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!
- Farewell Song: A goodbye song. A tearful parting song.
- [Songs of Bereavement] Songs about losing someone dear. Tracks to listen to while thinking of a loved one.
- Farewell Songs: Karaoke tunes to sing at a farewell party. Goodbye songs.
- A Tearful Farewell Song: A Love Song About Parting with Someone You Love
- [Songs About Loving Yet Parting] Love songs for those who want to overcome heartbreak
- A song that feels refreshing after a breakup. A love song to listen to when you want to move on.
- Six types of farewell songs: goodbye songs for each scene
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
- Love, bonds, parting, cheers… songs so moving they pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably
- A farewell song for a dear friend—an uplifting graduation song that conveys heartfelt gratitude.
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Emotional songs to listen to in spring: a collection of masterpieces that suit the season of meetings and farewells.
- Spring songs for people in their 60s: A collection of classic tracks about cherry blossoms and farewells
Farewell Songs: Tracks that Sing Various “Goodbyes” (71–80)
Fruits of FarewellOginome Yōko
This is Yoko Oginome’s 12th single, released in 1987.
With this song, she achieved her first No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
Featuring a sophisticated horn-section arrangement, it’s a glamorous and thrilling track.
It won the Top Talent Award at the 13th All-Japan Kayō Music Festival (Anata ga Erabu Zen-Nihon Kayō Ongakusai).
Goodbye TrainNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
This song, included on his fourth album “Bye Bye,” released in 1981, is a hidden gem by Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi that has continued to be loved by fans.
When he debuted, Nagabuchi was a singer-songwriter known for delicate, sweet, clean-toned “songs from a woman’s perspective,” quite different from the rugged, masculine image he has today.
It’s goodbye, but it’s not goodbye.yamadakatsutenai Wink
A bittersweet yet positive song that sings about the many forms of parting.
It was released in February 1991 as the second single by Yamada Katsutenai Wink.
With lyrics by Kuniko Yamada and music by KAN, this classic was born from Fuji TV’s popular variety show “Kun-chan’s Yamada Katsutenai TV.” The lyrics carry a sense of hope within the word “goodbye,” gently seeping into the heart.
It became a major hit as a graduation song and has since joined the ranks of staples.
Recommended for those who have experienced parting with someone important, or who are about to step onto a new stage in life.
[Farewell Songs] Tracks that sing various “goodbyes” (81–90)
To say goodbyebiriibanban
This song was released in 1972 as the theme for the Nippon TV drama “3-chome 4-banchi,” with lyrics by Koji Ishizaka.
It’s performed by Billy BanBan, familiar from the iichiko commercials.
The brothers’ harmonies blend remarkably well.
It’s a classic themed around farewell, covered by an array of notable artists including Chiharu Matsuyama and Masakazu Sakai.
Goodbye from around the worldDREAMS COME TRUE
This is a song released in 2017 as the CF image song for the music streaming service “Spotify #Current Soundtrack: Dog Walking Edition.” The Chinese-style scale gives it a uniquely distinctive flavor.
The music video features the artist collective “Tokyo Gegegay.”
I won’t say goodbye.THE TIMERS
A song by Kiyoshiro Imawano’s masked band, The Timers, included on their album “Resurrection!! The Timers,” it is said to be a support song for the Great Hanshin Earthquake.
Although the album is a live recording, only “Sayonara wa Shinai” was released in advance as a single, and that track is a studio recording.
Instead of goodbyeTUBE × GACKT
This is a heartfelt song that portrays parting with someone close.
Born from a collaboration between TUBE and GACKT, it gently embraces the moment of “goodbye” that everyone experiences.
Its bittersweet yet powerful melody and lyrics resonate with listeners.
Digital distribution began in February 2024, with the CD released later that month.
The music video, featuring actors Yutaka Matsushige and Kenichi Endo, has also become a hot topic.
It’s a song we especially recommend to those who have experienced a farewell with someone dear or are about to embark on a new beginning.
It will stay close to your heart and give you the courage to look forward.