, midnight trains / lonely airports in the rain.” These locations evoke melancholy and longing. It shows that saying goodbye comes with a sense of sadness and isolation.

This song illustrates how goodbyes are a part of existence. The title itself reflects the transient nature of life. We meet people who come and go, leaving behind a trail of goodbyes.

14. “Leaving On A Jet Plane” By John Denver

Leaving can be difficult for both parties, and John Dever knew this too well. He was a musician who was constantly on the road. The pain of saying goodbye every time he left was captured in the 1969 song “Leaving on a Jet Plane.”

The lyrics follow the narrator who’s outside his loved one’s door as he prepares for a journey. His departure fills him with sadness, regret, and sorrow, as expressed in the line, “I hate to wake you up to say goodbye.”

The thought of leaving his loved one behind pains him, especially with the possibility of not knowing “when [he’ll] be back again.” He assures her that he’ll be thinking of her while he’s away.

15. “I Love You, Goodbye” By Céline Dion

Some relationships are meant to end, even if one party is still holding on. CélineDion captures the pain of saying goodbye to a loved one in “I Love You, Goodbye.”

Needless to say, it takes courage to let go of someone you love with your whole being. In the song, the narrator chooses to say goodbye to a relationship that is obviously the whole world to her. Not even her deep love for her partner is enough to keep him tied to the relationship.

Despite the pain of letting go, she recognizes that she’s not the one who can provide the love and happiness he needs. This leads her to make the difficult decision to say goodbye.

16. “I’ll Say Good-bye For The Two Of Us” By Exposé

In “I’ll Say Good-bye for the Two of Us” by Exposé, the narrator isn’t good with goodbyes. The song deals with heartbreak, loss, and the selflessness it takes to end a relationship.

The song follows the narrator, who can’t bring herself to say goodbye to her partner face-to-face. She knows it will be harder for her to leave if she sees him crying over their breakup. And so she waits for him to fall asleep before stepping out the door.

Saying goodbye to the two of them suggests that the narrator is taking on the burden of ending the relationship. Perhaps she feels that her partner is not ready or will have a hard time accepting its end. This is a huge sacrifice on her part, indicating the level of care and concern she has for him.

17. “Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye” By Morissette Amon

Some songs perfectly capture the agony of ending a relationship. Take Morissette Amon‘s “Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye” for instance. It explores feelings of heartache, confusion, and the inevitability of separating ways in love.

The song is about a person faced with the painful reality of parting ways with someone she loves deeply. Her hurt and confusion are evident in the line, “Don’t we know parting’s never so easy.” It captures the deep emotional pain that often comes with bidding farewell.

The title indicates the recurring theme of departures in life. It suggests that goodbyes are an inevitable part of human relationships.

18. “Before You Go” By Lewis Capaldi

Of all goodbyes, losing someone to suicide is one of the most difficult to deal with. “Before You Go” by Lewis Capaldi was inspired by the suicide of his aunt when he was young.

The song deals with the aftermath of suicide. It explores feelings of regret, guilt, and many questions that arise when saying an unexpected and tragic goodbye. In the lyrics, the narrator confronts the harsh reality of a loved one’s departure and the pain that follows.

The title suggests the narrator’s longing for a chance to intervene before the person’s departure. He wishes he had “known you had a storm to weather” so he could have done something.

19. “Goodbye” By Spice Girls

There comes a time when we need to say goodbye to friends who have become a part of our lives. The Spice Girls‘ “Goodbye” is about Geri Halliwell leaving the famous British girl group.

This deeply emotional song tugs at the heartstrings of friends who have experienced bidding farewell to some special people. However, “Goodbye” is more than just a literal farewell. It’s about moving on from an old version of oneself.

We know the pain and difficulties that come with saying goodbye. However, the song has an optimistic message behind it. It says that goodbyes can lead to new beginnings and personal growth.

20. “Goodbye To You” By Michelle Branch

There’s no easy way to end a relationship but to say goodbye. Michelle Branch‘s “Goodbye to You” focuses on emotional turmoil and confusion upon ending a relationship.

In the lyrics, the narrator struggles to let go of a person she has deeply loved for three years. What hurts is thinking that he was “the one,” but now she must say goodbye to him. It involves saying goodbye not just to him but to a life they have built together.

The chorus captures the essence of the song. It expresses her sorrow as she bids farewell to a loved one and the reality she once knew.

21. “Goodbye” By Air Supply

Despite knowing it’s best for both parties, saying goodbye still conjures up pain. “Goodbye” by Air Supply explores the complexity of separating from a loved one.

As the lyrics show, there’s no doubt the narrator loves his partner with all his being. Hurting her is the last thing on his mind. In fact, he’d “rather hurt [himself] / than to ever make [her] cry.”

