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.
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Western songs about saying “goodbye”: perfect for bereavement and lost lovers (11–20)
Good RiddanceGreen Day
Green Day is known as a quintessential punk rock band and has garnered immense popularity among listeners in Japan as well.
Their song Good Riddance was released from their fifth album, Nimrod.
Centered on the theme of farewell, the track portrays the feeling of trying to forget a former lover in order to move forward on a new path.
While some of the emotions are tempered by the melody, as is typical in punk, it still comes together as a poignant song.
Be sure to give it a listen.
HallelujahPentatonix
Leonard Cohen’s masterpiece, “Hallelujah.” It’s so famous that it even appears in Japanese textbooks, but I think few people have ever paid attention to the meaning of the lyrics.
At first glance, the song’s lyrics can be hard to understand because they seem heavily religious, but in fact, it’s about love.
It’s a bittersweet yet heartwarming song that depicts a relationship from beginning to end, so be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well.
This time, instead of the original, I’ve selected the a cappella group Pentatonix’s version.
The melody is also especially compelling.
If You Could See Me NowThe Script
The Script are a three-piece band from Ireland.
They were active mainly from the 2000s to the 2010s, and their rock sound with a strong pop flavor is quite striking.
One of their works themed around “farewell” is If You Could See Me Now.
The song was written for their late father, expressing the bittersweet feelings of a son who wishes his dad could see him now that he’s on stage as an artist.
The lyrics are very real, so be sure to give it a listen.
1-800-273-8255 ft. Alessia Cara, KhalidLogic
Logic, a rapper from Maryland who rose to success through music despite a difficult upbringing.
This powerful, moving song he created with Alessia Cara and Khalid is “1-800-273-8255.” Titled after the U.S.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number at the time, it was released in 2017 as a lead single from the album “Everybody.” From the moment of saying “goodbye” as someone is about to take their own life, to the shift toward choosing to live through conversation, the song portrays that journey with a dramatic structure.
It reached No.
3 on the U.S.
Billboard chart and was performed at the Grammy Awards, leaving a profound impact around the world.
It’s a track I especially want those in deep sorrow to hear.
Please give it a listen.
Slipped AwayAvril Lavigne
A moving ballad that leaves a lasting mark on the heart.
Canadian songstress Avril Lavigne sings with profound love for her late grandfather.
Feelings of loss, regret, and the hope of reunion are expressed quietly yet powerfully.
The song was included on the album Under My Skin, released in May 2004.
The album sold about 8 million copies worldwide and reached number one in 13 countries, marking a turning point that showcased a shift in Avril’s musical direction.
It’s a song I can wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who has experienced the loss of someone dear.
Let Me Go ft. Chad KroegerAvril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne’s classic, “Let Me Go ft.
Chad Kroeger.” Since she’s known as a leading figure in pop-punk, many people tend to associate her with brighter, upbeat songs.
This track, however, is a rare piece among her works: a song built on a wistful melody that centers around the theme of saying goodbye.
Its lyrics, which depict the sorrow of someone left with a gaping hole in their heart after losing a loved one, together with the melody, make for a deeply memorable work.
Western songs that sing “Goodbye” | Perfect for bereavement or a lost lover (21–30)
HappierMarshmello 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.