This article contains the best goodbye songs to ease emotional moments.
Saying goodbye can be difficult but it is an inevitable part of life. Using music can help you to cope with saying goodbye. Throughout your lifetime, you might have to say goodbye to friends, family members, or lovers. Goodbye songs can help you through these moments!
1. “I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLauchlan
“I Will Remember You” was released by singer and songwriter Sarah McLauchlan in the year 1993.”I Will Remember You” is all about reminiscing on memories. The song is sad, but the lyrics provide a little hope. Goodbyes can also be sad but hopeful.
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2. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
Acoustic ballad “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton is one of the saddest farewell songs ever written. “Tears in Heaven” was written by Clapton about saying goodbye to his four year old son who passed away. Saying goodbye when someone dies is one of the hardest things a person can do. If you are struggling after saying goodbye to a family member, then you might like this song.
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3. “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John
“Candle in the Wind” was originally written and released by Elton John as a farewell song to honor the late actress Marilyn Monroe. “Candle in the Wind” was included on Elton John’s 1973 hit album ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.’
4. “Goodbye My Lover” by James Blunt
“Goodbye My Lover” is a sad farewell song by pop artist James Blunt. “Goodbye My Lover” is about saying goodbye to a lover, but it is also about saying goodbye to a friend.
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5. “Careless Whisper” by George Michael
“Careless Whisper” by George Michael is all about saying goodbye after you have cheated on. It has been famously covered by several music artists including Ben Folds, Train, and Kenny G.
6. “If You Leave Me Now” by Chicago
Sometimes goodbyes are just too difficult to bear. The classic rock song “If You Leave Me Now” by Chicago is all about begging someone not to say goodbye. The R&B group Boyz II Men also recorded their own rendition of this song.
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7. “(Na Na Hey Hey) Kiss Him Goodbye” by The Nylons
“(Na Na Hey Hey) Kiss Him Goodbye” is frequently played at the end of football games, basketball games, baseball games, concerts, and parties. It was originally written and recorded in the year 1969 by Paul Leka, Gary DeCarlo and Dale Frashuer. It has since been covered by several other artists.
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8. “Goodbye My Friend” by Linda Ronstadt
Saying goodbye after a friend dies can be extremely painful. If you recently had to say goodbye to a friend who passed away, you may want to listen to “Goodbye My Friend” by Linda Ronstadt . It is all about finding closure and saying goodbye after a major loss.
9. “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day
Saying goodbye can be a difficult but necessary part of different life phases. The song “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day is frequently used for graduations and other goodbye ceremonies.
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10. “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor
“Fire and Rain” was written and recorded by James Taylor partially in honor of a friend who passed away. It was released as a part of the 1970 record ‘Sweet Baby James.’
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11. “Knockin on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan
Death forces people to say goodbye. “Knockin on Heaven’s Door” was written and recorded for use in the movie ‘Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid.’ It was specifically written for a death scene in the film.
12. “One More Day” by Diamond Rio
“One More Day” by Diamond Rio is all about wishing that you could go back in time after saying goodbye to someone. Unfortunately, that is not possible all the time…
13. “Never Say Goodbye” by Bon Jovi
“Never Say Goodbye” was written about holding on to longtime friends for more fun and good times. If you want to hold on to your friends, try playing this song for them.
14. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by Peter, Paul, and Mary
Saying goodbye does not always have to be such a bad thing. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by Peter, Paul, and Mary is all about saying goodbye before a long trip or tour.
15. “Happy Trails” by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans
Goodbyes can even be pleasant sometimes. “Happy Trails” by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans is a pleasant goodbye song. It could be used for saying happy goodbyes to a friend, a family member, or a lover.
16. “Bye Bye Bye” by NSYNC
Not all songs about saying goodbye have to be slow and subdued. “Bye Bye Bye” by NSYNC is an upbeat dance pop hit about saying farewell to another person. It was released as a part of the 2000 album ‘No Strings Attached.’ This is a song that everybody knows, for sure.
