25 Songs for Saying Goodbye

By Douglas Newman
November 13th, 2008

(Page 3 of 3)

“See You Later Fuckface” by The Queers (2002)

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Nothing lightens the mood like a little vitriolic punk rock from The Queers. “See ya later fuckface/See ya later fuckface/We hate you.” It ain’t poetry, but it’s effective.

“A Fond Farewell” by Elliott Smith (2004)

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This Elliott Smith track takes on even more significance given his tragic and untimely death. In fact, it can almost be seen as his own farewell song. “A little less than a human being/A little less than a happy high/A little less than a suicide/The only things that you really tried/This is not my life/It’s just a fond farewell to a friend.”

“What Sarah Said” by Death Cab for Cutie (2005)

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This has got to be one of the saddest songs in recent memory. A numbing track about losing somebody close to you and the treachery of the hospital setting as you wait for the inevitable. “‘Cause there’s no comfort in the waiting room/Just nervous pacers bracing for bad news/And then the nurse comes round and everyone will lift their heads/But I’m thinking of what Sarah said that ‘Love is watching someone die.’”

“Farewell Ride” by Beck (2006)

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Another song about death, the final farewell. This one’s delivered from the dearly departed’s perspective and has a old West vibe to it. “Two white horses in a line/Carrying me to my burying ground/Some may say this might be your last farewell ride.”

“Before Departure” by PJ Harvey (2007)

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This one also seems to be about death and like the Beck track above, it’s delivered from a first-person perspective just prior to the day of reckoning. “Farewell my friends/Farewell my dear ones/Farewell this world/Forgive my weakness.”

“Leaving for Paris No. 2″ by Rufus Wainwright (2007)

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Rufus bolts for another continent in order to escape a former lover. “I pray you won’t follow through the crooked streets behind me/I pray you won’t follow, like so many who I’ve roamed there/So I’m leaving for Paris, don’t you try to find out where I am.”

“Godspeed” by Jenny Lewis (2008)

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One of the better tracks from Jenny Lewis’ second solo album, Acid Tongue and a solid farewell song. “Godspeed/Keep the lighthouse in sight/Godspeed to you/Put out the light/And hope that I make it alive.”

“Au Revoir” by Flight of The Conchords (2008)

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A cheeky farewell to close this list. Until next time!

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Comments (25)

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COMMENTS (25)

Phillip P said:

Nice list, but one question, Where is “Go now” by the Moody Blues?

Rick said:

No “Box Elder”?!

Carl said:

10000 Miles by Mary Chapin Carpenter

Arthur Brown said:

This is a great list of songs to say goodbye to.

derek said:

what about the final countdown?

buletov said:

“What Sarah Said”… such a masterpiece, both the song and the video.

Really? said:

Where’s Hammer Smashed Face by Cannibal Corpse?

Google The Oct8pus said:

Indeed…Cannibal Corpse is an often overlooked band in these sentimental compilations.

Google The Oct8pus said:

What’s with the 9 year gap between Johnston and Buckley?

KnowledgeJunkie said:

Too bad you didn’t have “Goodbye” by Army of Anyone… maybe you haven’t heard of them? Or it was too obvious… anyways, A.o.A. is a super group with the guitarists from Stone Temple Pilots and the singer from Filter- a great band.

Ian said:

>Leavin’ on a Jetplane by TARNATION?

You fail so hard for not listing John Denver. The original version is about 1,000x better.

Ian said:

& Where is “Fairest of The Seasons,” by Nico?

amy said:

the get up kids- stay golden, ponyboy: probably not list-worthy, but it’s my favorite goodbye song.

rubken said:

This coments thread is turning into an omissions list. The main missing piece fro me is _Go Leave_ by Kate and Anna McGarrigle.

It’s a good list though and very nicely put together. Thanks.

Ryan G said:

I hope my gf doesn’t Stumble on this site!!

Kim said:

Great list, but what about “The Best Deceptions” by Dashboard Confessional? It’s one of the best “You cheated on me, so piss off!” songs I’ve ever heard!

Rick said:

San Francisco by Alkaline Trio should be on here as well I think…

“Choking On The Thought Of Leaving
Drinking To Keep From Heaving, 5 PM
5 Dollar Pints, Hellbound Airlines, Time And Price

And I Was Drinking You Goodbye
My Heart Floats In The Bay
From Sour Home Chicago And Your Being Far Away
There’s No Telling What I’ll Do If I Don’t Return To You..”

Matt Skiba you devil you…

Mattias "Haku" said:

Placebo’s ‘Song to Say Goodbye’
The song fits with the title atleast

Adhiraj said:

No “leaving on a jet plane”? Aaaaaargh

Tony said:

Warren Zevon’s “Keep Me In Your Heart”

Tinner said:

“When you go” by Jonathan Coulton.

Ed Smith said:

What’s with all of this “alternative” rock crap? Where are the real bands?

Ed Smith said:

And yes, I’m well aware there are a few here who are not “alternative” rock, but the vast majority is.

Carmen said:

Does anyone have the lyrics for Fare You Well My Darling?

radio.video.jazz » Blog Archive » Ev’ry Time She Says Goodbye said:

[...] @JamsBio : A reader suggested I make a list of songs for saying goodbye. Never one to turn down a request, I started digging through my vast collection of vinyl, CDs, and MP3s to find my favorite farewell songs. [...]