However, he also realizes that he’s not good enough for her. He recognizes that he’s not capable of loving her the way she needs to be loved. To spare them more hurt, the only thing that must be done is to say goodbye to each other.

22. “Never Say Goodbye” By Bon Jovi

Some parts of our past are so beautiful we do not want them to go away. We wish we could keep these memories forever. Bon Jovi‘s “Never Say Goodbye” captures this sentiment perfectly.

The narrator expresses his reluctance to say goodbye to his past, especially a youthful love. He recalls his high school sweetheart and their experiences with their friends. They were aware that they would part ways after graduation, but he held on to the hope that they would never truly say goodbye.

Through this song that mentions saying goodbye, the narrator expresses his longing for a time that has already passed. The memories stir a sense of nostalgia and a desire to hold onto these memories forever.

23. “Goodbye My Lover” By James Blunt

In James Blunt‘s “Goodbye My Lover,” everything seems to be perfect between a couple. However, it comes to that day when the narrator has to say goodbye.

The song captures the emotional pain of saying goodbye to someone special. He loved her deeply and now regrets their parting. He thinks about their past and the dreams they once shared for the future.

In addition, “Goodbye My Lover” highlights the grief and loneliness that come with a goodbye. The narrator feels hollow and alone without her, indicating the depth of his sorrow.

24. “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye” By Patty Loveless

Released in 1993, “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye” by Patty Loveless presents three scenarios of saying goodbye. It’s all about learning to let go and accepting that some people are not meant to stay in our lives.

The narrator experiences loss and has to say farewell to three important persons in her life. The first verse is about parting ways with her childhood best friend. The second verse narrates the end of her marriage. The last verse is an emotional goodbye to her mother.

Throughout these different stages, her mother has provided comfort and wisdom. She teaches her how to cope with the pain of saying goodbye. The narrator learns that it’s okay to grieve and it’s a part of life.

25. “Goodbye Stranger” By Supertramp

Before Breakfast in America, Supertramp released pretty heavy albums. However, the songs in Breakfast in America, particularly “Goodbye Stranger,” showed a lighter side to the band.

At its core, “Goodbye Stranger” is all about one-night stands. As is the case with bands, they are on the road most of the time. Some grab the chance to meet women and hook up with them.

“Goodbye Stranger” serves as the narrator’s kiss-off line for every woman he has been with. It appears that he has embraced this lifestyle, not minding that each morning brings a new goodbye.

26. “Candle In The Wind” By Elton John

One of the most popular songs of goodbye is Elton John‘s “Candle in the Wind.” This is a tribute to the iconic Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe. “Candle in the wind” is a metaphor to represent Monroe’s life — short and fragile, easily extinguished by external factors.

The song opens with “Goodbye, Norma Jeane,” directly addressing Monroe, whose real name is Norma Jeane Baker. The song makes a lot of references to the press coverage of Monroe. It highlights the scrutiny she had to deal with as a public figure.

On the other hand, the song also focuses on what fame does to a person. It becomes challenging when people are under scrutiny 24/7.

27. “Goodbye My Friend” By Linda Ronstadt Ft. Aaron Neville

Saying goodbye to someone who died is never easy. If you’re going through this situation, listen to Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville’s “Goodbye My Friend.” This moving song explores the theme of parting ways forever and the uncertainty of life.

“Goodbye My Friend” captures the inevitability of such moments in life. It touches upon the theme of mortality, as found in the lyrics, “We never know when death will shake us / and we wonder how it will feel.”

This shows that goodbyes aren’t always temporary. They can be permanent farewells when someone passes away.

28. “Goodbye’s (The Saddest Word)” By Céline Dion

One of the most profound bonds is that between a mother and her child. When it’s time for a mother to say goodbye, it’s nothing short of painful. Céline Dion captures the emotions in “Goodbye’s (The Saddest Word).”

This song is an exploration of the emotional connection between a child and her mother. Thus, parting is truly a painful experience. The lines “Mamma /you gave life to me” and “All you had to offer / was the promise of a lifetime of love” are a testament to the profound impact a mother has on her child’s life.

The word “goodbye” underlines the sorrow that comes with bidding farewell. The love and memories shared with a loved one make saying goodbye so difficult.

29. “I’m Movin’ On” By Rascal Flatts

Somewhere down the road, we need to let go and move forward. Rascal Flatts‘ “I’m Movin’ On” represents the end of a chapter, be it a relationship or a phase in life, and the start of a new journey.

Saying goodbye to people, places, and situations is not always easy. Sometimes, it takes courage to move on from situations that are no longer good for us. Just like the narrator who’s dealt with his “ghosts” and “demons.”

He chooses to move out of his town where he doesn’t feel belongingness anymore. Despite his decision, he is “at peace” with himself, indicating he’s on his way to self-growth and progress.