17. “Farewell” by Rihanna
“Farewell” was released by Rihanna as a part of her 2011 hit album ‘Talk That Talk.’ This is the perfect farewell song to listen to if a friend or family member is moving away.
18. “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson
Lots of musicians have written songs about saying goodbye so that they can go on tour. Fans can often relate to these songs in surprising ways. If you are saying goodbye to take a road trip with friends or family members, you might like this song. “On the Road Again” takes a happy spin on the subject of saying farewell.
19. “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye” by Patty Loveless
“How Can I Help You Say Goodbye” was released by Patty Loveless as a part of the 1993 album ‘Only What I Feel.’ As a child, saying goodbye to friends because of moves can be hard. This song is all about those sad childhood goodbyes.
20. “50 Ways to Say Goodbye” by Train
“50 Ways to Say Goodbye” by Train is all about struggling to say goodbye to another person. Instead of coming to grips with the situation, the singer comes up with excuses about why he was left.
21. “Fade to Black” by Metallica
The heavy metal song “Fade to Black” by Metallica is about being greeted by death. If you are struggling with the idea of death and goodbyes related to death, you may want to avoid this song.
22. “I’m Movin On” by Rascal Flatts
I’m Movin On” by Rascal Flatts is about physically moving out of one town and into a new one. Moving away can involve saying lots of goodbyes to friends and family members. Rascal Flatts suggests that this might be for the best.
23. “Hello, Goodbye” by The Beatles
“Hello, Goodbye” was originally written by The Beatles as a song about opposites. The song, unironically, is as much about saying hello as it is about saying goodbye.
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24. “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye
If you have recently lost a friend or family member after a difficult argument, you might be able to relate to this song. The song “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye is about saying goodbye to a person who unfortunately has changed for the worse.
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25. “Take This Job and Shove It” by Johnny Paycheck
“Take This Job and Shove It” was written and released by Johnny Paycheck for the 1977 record by the same title, ‘Take This Job and Shove It.’ This song is about two types of goodbyes – saying goodbye to a lover and saying goodbye to a job too.
26. “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt
“Don’t Speak” by ska punk band No Doubt is about saying goodbye without interruption. Sometimes, you have to set boundaries in order to say goodbye to a person you have outgrown. “Don’t Speak” was released as a part of the 1995 No Doubt album ‘Tragic Kingdom.’
27. “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister
“We’re Not Gonna Take It” was released by Twisted Sister along with the 1984 album ‘Stay Hungry.’ “We’re Not Gonna Take It” is all about saying goodbye to the status quo.
28. “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles
“Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles is one of the most classic farewell songs ever written. The famous rhythm and blues song was originally written and released in the year 1962.
29. “You’ve Got a Friend” by Carole King
The heartwarming song “You’ve Got a Friend” was released by Carole King for the 1971 album ‘Tapestry.’ This song has also been famously covered by artists like James Taylor and Michael Jackson. It was even used for goodbye scenes in the children’s movie ‘Toy Story.’
30. “Goodbye, Goodbye” by Tegan and Sara
Famous indie pop girl duo Tegan and Sara released their song “Goodbye, Goodbye” in the year 2013. It was nominated for a Much Music Award for Best Pop Video.
31. “So Long. It’s Been Good to Know You” by Woody Guthrie
“So Long. It’s Been Good to Know You” by Woody Guthrie is the oldest song on this list. It was first written and recorded almost 100 years ago, in the year 1935.
32. “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough” by Patty Smyth featuring Don Henley
“Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough” is about saying goodbye to someone even though it is an extremely difficult thing to do. The soft rock ballad was released in the year 1992.
33. “Don’t Forget to Remember” by the Bee Gees
“Don’t Forget to Remember Me” by the Bee Gees is about holding onto memories after a difficult goodbye. It was released in 1970 along with the full length album ‘Staying Alive.’
