[2025 Edition] Goodbye Songs in Western Music: Sad Farewell Tracks
Artists make a living by turning their own experiences and feelings into works, so it’s only natural that they would take on the theme of “goodbyes,” something everyone inevitably encounters in life.
It’s ironic that great songs are sometimes born precisely because of painful partings, but timeless masterpieces infused with artists’ emotions always move us.
In this article, we introduce Western songs that sing about all kinds of farewells—not just heartbreak.
From tracks that lift your spirits to ones that plunge you into the depths of sorrow, and even songs that lay bare lingering attachments, check out these masterpieces that reveal the artists’ true selves.
- Ranking of Western farewell songs [2025]
- Farewell and goodbye songs in Western music: A roundup of perfect BGM for farewell parties
- Ranking of Tear-Jerking Western Songs [2025]
- [2025] Unrequited feelings, hearts out of sync… A collection of Western songs about impossible love
- Taylor Swift's Breakup Songs: Popular Tracks Ranking [2025]
- Top 2025 Ranking of Popular Goodbye Songs by Female Western Artists
- Western songs about saying “goodbye” — perfect for bereavement or a departed lover
- Top Western Breakup Songs Ranking [2025]
- Recommended male heartbreak songs in Western music. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
- 2025: Heartbreak songs in Western music — tearjerkers to listen to when love ends
- Saddest Western Songs Ranking [2025]
- Ranking of Melancholic Western Songs [2025]
- [Masterpiece] Tear-jerking Western songs. The tears won’t stop… truly sad songs [2025]
[2025 Edition] Goodbye Songs in Western Music: Sad Farewell Tracks (1–10)
GoodbyeAlicia Keys
A heart-stirring breakup ballad has been born.
Carried by gentle piano tones, Alicia Keys’s soul-shaking vocals resound throughout.
The lyrics, which candidly portray the pain and turmoil of heartbreak, vividly capture feelings that everyone experiences at least once.
The song is included on her debut album, Songs in A Minor, released in June 2001—a legendary record that won five Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist.
It’s a track that offers solace, supporting those suffering from the wounds of lost love and those trying to move on from a farewell with someone dear.
THE LONELIESTMåneskin
Måneskin’s moving masterpiece “THE LONELIEST” has captured global attention and continues to enthrall listeners since its release on October 7, 2022.
Stepping slightly away from their core rock sound, the track is mellow and melancholic.
Its lyrics—speaking to loss, acceptance, and nostalgia—resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s a track packed with a heartfelt message, vividly portraying the pain of losing someone you love.
The music video is also noteworthy, with its luxurious setting further enhancing the song’s atmosphere.
It’s highly recommended for those who, even while bearing the depths of sorrow, wish to cherish the beauty of the time they loved—and want to spend such a bittersweet night together.
Someone Like YouAdele
Adele is a singer-songwriter who represents the United Kingdom.
With her distinctive vocals and powerful expressiveness, she enjoys strong support from fans around the world.
Someone Like You is one of her signature songs; it was released in 2011 and won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance the same year.
The lyrics depict the feelings of a woman who receives a wedding invitation from her ex-boyfriend.
It’s an incredibly heart-wrenching song—have your tissues ready!
[2025 Edition] Goodbye Songs in Western Music: Sad Farewell Tracks (11–20)
we can’t be friends (wait for your love)Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande’s track, which stands out for its fusion of synth-pop and EDM, vividly portrays the emotions that waver between love and friendship.
Its emotional balladry and dance beats are exquisitely balanced, gripping listeners from start to finish.
Featured on her seventh album, “eternal sunshine,” released in March 2024, it debuted at No.
1 on the U.
S.
singles chart.
The music video is an homage to the film “Eternal Sunshine,” offering a striking narrative centered on a memory-erasure procedure.
It’s a must-listen for anyone wrestling with complex romantic feelings or determined to stay true to themselves.
If We Ever Broke UpMae Stephens
Here is a groundbreaking track that overturns the conventions of breakup songs.
In contrast to its gentle melody, the lyrics’ cool, detached attitude toward the split leaves a strong impression.
Mae Stephens deftly channels emotions born from past relationships, crafting a piece that resonates with listeners.
Released in February 2023, the song quickly went viral on social media and dominated charts worldwide.
With its lively rhythm, it captures the sense of liberation and self-affirmation that can follow a breakup.
It’s a perfect pick for anyone worn out by love or ready to look forward and move on.
good 4 uOlivia Rodrigo
It’s a track that explodes with the pain and anger of heartbreak.
The lyrics capture complex emotions: while an ex has moved on to a new relationship, the narrator still can’t bounce back.
Its energetic, pop‑punk‑influenced sound brilliantly conveys the feelings of youth.
Included on Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album “SOUR,” the song was released in May 2021 and quickly dominated the charts.
It’s a must-listen for anyone struggling to recover from a breakup or dealing with complicated feelings toward an ex.
Used To Be YoungMiley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus, known for her captivating husky voice, released “Used To Be Young” in 2023, a song that traces the evolution of her younger self from a decade ago.
Issued to commemorate a special anniversary of the album Endless Summer Vacation, the track portrays both her dazzling past and the personal growth that came from partings.
While it looks back on her youth, the intertwined feelings of lingering attachment and loss are likely to resonate with listeners.
Through moments of relational friction and self-discovery, it becomes a song anyone can relate to—one that invites a sentimental mood.
It’s especially moving when you need the courage to keep moving forward while reflecting on the past.