30. “Farewell” By Rihanna

Sometimes, we are not ready for goodbyes. We can’t bear the thought of being away from someone important to us. But Rihanna‘s “Farewell” recognizes the need to let someone go when it’s better for both parties.

That’s not to say it’s not difficult to cope with someone leaving. The line “And even though it kills [her]” shows the sacrifice the narrator is willing to make. Despite the pain of saying goodbye, she’s letting her loved one go because he’s “going somewhere to make a better life.”

“Farewell” conveys the deep pain and sadness that come with goodbyes. The song also underlines the importance of moving on for personal growth and healing.

31. “Goodbye Girl” By David Gates

A person can fear saying goodbye when they’ve been hurt too many times before. Being in a new relationship can be scary, especially with the thought of the eventual farewell. This is the story behind “Goodbye Girl” by David Gates.

The title symbolizes the finality of a failed relationship. The woman in the song has become distant from her lover due to previous heartbreaks. But the narrator convinces her to give love another chance despite her past experiences.

He pleads for her not to let her fear of saying goodbye prevent them from having a fulfilling relationship. The song ends with a beautiful promise: “So forget your past my Goodbye Girl / ’cause now you’re home at last.”

32. “Goodbye” By Kenny Rogers

Just like Kenny Rogers sings in “Goodbye,” it’s never easy to bid farewell. The song conveys the sorrow and finality that come with the end of a significant relationship.

In the song, the narrator reflects on a past relationship, finding it hard to move on. Even after their breakup, he finds it hard to accept the end. He wishes they could be back together again but recognizes that all they had would just remain as memories.

“Goodbye” also deals with the concept of losing a loved one. It reminds us that goodbyes are painful, yes, but they are an inevitable part of life and can lead to personal growth.

33. “Goodbye, Goodbye” By Tegan And Sara

Saying goodbye is hard enough as it is, but breaking up face-to-face makes it even more difficult. Let’s see what the Canadian indie pop duo Tegan and Sara have to say about it in “Goodbye, Goodbye.”

The first two verses of the song express the narrator’s avoidance of face-to-face breakup. She specifically does not want to hear his voice or see his face. All she wants to do is say goodbye and shut him out completely.

The song emphasizes the strength it takes to finally close a chapter of one’s life after a breakup. It shows how the narrator experiences liberation after saying goodbye. It conveys the message of taking control and having the courage to say goodbye, even if it’s difficult.

34. “See You Again” By Wiz Khalifa Ft. Charlie Puth

We may not find the word “goodbye” in “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth, but this song conveys the narrator’s hope of reuniting with a loved one in the future. It makes saying goodbye more of a temporary separation.

This song is a touching tribute to the late actor Paul Walker of the Fast & Furious franchise. He died in a tragic car accident in 2013. The lines “It’s been a long day without you, my friend / and I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again” express one’s longing for a lost friend.

At its core, “See You Again” relays a comforting perspective on the act of saying goodbye. While it’s painful to say goodbye, it offers hope for an eventual reunion.

35. “End Of The Road” By Boyz II Men

It’s a different kind of pain when you’re holding on to someone who no longer sees a future by your side. This is the idea behind Boyz II Men‘s “End of the Road.”

Although the relationship has reached the “end of the road,” the narrator still chooses to stay because he loves her so much. He is unable to let go, thinking “it’s unnatural” for them to break up because they belong to each other.

Even after finding out that she’s been unfaithful, he is reluctant to say goodbye. He’s still clinging on to that small hope of rekindling their love.

36. “Listen To Your Heart” By Roxette

To end a relationship or not is a significant decision. One decision leads to happiness, the other to heartache and regret. In “Listen to Your Heart,” Roxette encourages listeners to tune in to their inner feelings first before saying goodbye.

Romantic relationships can get to the point of potentially saying goodbye, but the song shows the importance of introspection and emotional honesty. It tells listeners to consider their true feelings before making a final decision.

Another lesson from this song is that goodbyes should not be rushed. Instead, they must come from careful thought and an understanding of one’s emotions.

37. “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough” By Patty Smyth And Don Henley

It’s true that love alone is not enough to sustain a relationship. “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough” by Patty Smyth and Don Henley captures the complexities of love.

The song depicts the painful realization that despite the affection and emotional attachment, going separate ways may be for the best. This always comes with hurt and confusion, particularly when you know you’ve given your all.

That’s why it’s always difficult to let go, even when it’s necessary. There’s this inner conflict between two sides, where one tells you to let go while the other tells you to stay in the relationship.

38. “Sealed With A Kiss” By Brian Hyland

The teen love song “Sealed with a Kiss” by Brian Hyland is about temporary separation over the summer. This song is proof that love can transcend time and distance.

The song is from the point of view of someone who has to part ways with his lover temporarily. Though it will only be for the summer, the separation is bittersweet. To make the separation less lonely, he promises to send her letters filled with love and “sealed with a kiss.”

