Western songs about saying “goodbye” — perfect for bereavement or a departed lover
Suddenly, have you ever felt that there are surprisingly few Western songs themed around “goodbye” that you can truly relate to?
In life, there are many kinds of farewells—breakups, bereavement, and more, even though they all fall under the same word: goodbye.
It’s the same with music.
Even when a song shares the theme of bereavement, it can be surprisingly hard to find lyrics that resonate with your own experience.
So this time, we’ve picked out a variety of Western songs themed around “goodbye,” focusing especially on tracks about loss and departed lovers.
From brand-new releases to timeless classics, we’ve selected from a wide range of eras—so you’re sure to find something that fits you perfectly!
Please sit back, relax, and enjoy.
- [Masterpiece] Tear-jerking Western songs. The tears won’t stop… truly sad songs [2026]
- [2026] Farewell and Goodbye Songs in Western Music: A Collection of Perfect BGM for Farewell Parties
- Foreign Music Goodbye Songs Ranking [2026]
- Departure songs in Western music: world-famous classics and popular tracks.
- Songs That Make You Cry: Heart-Wrenching Western Music—from Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits
- When you’re hurting and feel like you want to disappear… timeless Western songs to listen to at times like these
- Top Tearjerker Western Songs Ranking [2026]
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Western songs to listen to when you feel lonely: world classics and popular hits
- A selection of touching farewell songs in Western music that sing of goodbyes—carefully chosen classics that resonate with the heart
- Hidden gems of tear-jerking Western songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- [So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
- Recommended Western Songs to Express Gratitude & Thanks [2026]
Western songs about saying “goodbye”: perfect for bereavement and lost lovers (11–20)
Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi
Lewis Capaldi is a singer-songwriter from Scotland, known for his baritone voice and expressive delivery.
One of his most famous songs is Someone You Loved.
The song deals with the theme of a breakup, and it actually has two music videos—one of which clearly focuses on bereavement.
Considering that, I think the song carries a double meaning, encompassing both heartbreak and loss.
Definitely give it a listen.
HappierNEW!Marshmello ft. Bastille
This is a collaborative track by Marshmello, the DJ known for his signature white mask, and the British band Bastille.
Released in 2018, it’s known as a classic that dominated the top spot on the U.S.
Billboard Dance/Electronic chart for an incredible 69 weeks.
While it’s a dance-pop song with a bouncy beat and bright melody, it depicts the decision to step back for the true happiness of a loved one.
The music video portrays the bond between a girl and her dog and their farewell, making for a tear-jerking story.
Conveying a bittersweet yet warm message about a choice made out of deep love, this is a song we highly recommend to anyone looking to overcome the pain of parting and take a new step forward.
Wake Me Up When September EndsGreen Day
A song woven by Green Day that carries feelings for a father.
It is included on their 2004 album American Idiot.
Born from vocalist Billie Joe’s experience of losing his father at the age of ten, the piece sets the pain of loss and the passage of time to a beautiful melody.
Beginning with the delicate tones of an acoustic guitar and gradually gaining strength, its structure suggests hope within sorrow.
The lyrics, rooted in a personal experience, possess a universality that resonates with many.
It is a song that gently stays by the side of anyone trying to overcome a difficult experience.
GhostJustin Bieber
This song, performed by Canadian artist Justin Bieber, centers on the sorrow of losing a loved one and the hope felt through their memories.
It blends an up-tempo beat with a wistful melody, skillfully expressing the idea of finding hope amid grief.
Included on the album Justice, it was released as a single in September 2021.
The music video features actress Diane Keaton and portrays the story of a grandchild and grandmother who have lost their grandfather.
Conveying empathy and comfort to those who lost someone during the COVID-19 pandemic, the track offers a warm, consoling presence.
StitchesShawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has gained worldwide popularity with his sweet vocal tone and catchy lyrics and melodies.
He has produced numerous hit songs.
Among them, one of his most popular breakup-themed works is Stitches.
This song can be interpreted in two ways: one is heartbreak, and the other depicts bereavement—portraying a man who has had an accident and is about to die, thinking of the girlfriend he’s leaving behind.
Songs told from the perspective of the one who’s dying are rare, so be sure to check it out.