[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.
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[2025 Edition] Goodbye Songs in Western Music: Sad Farewell Tracks (31–40)
Wrong DirectionHailee Steinfeld
Hailee Steinfeld’s staple breakup song “Wrong Direction.” As you can tell from the melody, the lyrics are extremely sad.
Though abstract, they likely express the feelings of a woman who was cheated on.
It’s not that she hates him, but the wounds her boyfriend left haven’t healed—that’s the gist.
It feels real and incredibly heartbreaking.
It might weigh on some listeners, but if you’re in the mood to sink into something sentimental, definitely give it a listen!
That’s HilariousCharlie Puth
It’s a song title that carries nuances like “That’s funny!” or “Hilarious,” but once you understand the lyrics’ meaning, you’ll realize just how ironic the title really is.
Charlie Puth’s track “That’s Hilarious,” known alongside his smash hit “See You Again” with Wiz Khalifa, opens his third studio album, Charlie, released in 2022.
Charlie’s soaring vocals are highly emotional, and there’s an indescribable sense of sorrow in the chorus in particular.
According to Charlie himself, the song reflects a painful breakup he went through in 2019, and he’s even said it’s “the hardest song” he’s ever written.
If you’ve had a similar experience, simply imagining what Charlie felt may be tough—so take care!
Beautiful GoodbyeMaroon 5
A song from the American band Maroon 5’s 2012 album Overexposed.
It’s a rhythmic ballad.
The music video, featuring the vocals of Adam Levine and his cute-and-sexy vibe, portrays the memorable days of a couple.
You should be sadHalsey
Halsey is known as a leading artist in electropop.
When you think of her songs, many people probably picture something flashy and cool.
“You should be sad” is one of her popular breakup songs.
The melody isn’t exactly bright, but it’s not dark either.
It portrays the real feelings of a woman breaking up with her boyfriend.
The song matches a woman’s bittersweet feelings toward a boyfriend who doesn’t give her attention with its melody.
drivers licenseOlivia Rodrigo
A gem of a ballad by American artist Olivia Rodrigo, layering the pain of heartbreak over the driver’s license—a symbol of youth.
Released in January 2021, her debut single portrays the protagonist’s inability to let go of feelings for an ex, expressed through the imagery of a solitary drive.
The piano-driven track’s emotional swells vividly convey the sense of loss when a promised future is suddenly severed, as well as the complex jealousy toward a new partner.
As the lead single from the album SOUR, it topped the charts in 25 countries worldwide.
This masterpiece offers deep comfort to those facing the end of a first love or feeling isolated at a turning point in life.
[2025 Edition] Goodbye Songs in Western Music: Sad Farewell Tracks (41–50)
HelloAdele
Adele is a singer-songwriter who represents the UK.
With her distinctive timbre and richly expressive vocals, she has earned high praise from listeners around the world.
One of her signature songs, Hello, was released in 2015 and won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year that same year.
The lyrics depict a complex scenario in which a woman who has been unfaithful conveys both an apology and gratitude to the man she parted ways with.
Moral of the StoryAshe
Ash’s signature song, “Moral of the Story.” It’s her biggest hit.
She’s influenced by jazz, and you can really feel those jazz elements in “Moral of the Story” as well.
The lyrics are abstract, but they likely portray the fate of a woman who chose a no-good boyfriend.
It’s a song imbued with the idea of loving each other until it’s lost.
She’s not very well-known in Japan yet, but she seems like an artist who will gain much more recognition from here on.