34. “Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root
“Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root was written about the type of goodbyes that come along with growing up. These goodbyes are neither good nor bad, but comfortingly inevitable.
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35. “One Last Time” by Ariana Grande
Pop hit “One Last Time” by Ariana Grande is about saying sorry and saying goodbye at the same time. If you are scared to say goodbye to someone, but you have to do it anyway, then you will be able to identify with this song.
36. “Goodbye Stranger” by Supertramp
“Goodbye Stranger” by Supertramp was released in the year 1979 along with the full length album ‘Breakfast in America.’ It is about coming to terms with saying goodbye.
37. “Separate Ways” by Journey
“Separate Ways” by Journey is about the loneliness that can come along with saying goodbye to another person. “Separate Ways” by Journey was included on their 1983 album ‘Frontier.’
38. “No Such Thing” by John Mayer
The popular pop rock song “No Such Thing” by John Mayer is about saying goodbye to what people think of you. If you struggled with high school friendships, this song might remind you of fondly saying goodbye to bullies and naysayers.
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39. “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette
The award winning pop song “You Oughta Know” was released by Alanis Morissette in the year 1995 along with her record ‘Jagged Little Pill.’ This song is about saying goodbye to funnyman Dave Coulier.
40. “Homeward Bound” by Simon and Garfunkel
“Homeward Bound” was released by Simon and Garfunkel as a part of their 1966 record ‘Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme.’ It is about saying goodbye to go to a new city, but wishing you were homeward bound.
41. “Say Goodbye” by Skillet
The lyrics to “Say Goodbye” by progressive rock band Skillet are about postponing goodbyes. It was included on their 2006 record ‘Comatose.’
42. “Take Me Home” by John Denver
John Denver is one of the kings of farewell songs. His country rock song “Take Me Home” is all about missing your hometown after saying farewell to it. If you miss friends and family in your hometown, you will love this song.
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43. “Goodbye Kiss” by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Coming to terms with goodbyes can be difficult. “Goodbye Kiss” by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals is about acknowledging the end of a relationship with a sad goodbye kiss.
44. “Beautiful Goodbye” by Maroon 5
Some goodbyes can be beautiful. “Beautiful Goodbye” by Maroon 5 is about watching someone say a painful goodbye to you. This can be even more difficult than saying goodbye on your own. “Beautiful Goodbye” was included on the 2012 Maroon 5 album ‘Overexposed.’
45. “I’m Movin On” by Elvis Presley
Moving on is a big part of saying goodbye. “I’m Movin On” by Elvis Presley provides some quality advice for dealing with goodbyes. What is this advice from the king of rock and roll? “Move on.”
46. “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac
“Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac is one of the most famous break up songs of all time. It is about finding hope in saying goodbye after a breakup. This song could also be used for saying goodbye to a friend or family member.
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47. “Home” by Phillip Phillips
“Home” by Phillip Phillips was a part of the 2012 album ‘The World from the Side of the Moon.’ This song is about saying hello to the future as you say goodbye to the past at the same time.
48. “Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers” by Jeff Black
“Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers” was included on the 1975 Jeff Black record ‘Blow by Blow.’ It was composed by Stevie Wonder as an apology to Jeff Black. Wonder preferred to say sorry than to say goodbye to the friendship.
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49. “The Long and Winding Road” by The Beatles
“The Long and Winding Road” by The Beatles was a part of their famous 1970 album release ‘Let It Be.’ It was one of the Beatles last songs and may have been written as part of a goodbye to the other band members.
50. “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers
“Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers is all about the sad feeling that comes after someone says goodbye. It was released as a part of the 1971 album ‘Just As I Am.’
51. “A Better Man” by Clint Black
“A Better Man” by Clint Black is about finding the optimistic side of a goodbye. The song is also about wondering when to say goodbye. It was released in the year 1989 as part of the full length Clint Black album ‘Killin Time.’
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