Farewell and goodbye songs in Western music: A roundup of perfect BGM for farewell parties

ceilingsLizzy McAlpine

Lizzy McAlpine – ceilings (official video)

Lizzy McAlpine’s “ceilings,” with its gently resonant guitar melody, is a ballad that portrays the loneliness of a parting moment.

Her crystalline vocals and soft string arrangement heighten the sense of yearning.

The lyrics, which depict the complexities of people growing apart, have the power to stir listeners’ emotions.

It’s well-suited for a farewell gathering, allowing you to reflect on memories with someone dear while inspiring hope and courage for the future.

As its music video’s view count attests, the song’s universal themes capture many hearts and are sure to bring a warm atmosphere to the venue.

To Sir With LoveLulu

Lulu – To Sir With Love

A famous song by Scotland’s Lulu, who was active at the forefront as an actress and singer in the 1960s.

It became the theme song for a 1967 film of the same title in which she herself appeared.

Both the film and the song were given the Japanese title “Itsumo Kokoro ni Taiyō o” (Always Keep the Sun in Your Heart).

Last Train To London (I Won’t Look Back)Mimi Webb

Mimi Webb – Last Train To London (I Won’t Look Back) (Official Music Video)

The piano’s wet melody tugs at the heartstrings in “Last Train To London (I Won’t Look Back).” This song was created by British singer-songwriter Mimi Webb and is included on her album Amelia.

Her beautiful vocals seem perfect for a farewell scene.

The song depicts a woman who says goodbye to her lover and returns to her hometown by train, which is why the sound of a moving train is sampled in the track.

SoulmateNo Use For A Name

no use for a name – soul mate

The American punk band No Use for a Name.

The band disbanded after Tony Sly, who handled vocals and guitar, passed away, but they were a legendary group with immense popularity.

As the title “Soulmate” suggests, this song is dedicated to a longtime close friend.

While the lyrics are sharp and biting set against an upbeat track, they carry a sense of concern and care.

Only Love Can Hurt Like ThisPaloma Faith

Paloma Faith – Only Love Can Hurt Like This (Official Video)

British singer-songwriter Paloma Faith.

Let me introduce “Only Love Can Hurt Like This,” a track from her album A Perfect Contradiction.

It’s a somewhat mature break-up song, with lyrics told from a woman’s perspective, depicting the sorrow of a man leaving her.

The way the sadness is likened to pain is striking.

With Faith’s rich, resonant voice and the wistful melody, it’s a song that fits a farewell scene.

I’m Movin’ OnRascal Flatts

Rascal Flatts – I’m Movin’ On

Rascal Flatts is a band that has produced numerous hit songs, armed with catchy, laid-back melodies.

If you like country music, you’re likely familiar with them—they were an extremely popular country band in the 2000s.

Among their works, a song I especially recommend for farewells and send-offs is “I’m Movin’ On.” It expresses the feelings of the one who’s leaving, so it might be a nice idea to give this song as-is to someone dear who’s about to set off on a new journey.

What Hurts The MostRascal Flatts

Rascal Flatts – What Hurts The Most

Rascal Flatts, the country music band that represents the state of Tennessee.

They debuted in 1999 and really energized the country music scene in the 2000s.

Although they have since disbanded, their songs are still loved today.

One of their works themed around farewell is What Hurts The Most.

Its lyrics depict the sorrow of saying goodbye to someone precious, paired with a moving melody.