Ranking of Western farewell songs [2025]
How many classic Western songs about parting do you know?
It’s wonderful to be able to sing them at occasions celebrating a send-off.
The fact that they’re in English is key, too—the lyrics aren’t too on-the-nose, so they can subtly set the mood without drawing too much attention.
It’s one of those “if you know, you know” things!
This time, I’ve picked out tracks that have been popular on YouTube so far, so be sure to check them out.
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Top 10 Western Goodbye Songs [2025]
Candle In The WindElton John8rank/position
Goodbye, Norma Jean.
From a young man seated in row 22.
Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind” is a farewell song that candidly expresses his admiration for Marilyn Monroe.
Sometimes parting with one’s idol can tear the heart apart and transform that pain into a sentimental song like this.
It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to YesterdayBoyz II Men9rank/position
After parting with someone dear, have you ever felt your chest tighten with the thought that you can never return to the joyful “yesterday”? The song “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” by the American R&B group Boyz II Men is a classic that sings of longing for the past and the pain of farewell.
Precisely because it’s performed a cappella, without any instruments, the warmth and poignancy of their voices seep directly into the heart.
It’s as if the beautiful harmonies gently embrace the sorrow that overflows no matter how hard you try to hold it back.
This song feels like a warm presence that quietly stays close to a heart that has experienced a painful parting, allowing the tears to flow.
StitchesShawn Mendes10rank/position
Shawn Mendes is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has gained worldwide popularity with his sweet vocal tone and catchy lyrics and melodies.
He has produced numerous hit songs.
Among them, one of his most popular breakup-themed works is Stitches.
This song can be interpreted in two ways: one is heartbreak, and the other depicts bereavement—portraying a man who has had an accident and is about to die, thinking of the girlfriend he’s leaving behind.
Songs told from the perspective of the one who’s dying are rare, so be sure to check it out.
Foreign Music Goodbye Song Ranking [2025] (11–20)
HallelujahPentatonix11rank/position
Leonard Cohen’s masterpiece, “Hallelujah.” It’s so famous that it even appears in Japanese textbooks, but I think few people have ever paid attention to the meaning of the lyrics.
At first glance, the song’s lyrics can be hard to understand because they seem heavily religious, but in fact, it’s about love.
It’s a bittersweet yet heartwarming song that depicts a relationship from beginning to end, so be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well.
This time, instead of the original, I’ve selected the a cappella group Pentatonix’s version.
The melody is also especially compelling.
Say GoodbyeChris Brown12rank/position
Chris Brown is an R&B singer who was hugely active from the 2000s through the 2010s.
He’s an artist known for performances that evoke Michael Jackson and for his highly sophisticated melodic lines.
One of his works themed around “goodbye” is Say Goodbye.
Centered on a breakup with a lover, it portrays the bittersweet feelings of a man.
If you imagine this song as a man with only a short time left to live breaking the news of parting to a woman, an overwhelming sadness washes over you.
The lyrics are abstract, so why not overlay them with your own experiences?
Goodbye My LoverJames Blunt13rank/position
James Blunt, the British singer-songwriter who scored a global smash with “You’re Beautiful,” has created numerous ballads over the years.
Among his songs, one I especially recommend as a masterpiece about saying goodbye is “Goodbye My Lover.” It portrays the aching feelings of a man who senses his lover’s affection for him is fading.
The lyrics pierce the heart, and the melody is intricately crafted down to the smallest details—be sure to give it a listen.
Consequences (Orchestra)Camila Cabello14rank/position
When you think of Camila Cabello, you probably picture her singing upbeat, Latin-flavored songs in a high, bright voice.
But “Consequences (Orchestra)” is crafted with a melody that’s the complete opposite of that image.
The lively tracks are great, of course, but I actually feel these quieter songs suit her surprisingly well.
The lyrics express the heartbreaking feelings of a woman who’s been cheated on.
Combined with the melody, it turns into an incredibly heartrending piece.