Departure songs in Western music: world-famous classics and popular tracks.
From graduation to bidding farewell to the departed…
Even when we say “a new beginning,” there are many kinds of departures.
Whether you’re the one sending someone off or the one being sent off, everyone has experienced some kind of departure in one way or another.
Here, we introduce a selection of English-language “songs for setting out” that are reputed to be relatable and perfect for those moments.
We’ve carefully chosen heartwarming tracks that will encourage you when you’re feeling down or anxious and accompany you through moving, emotional times—please take a look.
Based on feedback from music lovers who reached out to our site, we researched and curated this list with care.
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Departure songs in Western music: World-famous and popular songs (31–40)
RunAir
This is a track released in 2007 by the French electronica duo Air.
Many listeners may find themselves moved to tears by the gentle, delicate vocals and the emotionally stirring electronic sound.
Even when we know that parting is inevitable, the moment it actually arrives we’re overwhelmed by a profound loneliness.
Still, believing that moving forward from there will surely be the catalyst for our own growth, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could say goodbye with a smile, promising to meet again? This piece is included on the album Pocket Symphony.
With a cinematic atmosphere, it’s a song that can give you courage when you’re about to take a new step.
Street Of DreamsGuns N’ Roses
This is a moving Guns N’ Roses song that gives a gentle push to those trying to take a new step forward.
Axl Rose’s emotionally rich vocals and the wistful piano melody resonate deeply with listeners.
The lyrics, which offer courage and hope to chase one’s dreams, will serve as a guiding light for anyone standing at a crossroads in life.
Included on the album Chinese Democracy, released in November 2008, this track also drew attention as a piece that showcased the band’s musical evolution.
It’s a song I especially recommend to those who have experienced graduation, a job change, or parting from someone dear.
It truly is a song of departure that gives you the courage to open a new page in your life.
Gonna Leave YouQueens of the Stone Age
A track by the Californian rock band Queens of the Stone Age.
It is included on their third album, Songs for the Deaf, released in 2002.
The album was a hit around the world and received high praise from various music magazines.
Please Read The LetterRobert Plant and Alison Krauss
Originally released in 1998 by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page.
The version with Alison Krauss, an American bluegrass and country singer, was released in 2007.
The track won a Grammy Award and was used in the TV show “The Riches.”
Till The End Of The DayThe Kinks
The popular British rock band The Kinks released a song in November 1965 that carries a powerful message celebrating the joy of life and the spirit of freedom.
It sings about the importance of making the most of each day, giving listeners courage and hope.
The song won widespread support around the world, reaching No.
8 in the UK and No.
50 on the U.S.
Billboard Hot 100.
It’s a track that gives you a push when you’re about to dive into a new environment or standing at a crossroads in life.
Packed with the charm of The Kinks, it’s a perfect companion for moments of departure.
Departure songs in Western music: World-famous and popular songs (41–50)
Castle on the HillEd Sheeran
A moving masterpiece filled with love for his hometown and memories of youth has been delivered by UK artist Ed Sheeran.
From a childhood bone-breaking accident to his first love at age 15, this warm work is packed with nostalgia.
Released in January 2017 as a lead single from the album ÷, and featured in the animated films Ferdinand and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, the song is written as a love letter to his hometown of Framlingham.
Now an adult, he gently portrays his childhood friends each walking their own path, singing of the flow of changing time and feelings that remain unchanged, carried by a powerful melody.
It’s a gem of a track that resonates with the universal sentiment of having a place or person you want to recall when you feel uncertain or lost.
Leave or StayThe Cars
The Cars are a rock band formed in Boston in 1976.
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
This track, released in 1987, reached No.
26 on the U.S.
charts and is included on the album Door to Door.