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] Moving Western songs that touch the heart: A roundup of recommended masterpieces
- Graduation songs in Western music with great lyrics—heartfelt, beautiful messages.
- Tear-jerking graduation songs in Western music. Classic tracks for graduation season and recommended popular songs.
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- [2025 Edition] Classic Western Songs with Great Lyrics: Beautiful Messages That Touch the Heart
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Western farewell/goodbye songs: A roundup of perfect BGM for farewell parties (21–30)
Lean on MeBill Withers
This is a classic by Bill Withers, a Black singer-songwriter who was active from the 1960s to the 1980s.
Not only is the song itself excellent, but the lyrics are truly wonderful, making it a guaranteed tear-jerker if sung at a farewell party.
Good TimesOwl City & Carly Rae Jepsen
It’s a collaboration between Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen.
Since it’s often played as background music, many of you might already know it.
It’s an incredibly happy song that can liven up a farewell party, which tends to get a bit sentimental.
Definitely try singing it with male and female vocals!
Farewell and goodbye songs in Western music: A roundup of perfect BGM for farewell parties (31–40)
I’m Only Me When I’m With YouTaylor Swift
Taylor Swift is an artist with worldwide popularity.
In her early days, she released many songs with a gentle, country music foundation, but she has since shifted her style and now actively releases tracks in dance music and electropop as well.
“I’m Only Me When I’m With You” is a song from her country era, and it gained popularity for its catchy lyrics and melody.
Be sure to check it out.
Stand By MeBen E. King
Ben E.
King, a soul singer respected around the world.
He began performing as a member of The Drifters in 1958 and later achieved global success as a solo artist.
“Stand By Me” is his biggest hit, and it continues to be acclaimed worldwide to this day.
Many of you may know it because it was also adapted into a film with the same title.
Although the song isn’t about parting, it has long been used as a farewell song, partly due to the film’s influence.
ViennaBilly Joel
When it comes to American adult contemporary musicians, it’s got to be Billy Joel.
This song is one of the tracks from his famous 1977 album, The Stranger, and “Vienna” refers to the capital of Austria.
You’ve Got a FriendDonny Hathaway
Danny Hathaway, a soul singer who helped energize the New Soul boom of the ’70s.
At a time when racism against Black people was severe in the United States, he didn’t get swept up by the era’s divisions and continued collaborating with and covering white artists.
His rendition of “You’ve Got a Friend” is one example—the original is by singer-songwriter Carole King.
Since it’s a song about friendship, I think it’s perfect for a farewell party.
Please give it a listen.
Say SomethingA Great Big World, Christina Aguilera
The timeless hit “Say Something” became a global sensation.
It’s also the biggest hit by A Great Big World, one of New York’s representative music duos, and it remains popular today as a classic farewell song among many listeners.
The song’s greatest appeal lies in its lyrics: they capture the frustration of having to let someone go but being unable to express those feelings.
For anyone whose partner is planning to study abroad, this track will feel spot-on.