Sweet Partings: 4 Excellent Songs With “Goodbye” in Their Titles
An article highlights four songs with “goodbye” in their titles, arguing that farewells can make compelling listening rather than simply signal sorrow. The songs approach parting in different ways, from romantic heartbreak to a wry account of a disastrous encounter.
Leonard Cohen first gave “Hey That’s No Way To Say Goodbye” to Judy Collins, and it went on to be covered by many artists. Colin Blunstone’s “Caroline Goodbye” was a standout on his 1971 solo debut, while Billy Joel’s “Say Goodbye To Hollywood” reflected his departure from the West Coast and featured a beat inspired by “Be My Baby”. Squeeze’s “Goodbye Girl” appeared in three versions, with separate UK and US singles and another take on the album *Cool For Cats*.
In short
- Four songs explore different kinds of parting.
- Cohen’s song was recorded by Judy Collins before his debut.
- Squeeze released three versions of “Goodbye Girl”.
Explained simply
Goodbye songs can deal with more than sadness: they may describe heartbreak, a change of place or an awkward meeting. The four songs here come from different points in pop history and show how writers have used a farewell as the starting point for different stories.
Leonard Cohen’s song was first recorded by Judy Collins and later covered by many performers. Colin Blunstone included “Caroline Goodbye” on his first solo album in 1971, while Billy Joel’s “Say Goodbye To Hollywood” drew on his move away from the West Coast and used a drum beat inspired by the Ronettes’ “Be My Baby”.
Squeeze released “Goodbye Girl” in several versions, including separate UK and US singles and a version on *Cool For Cats*. Together, the songs offer a glimpse of how artists across different eras have made parting a subject for pop.
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