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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!

Farewell and goodbye songs in Western music: a collection of perfect background music for farewell parties (51–60)

Goodbye My LoverJames Blunt

James Blunt – Goodbye My Lover (Official Music Video) [4K]
Goodbye My LoverJames Blunt

James Blunt is an English singer-songwriter who has produced many hit songs, mainly in pop rock, soft rock, and folk rock.

He’s also very popular in Japan.

“Goodbye My Lover” is one of his most beloved songs, themed around parting and farewell.

It portrays the inability to accept a breakup with a lover.

If you’re desperate to hold on to someone important, this song might give you the push you need.

You’ve Got a Friend in MeRandy Newman

Randy Newman – You’ve Got a Friend in Me (From “Toy Story 4″/Audio Only)
You've Got a Friend in MeRandy Newman

Randy Newman is an American singer-songwriter who was highly active in the 1970s.

Gaining popularity with catchy melodies centered on pop and rock, he energized the pop scene from the ’70s through the ’90s.

His song “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” was released in 1995.

Celebrated for its catchy lyrics and melody about friendship, it was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.

I Was HereBeyoncé

Beyoncé – I Was Here (United Nations World Humanitarian Day Performance Video)
I Was HereBeyoncé

If you want to create a solemn or sacred atmosphere at a farewell party, “I Was Here” is recommended.

This song was crafted by the world-renowned diva Beyoncé with a wish for world peace.

Her performance at the UN General Assembly Hall also drew attention.

The song conveys that no matter what happens, memories never fade.

It’s an R&B ballad built around the guitar, and the lyrics are easy to catch.

Take your time and listen closely to the words.

We Are Young (ft. Janelle Monáe)Fun

Fun.: We Are Young ft. Janelle Monáe [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
We Are Young (ft. Janelle Monáe)Fun

The rock band fun.

invited Janelle Monáe to collaborate on We Are Young (ft.

Janelle Monáe).

The song was written by vocalist Nate Ruess about a night he personally experienced.

It portrays the sorrow and loneliness of heartbreak and the attempt to overcome them.

Since the lyrics don’t state it explicitly, you can also interpret the subject as a friend or someone else instead of an ex.

The romantic vocals of Nate Ruess and Janelle Monáe are sure to bring a warm atmosphere to a farewell party.

Western farewell/parting songs: A roundup of perfect BGM for farewell parties (61–70)

One More DayDiamond Rio

Diamond Rio – One More Day (Official HD Video)
One More DayDiamond Rio

Country music is a genre that has remained popular in the United States for many years.

It’s known for its catchy melodies and lyrics.

Diamond Rio is one of the bands that helped ignite the country music boom of the 1980s, and they have produced numerous hit songs.

Among them, “One More Day” is still cherished today as a song themed around farewells and send-offs.

The true charm of this track lies in its lyrics.

Its gentle, heartwarming melody and words can help soften the sadness of partings and goodbyes, even just a little.

You’ll Think Of MeKeith Urban

Keith Urban – You’ll Think Of Me (Official Music Video)
You'll Think Of MeKeith Urban

Keith Urban is a quintessential Australian male singer-songwriter.

Armed with his catchy musical style, he continues to produce hit songs even today.

Among his works, a song I especially recommend for themes of parting and farewells is “You’ll Think of Me.” It portrays the feelings of a man after a cold, matter-of-fact breakup.

While it’s a love song, its wistful lyrics are relatable in many different situations.

You’re Not AloneAndrew W.K.

Andrew W.K. – You’re Not Alone (LIVE)
You’re Not AloneAndrew W.K.

Andrew W.

K.

is known as a party guy, but this song is a somewhat serious, motivational anthem.

It carries a positive message for someone about to set off on a new journey.

If you perform it at a farewell party—complete with his signature, full-throttle facial expressions—it’ll surely be a send-off no one will forget.