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” (81–90)
Goodbye, BystanderYU-KI
This is YUKI’s 31st single, released in 2017.
It was written as the opening theme for the NHK anime March Comes in Like a Lion.
“Bystander” is a term that refers to a companion or discoverer who happens to be present at an emergency scene.
Goodbye with thanksshimajirou
It’s a classic song used for graduation ceremonies at kindergartens and nursery schools.
Although it’s a farewell song, its bright tone makes it perfect for children’s graduation ceremonies.
The lyrics are easy for kindergarteners to understand, and it’s nice that they express gratitude not only to people but also to the playground equipment they played on.
Goodbye OceanSugiyama Kiyotaka
This is Kiyotaka Sugiyama’s first solo single, released in 1986 after the breakup of the original Omega Tribe.
It was used as the commercial song for DyDo Drinco’s “DyDo Jonian Coffee,” in which Sugiyama himself appeared.
The track became a smash hit, reaching No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly chart and No.
3 on both The Best Ten and Top Ten, and it went on to become one of Sugiyama’s signature songs.
Season farewellToukyou Jihen
This is a song included on Sports, the album released in 2010 by Tokyo Jihen, the band formed by Ringo Sheena.
Its jazzy piano, thrilling arrangement, and fast-paced melody make it a superb masterpiece.
Among songs that take “farewell” as their theme—which are often ballads—this might be considered an outlier.
Goodbye Busyuzu
A gem of a love song that gently wraps farewells and reunions in an acoustic sound.
It’s a heartwarming track you’ll want to listen to as spring arrives.
The protagonist’s hidden feelings and regrets are portrayed over a tender, bittersweet melody.
Yuzu’s refreshing vocals continue to resonate with those experiencing springtime goodbyes.
Released in March 1999 and included on the album “Yuzuen,” it was also featured as an insert song in the NHK morning drama series “Yanchakure,” capturing fans’ hearts.
It’s a song we hope those parting from someone dear, just before starting a new chapter in life, will listen to.
As a spring anthem that gives you the courage to take a step toward the future, it comes highly recommended.
Good-bye to YesterdayHirai Dai
It’s an emotional ballad that leaves a refreshing impression, like the sky after the rain.
Released by Dai Hirai in June 2024, it was unveiled as the first installment of his ongoing release project, “LUCKY BAG.” The song portrays the resolve to move forward after heartbreak, with a grand sound arrangement that stands out.
Hirai’s characteristically warm vocals and lyrics that resonate deeply are truly captivating.
The feeling you get after overcoming sadness is like the sky clearing up… each word of the lyrics tugs at the heartstrings.
This work is sure to comfort those who have experienced a breakup and give them the courage to look ahead.
Farewell Songs: Tracks that sing various kinds of “goodbyes” (91–100)
The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro
A gem-like ballad by Naotaro Moriyama that gently sings of the parting that comes at the fleeting end of summer.
Released in August 2003, this work was used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Netto Koshien” and reached No.
6 on the Oricon charts.
Its acoustic tones and strings weave a melody that resonates deeply, comforting those who carry thoughts of someone precious they have lost.
Like summer memories fading, it evokes the bittersweet feeling of memories slowly receding, while also conveying the strength to keep looking forward and walking on.