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 (41–50)
Story of My LifeOne Direction
The heartwarming ballad by UK-born One Direction is a gem that weaves a story of life.
Blending acoustic sounds with moving lyrics, it portrays bonds and memories with loved ones.
Released in October 2013 and included on the album Midnight Memories, the song became a global hit, topping the singles charts in Ireland and New Zealand, and was also used in Japan as the theme for an NTT Docomo commercial.
Cherished by many as a song that resonates deeply—especially during seasons of farewells and graduations—it continues to be loved.
DepartureCrystal Stilts
Crystal Stilts are a post-punk band based in New York, active since 2003.
This track is included on their 2008 album Alight of Night.
The album has received high praise from outlets such as Pitchfork and NME.
No ExpectationsThe Rolling Stones
A blues track released in 1968 by the British rock band The Rolling Stones.
It was used in the 1978 anti-war film Coming Home.
The track has been covered by many artists, including Johnny Cash and Beck.
He Won’t GoAdele
This is a song by Adele, the British songstress known for her moving vocals and profound emotional expression.
The lyrics, which portray the courage to step into a new relationship while still being bound by a past love, truly resonate.
It’s included on the album “21,” released in January 2011, which became a massive hit, selling over 31 million copies worldwide.
Adele’s powerful vocals and emotional lyrics strike deeply at listeners’ hearts.
When you need the courage to take a new step or want to overcome a farewell with someone important, listening to this song will surely give you the strength to look forward.
Start AnewBeady Eye
A song that gives you a gentle push when you’re about to take a new step forward.
Beady Eye’s soft melodies and Liam Gallagher’s warm vocals gently wrap around a heart full of anxiety.
This work tells us there’s always a chance to try again in life, making it a perfect send-off for the moment of departure.
Included on the 2013 album BE, it reached No.
2 on the UK Albums Chart.
If you’re feeling lost or anxious, listen to this track and let the positive energy well up from deep within your heart.
RUN PAINT! RUN! RUN!Captain Beefheart
Characterized by its unique rhythm and abstract lyrics, this song is included on the album “Doc at the Radar Station,” released in 1980 by the American artist Captain Beefheart.
The lyrics unfold a series of surreal images—like paint taking off at a run or shadows crossing the sun—resembling an abstract painting.
Its experimental sound, fusing blues, free jazz, and rock, evokes the feeling of setting out into a new world.
When you stand at a crossroads in life, listening to this track may give you a sense of liberation.
Why not immerse yourself in Captain Beefheart’s singular artistic vision?
Way We Won’tGrandaddy
This song, released in 2016 by the American indie rock band Grandaddy, explores themes of loneliness and alienation.
It portrays a homeless couple living on the roof of a big-box store.
The work warns of the temptation to remain in comfort and familiarity—and of the risk of missing opportunities for growth.
Frontman Jason Lytle has said it faithfully reflects the essence of the band.
In the music video, a hitchhiker walking along a desert road is repeatedly rejected by various characters, visually expressing the theme of isolation.
It’s a song that resonates with those standing at a crossroads in life.