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

There are many occasions in life when we send off people who have been important to us—graduations, leaving a company, and more.

If you’ve been put in charge of organizing a farewell party, you might be struggling with booking the venue or planning the program.

If you’re going to do it, you probably want to send them off with stylish background music.

For those people, this article introduces recommended English-language farewell songs!

Whether it’s for graduation or a friend moving away from your hometown, we’ve gathered a wide variety of farewell songs that suit many situations, across different eras and genres—so you’re sure to find the perfect BGM for you.

Be sure to use it as a reference!

Western farewell/parting songs: A roundup of perfect background music for farewell parties (81–90)

Best FriendJason Mraz

Jason Mraz – Best Friend (Official Audio)
Best FriendJason Mraz

Jason Mraz is an artist widely acclaimed around the world for his unique musicality that blends a variety of genres, including soul, blues, rock, pop, and reggae.

While he’s known for numerous collaborations, his solo tracks are also highly compelling.

His song “Best Friend” is one of his celebrated solo masterpieces, and as the title suggests, it portrays friendship.

It’s perfect for farewell gatherings or moments when you want to encourage someone important to you—be sure to give it a listen.

GoodbyeSpice Girls

Spice Girls – Goodbye (Official Music Video)
GoodbyeSpice Girls

The Spice Girls are a female idol group formed in 1994.

They were hugely active from the 1990s into the 2000s, so many of you may be familiar with them.

Their hit song “Goodbye,” released in 2000, earned high praise for its catchy melody and lyrics.

The lyrics depict the bond between the members, making it a perfect choice for farewell parties.

Be sure to check it out.

WannabeSpice Girls

Spice Girls – Wannabe (Official Music Video)
WannabeSpice Girls

The Spice Girls are a popular idol group from the UK.

They were the most successful female idol group of the 2000s and released numerous classic hits.

Their debut song, “Wannabe,” released in 1996, topped the charts across many European countries, including the English-speaking world.

The lyrics portray women living freely.

It’s a song you can enjoy while feeling their bond, so why not consider using it as a farewell song?

I’ll be there for youThe Rembrandts

The Rembrandts- I’ll be there for you (official video)
I'll be there for youThe Rembrandts

The Rembrandts are a pop duo from the United States.

While they aren’t particularly well-known in Japan, those who spent their teens or twenties from the late 1990s to the mid-2000s may find them familiar.

Their signature song, “I’ll Be There for You,” was used as the theme song for the hit American TV show Friends and the Japanese variety show Tsurube-Kamioka no Pape-Po TV.

It’s a catchy tune, so consider using it as a farewell song.

Bye Bye Bye*NSYNC

*NSYNC – Bye Bye Bye (Official Video)
Bye Bye Bye*NSYNC

NSYNC, an American idol group that was hugely popular in the late 1990s.

Their active years weren’t particularly long, but during that time they produced numerous hit songs.

Among them, “Bye Bye Bye” is especially popular and is still cherished today as a song themed around farewells and goodbyes.

In its lyrics, the song depicts a breakup with a lover.

Because the content is fairly straightforward and matter-of-fact, it’s recommended for those who want a crisp, no-frills breakup song.

Bridge Over Troubled WaterSimon&Garfunkel

Simon & Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water (Audio)
Bridge Over Troubled WaterSimon&Garfunkel

A gentle, embracing melody is perfect when seeing off someone who has meant a lot to you.

The folk duo Simon & Garfunkel’s 1970 release “Bridge Over Troubled Water” is a classic ballad that has been covered by countless artists since it came out.

Characterized by its gospel-tinged sound, it features a striking, expansive arrangement that builds from a piano lead.

Its warm lyrics, themed around devotion to a loved one, are deeply soothing.

If you’re creating a farewell video, why not use this timeless song as the background music?

Farewell and Goodbye Songs in Western Music: Perfect BGM for Farewell Parties (91–100)

Don’t Forget To Remember MeCarrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood – Don’t Forget To Remember Me (Official Video)
Don’t Forget To Remember MeCarrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood, the country singer who won season 4 of the hugely popular audition show American Idol and went on to gain worldwide fame, has produced many hit songs with her universally approachable, clean vocals and melodies.

Among her works, a song I especially recommend is Don’t Forget To Remember Me.

It portrays the feelings of someone moving to a big city.

I think it’s a perfect song for the person who’s leaving to send as a farewell.