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!
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- [2025 Edition] Classic Western Songs with Great Lyrics: Beautiful Messages That Touch the Heart
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Farewell and Goodbye Songs in Western Music: A Perfect BGM Playlist for Farewell Parties (1–10)
Filthy RichElla Henderson
The song by Ella Henderson, a UK-born artist, sings about the value of human connection over material wealth.
With powerful vocals and a catchy melody, this heartwarming track conveys gratitude to family, friends, and fans.
Released in October 2024, it was unveiled as the lead single from her third studio album.
The lyrics, reflecting her musical growth and maturity, will resonate with many listeners who’ve experienced life’s ups and downs.
It’s a perfect song to listen to at moments of parting.
THE LONELIESTMåneskin
Life is full of farewells.
In those moments, music can stay close to the heart and color a new beginning.
The songs introduced here all take on special meaning when played at farewell gatherings.
From quiet, wistful ballads to tracks that radiate positive energy, a wide-ranging lineup will move you.
When sending a friend off to a distant place, songs filled with gratitude and cheers for the future can turn that moment into a lifelong memory.
These selections resonate across generations, evoking both nostalgia and freshness, touching the heart in parting scenes and guiding us toward new hope.
Warmly embracing those who are seeing someone off, these English-language farewell songs are well worth checking out.
Fight SongRachel Platten
A song brimming with strength and hope, centered on themes of self-affirmation and courage.
Written by American artist Rachel Platten as a heartfelt effort to overcome a lull in her music career, it was released in February 2015 and became a major hit, peaking at No.
6 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Featured in WWE’s “Rise Above Cancer” campaign and a Ford commercial, the track has served as a source of support for people facing challenges.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who has experienced setbacks yet can’t give up on their dreams.
Western farewell and goodbye songs: A roundup of perfect BGM for farewell parties (11–20)
UnwrittenNatasha Bedingfield
Natasha Bedingfield is a British singer-songwriter.
She created “Unwritten” as the theme song for a documentary program.
The song likens life to a letter before it’s been written.
It carries a positive message: while it’s unsettling not to know anything for sure about the future, you could also say it means there are infinite possibilities.
With its added choral parts along the way, the track leaves a joyful impression.
Car’s OutsideJames Arthur
I don’t want to say goodbye, but we have to part.
That’s the situation portrayed in “Car’s Outside.” This song is included on singer-songwriter James Arthur’s album You.
Set against a low, bassy guitar sound, it depicts the sorrow of someone who must say farewell to the person they love.
Despite his feelings, time slips away and the moment of parting arrives all too soon—an achingly bittersweet story you won’t want to miss.
Graduationbenny blanco, Juice WRLD
Rapper Benny Blanco collaborated with singer Juice WRLD on the track Graduation.
It’s crafted from the perspective of a male student graduating from school, singing about unchanging friendship and the life that lies ahead.
Its charm lies in many relatable points, such as depictions of growing fond of a school he used to dislike and sections introducing his classmates.
It also sprinkles in bits of dark humor here and there that will make you chuckle.
No Such ThingJohn Mayer
“No Such Thing” is also recommended for farewell parties for graduates.
This song was written by singer-songwriter John Mayer based on his own experiences.
It portrays the anxiety high school graduates feel about entering society, as well as their rebellious feelings toward adults who try to decide their paths for them.
It also carries a positive message of “I’ll decide my own future.” Listening to it will likely fill you with courage and motivation.