Farewell Songs: Tracks that sing various kinds of “goodbyes”
In life, we encounter many kinds of farewells: breaking up with a lover, parting ways with beloved friends and mentors when moving on to further studies or a new job, and even losing precious family members.
Some farewells are sad, while others are hopeful—but saying “goodbye” is always tinged with loneliness.
In this article, we’ll introduce songs that capture the feeling of “goodbye” and gently accompany your heart.
From songs that heal the wounds of heartbreak to songs that cheer you on at a new beginning, we’ve picked out tracks that sing about all kinds of farewells.
Find the one that perfectly fits your situation!
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[Farewell Songs] Tracks that sing various kinds of “goodbye” (61–70)
“Goodbye is an August lullaby.”Yoshikawa Koji
This is Koji Kikkawa’s second single, released in 1984.
A “lullaby” is a song for putting children to sleep.
With its synthesizer and electronic drum sounds, it has a distinctly ’80s feel and a lively finish.
Kikkawa, rolling his Rs as he sings this upbeat rock tune, had debuted as an idol at the time, and his music was categorized as kayōkyoku (Japanese pop).
Sugar Town is a town of goodbyes.Matsutōya Yumi
This is a track included on Yumi Matsutoya’s 17th original album, DA·DI·DA, released in 1985.
With this album, Yuming won the Excellence Album Award at the 28th Japan Record Awards in 1986.
The title is said to be an homage to Nancy Sinatra’s “Sugar Town.”
I love you, SAYONARAChekkāzu
Released in 1987, this is The Checkers’ 12th single.
It gained attention as the theme song for the SEIKO “Avenue” wristwatch commercial.
It’s a heartbreaking, wistful love ballad about lovers who choose to part ways precisely because they love each other.
Goodbye to happinessNaiagara Toraianguru
This is a single released in 1976 by Niagara Triangle, a musical unit featuring the stellar lineup of Eiichi Ohtaki, Tatsuro Yamashita, and Ginji Ito.
On this track, Ohtaki and Yamashita handle the vocals, while Ito is responsible for the songwriting and composition.
Their voices are surprisingly similar, making their unison vocals an excellent match.
Happy Endingback number
A touching song that sings of the aching feelings for a former lover.
The portrait of a woman who tries to act tough yet cannot sever her lingering attachment is striking.
It depicts the complex emotions of someone who, despite her words, still truly loves the other person.
Released in November 2016, it was also used as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” It’s recommended as a chance to sort out your feelings if you’ve experienced parting from someone you love.
Let yourself be carried by back number’s gentle vocals and take a moment to face your own emotions.
Goodbye, Strangerkururi
Kururi’s “Goodbye Stranger” vividly captures the poignant moment of parting.
The song likens the irresistible urge to recall a former lover—now like a mirage—to the stifling heat of summer.
Under the dazzling sun, its melody resounding in places steeped in memory will strike deeper the more farewells you’ve known.
A work where the loneliness of summer’s end intertwines with a certain nostalgia, it’s a highly recommended track that’s sure to resonate with many hearts.
Smiling Backkyandīzu
This is a supreme song by Candies that delicately sings of a woman’s bittersweet feelings before parting with someone dear, carried on a melody as fresh as a spring breeze.
Released in February 1978, it reached number one on the Oricon charts and sold over one million copies in total.
Depicting a couple’s breakup through a moving-day scene, it shows the protagonist looking back on their memories, her smile concealing complex emotions beneath.
It’s a song we especially recommend to those who have experienced parting with someone important in the springtime.