While the song captures the sadness of parting, it also offers a sense of hope that they will be together again one day. Sending letters becomes a symbol of their shared affection, a way to bridge the distance.

39. “Say Goodbye” By Skillet

When we hear the word “goodbye,” it almost always stirs negative feelings. Skillet‘s “Say Goodbye” reflects this sentiment as it depicts the pain and struggle of saying goodbye.

The lyrics reflect the difficulty of letting go of a relationship and moving on. The phrase “say goodbye” signifies the end of a relationship and the beginning of moving on. This is an incredibly difficult step, which the song captures poignantly.

As we know, someone’s bound to experience heartbreak and sorrow when it comes to parting ways. With this message, we can consider “Say Goodbye” a breakup song or for any kind of painful separation.

40. “Beautiful Goodbye” By Maroon 5

Goodbyes don’t have to be messy. Sometimes, we just have to accept that parting ways is what needs to be done. This is the same realization that the narrator has in Maroon 5‘s “Beautiful Goodbye.”

In the lyrics, the narrator recognizes his part in the deterioration of their relationship. He has “let [her] down” more times than he can count, leading to her decision to walk away. He doesn’t really want to let her go, but he has no choice.

It’s the best thing to do at the moment, to allow her to heal and stop any chances of him hurting her again. He is left reminiscing about all the good times and how they have come to an end.

41. “A Better Man” By Clint Black

Perhaps one of the best things to come out of a goodbye is becoming a better person. In “A Better Man,” Clint Black focuses on the personal growth he has experienced while in the relationship.

The song was inspired by his relationship that lasted seven years. He acknowledges that it has come to an end. Though it’s painful, considering it has lasted this long, he focuses on the good side of breakup.

The lyrics express that he is leaving the relationship a better man than when he entered it. It tells us that saying goodbye is not just an end for him. It’s also a beginning and an opportunity to move forward in life with improved maturity.

42. “Say Goodbye” By Dave Matthews Band

Fleeting romantic encounters often end in a goodbye. The narrator in David Matthews Band‘s “Say Goodbye” knows this. However, he’s willing to engage in a temporary passion, knowing they’ll have to say goodbye tomorrow.

The term “say goodbye” depicts the act of acknowledging transient relationships. The narrator recognizes the inevitable conclusion, as expressed in the line “Lovers for a night, lovers for tonight.”

The song captures the raw emotions associated with one-night love affairs. It also emphasizes the reality of being in love or lust with someone but having to say goodbye due to their circumstances.

43. “Say Goodbye” By Chris Brown

To quote Chris Brown in “Say Goodbye,” “There’s never a right time to say goodbye.” That’s why it’s challenging to end a relationship.

However, there’s no other way to do it. The narrator realizes that the relationship is no longer working out, and the only option is to end it. However, he finds it hard to convey this to her.

The song perfectly captures the difficulty of expressing one’s desire to break up because emotions are involved. The narrator struggles to come to terms with this realization and to express his feelings to the other person.

44. “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” By Boyz II Men

When two people part ways, the only thing they can hold onto are their memories. That’s why, according to Boyz II Men‘s song, “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.”

This emotional song is about the pain and difficulty of saying goodbye. The narrator longs to hold onto the past and the cherished memories despite the passage of time. The lyrics express the sorrow that comes with the separation.

Despite the hesitation to move on, the narrator knows that he has to. He still has memories of their good times to come back to.

45. “How Do I Say Goodbye” By Dean Lewis

It’s not often we come across songs that mourn a dying father. However, in “How Do I Say Goodbye,” Dean Lewis struggles with saying goodbye to the father who is a significant presence in his life.

Lewis wrote this deeply emotional song for his father when the latter was diagnosed with cancer. The song narrates the day he received a call from his mother about his dad’s deteriorating health. The song expresses the pain that comes with facing an imminent loss.

The confusion leaves him unable to process how to say goodbye to his dad. The elderly man had been such a tower of strength that the narrator finds it hard to accept the possibility of losing him.

Summing Up Our List Of Farewell Songs

The songs we have presented to you explored the theme of saying goodbye in different contexts and emotional tones. One thing for sure is that it involves the complexities of human emotions.

The songs have also shown us the universal human experience of struggling with expressing feelings, the pain of parting, and the longing for the past. They also taught us that saying goodbye is an inevitable part of life. We need to do it so we can move on and experience personal growth.

So that’s it for now. In the spirit of saying goodbye, we bid adieu, but we hope to “see” you around.

Photo of author

Dan Farrant, the founder of Hello Music Theory, has been teaching music for over 15 years, helping hundreds of thousands of students unlock the joy of music. He graduated from The Royal Academy of Music in 2012 and then launched Hello Music Theory in 2014. He plays the guitar, piano, bass guitar and double bass and loves teaching music theory.