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[2025 Edition] Goodbye Songs in Western Music: Sad Farewell Tracks

Active club DJKento
Active as a club DJ. Centered on dance music, they mix a wide range of genres including US hip-hop and J-rap, captivating audiences with their unique musical style.
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!

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.

[2025 Edition] Goodbye Songs in Western Music: Sad Farewell Tracks (21–30)

When I Was Your ManBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – When I Was Your Man (Official Music Video)

When I Was Your ManBruno Mars

Bruno Mars is an artist known for his husky voice and groovy sound.

He has changed his style several times—starting with pop in his early period, then rock ’n’ roll in the middle, and now R&B and disco.

“When I Was Your Man” is a song from the transition between his mid-period and his current style.

Despite its simple arrangement of just piano and vocals, it’s a powerful piece.

The climactic chorus melody is heartrending yet overwhelmingly impactful!

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Is It Over Now?Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) (Lyric Video)

Is It Over Now?Taylor Swift

The world-renowned songstress Taylor Swift.

Let me introduce “Is It Over Now?” from her album 1989.

It’s a mid-tempo ballad that portrays a breakup from a woman’s perspective.

While she harbors resentment toward her lover, it’s clear she hasn’t completely cut off her feelings.

That emotional complexity is heart-wrenching.

By the way, a self-cover version, “Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version),” has also been released.

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The Yellow MileMarika Hackman

Marika Hackman – The Yellow Mile (Official Music Video)

The Yellow MileMarika Hackman

It’s a farewell song sung by English singer-songwriter Marika Hackman, serene yet suffused with a strong sense of resolve.

Crafted with just an acoustic guitar and her voice, the piece portrays someone confronting the past—as if laying their former self to rest—while memories of a finished love gnaw away at them.

Even when you know the relationship was painful, it isn’t easy to let go; many of us may have felt that same frustrating pull.

This track appears on the album “Big Sigh,” released in January 2024.

For anyone wishing to quietly face forward and bring a difficult romance to a close, this song may offer gentle companionship.

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Car’s OutsideJames Arthur

James Arthur – Car’s Outside (Official Lyric Video)

Car's OutsideJames Arthur

James Arthur’s song “Car’s Outside,” themed around the heartache of long-distance love, is a moving ballad released in 2019.

Its lyrics are filled with the painful wish to no longer be apart, capturing the struggle of being physically distant from a loved one.

Arthur’s raw vocals and emotional melody evoke deep empathy in listeners.

In particular, the line “I need to pack my bags—you’re coming with me” conveys a heartfelt desire to stay close and not leave a partner lonely.

It’s a highly recommended track for anyone who longs for someone far away.

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Never Say GoodbyeBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – Never Say Goodbye (Official Music Video)

Never Say GoodbyeBon Jovi

A track from their third album, Slippery When Wet, this power ballad uses a slow tempo to make Jon Bon Jovi’s vocals even more compelling.

It’s often regarded as one of Bon Jovi’s hidden gems.

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Lost (feat. The Kid LAROI)Bailey Zimmerman

Bailey Zimmerman – Lost (feat. The Kid LAROI) [Official Music Video]

Lost (feat. The Kid LAROI)Bailey Zimmerman

American singer Bailey Zimmerman, who shot to stardom from posting on TikTok.

In this track, which features The Kid Laroi, he portrays the deep sense of loss and helplessness that follows a breakup.

It’s that feeling like half of you has been ripped away and you no longer know which way to go—an experience many can relate to.

Despite its uptempo, synth-forward sound, the protagonist’s pain, frozen in place, comes through and tightens your chest.

The song is included on the album “Different Night Same Rodeo,” released in August 2025.

It’s a breakup song that gently says, “You’re not alone,” to hearts that feel hopelessly lost.

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Lose You to Love MeSelena Gomez

Selena Gomez – Lose You To Love Me (Official Music Video)

Lose You to Love MeSelena Gomez

Selena Gomez is active as an actress and artist.

She is an artist who is well-known in Japan as well.

In addition to her acting career, she is also extremely popular as a singer and has won many music awards.

Lose You to Love Me is known as one of her signature songs and was released in 2020.

The lyrics depict the bittersweet feelings of a woman supporting her boyfriend as he pursues his dreams.

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