Six types of farewell songs: goodbye songs for each scene
Farewell days appear at various milestones in life.
Some farewells are anticipated, like graduation ceremonies, while others may come suddenly—an unexpected transfer, a breakup, or even the loss of a loved one.
Not all farewells are positive; some can be heartbreaking.
But we can’t stay trapped in sorrow forever, can we?
Here, I’ll introduce plenty of gentle farewell songs to soothe your pain and stay close to the emptiness left in your heart.
I hope they help you overcome your sadness and loneliness, and take a new step forward.
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Farewell songs to listen to before setting off (1–10)
A place where smiles awaitOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official HIGE DANDism’s “The Place Where Smiles Await” gently watches over those setting off and taking a new step.
It was included as an iTunes pre-order bonus for their indie-era mini album “MAN IN THE MIRROR.” The song was also chosen as the theme to celebrate the 45th anniversary of a TV station in their home region of San’in.
Starting a new chapter can be full of anxiety, right? But when things get tough, remember the wonderful smiles of your family and friends back home.
Along with this song, they’re sure to give you strength!
Bye-Bye ShowBiSH
This is a song performed by BiSH that wholeheartedly expresses gratitude to those who have supported them up to the future they’re heading toward.
Kazuya Yoshii, the vocalist of THE YELLOW MONKEY, wrote the lyrics and composed the music.
The fact that it was released as their final single just before the group’s disbandment also strongly evokes the feeling of a send-off.
True to their nickname as a “punk band without instruments,” it conveys an image of throwing their emotions forward and a power that seems to carve open the future.
It’s a song that suggests all memories—including the sadness of parting—become the strength to move ahead into what comes next.
We againSG
This is a piece by Sogyoung that conveys the image of cheering on friends as they set off to different places.
Its powerful rhythm evokes forward steps toward the future, and the layered, game-music-like lightness of the sound is striking.
The inclusion of the melody from Pachelbel’s Canon, a staple in music education, also adds a youthful touch.
It’s a warm song that carries a message of looking back on the memories built up before setting out, while pledging to meet again.
Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu
It’s a cheer song sending encouragement to a friend who’s setting off.
The message is to remember the bonds with your companions and keep going whenever things get tough in a new environment.
The assurance that you’ll meet again and are connected somewhere is really heartening.
Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai
Singer-songwriter Dai Hirai, who has been attracting attention for his acoustic sound and sweet vocals.
This song features an arrangement highlighted by clear, spacious piano and strings that leaves a strong impression.
It portrays the mixed feelings at the end of youth marked by graduation and the poised resolve felt in the moment of stepping into a new world, even amid loneliness.
Even though you should be closer to your dream, the tears won’t stop—because the days spent with your friends are too precious.
That message is sure to gently resonate with hearts on the brink of graduation.
Released in February 2022, this moving ballad is also included on the album “LOVE＋PEACE.”
Farewell songs that make you cry when you listen (1–10)
A tear-jerking farewell song!
Up to this point, we’ve introduced farewell songs that fit a variety of scenes, but next are the real tearjerkers among farewell songs! Some of you might want to have a good cry and clear away the sadness of parting. We’ve gathered timeless classics that will move you to tears, so take your time listening while reading the lyrics.
HarukaYOASOBI
A bittersweet, heart-tugging song that portrays a farewell to someone precious with whom one has spent a long time.
Told from the perspective of an inanimate object watching over its owner’s growth and departure, it conveys a warm wish for the other person’s happiness, tightening the heart as you listen.
Created by the musical duo YOASOBI, it was released in December 2020 and remains enduringly popular.
It was a collaboration with broadcast writer Osamu Suzuki and was included on the 2021 album “THE BOOK.” Chosen as the image song for “Art Aquarium Exhibition 2021 ~Hakata: Festival of Goldfish~” and as the commercial song for “Puniruns,” this work is a tear-jerking goodbye song for those heading into a new environment or seeing someone off.
Please listen while thinking of someone dear to you.
About meMrs. GREEN APPLE
This song strings together messages to those facing everyday worries and anxieties.
Its lyrics depict accepting the differences between self and others, embracing inner conflicts, and affirming everything as you move forward.
In sync with its grand rock-ballad melody, it resonates even more deeply.
It’s the eighth single by the rock band Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, released in January 2019, and it remains enduringly popular.
It gained attention when it was chosen as the support song for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
For anyone who has parted ways with dear friends upon graduating, this bittersweet yet forward-looking number is sure to strike a chord.
Give it a listen when you want to shake off your sadness!