Western songs about saying “goodbye” — perfect for bereavement or a departed lover
Suddenly, have you ever felt that there are surprisingly few Western songs themed around “goodbye” that you can truly relate to?
In life, there are many kinds of farewells—breakups, bereavement, and more, even though they all fall under the same word: goodbye.
It’s the same with music.
Even when a song shares the theme of bereavement, it can be surprisingly hard to find lyrics that resonate with your own experience.
So this time, we’ve picked out a variety of Western songs themed around “goodbye,” focusing especially on tracks about loss and departed lovers.
From brand-new releases to timeless classics, we’ve selected from a wide range of eras—so you’re sure to find something that fits you perfectly!
Please sit back, relax, and enjoy.
- [Masterpiece] Tear-jerking Western songs. The tears won’t stop… truly sad songs [2025]
- Farewell and goodbye songs in Western music: A roundup of perfect BGM for farewell parties
- Ranking of Western farewell songs [2025]
- Departure songs in Western music: world-famous classics and popular tracks.
- Songs That Make You Cry: Heart-Wrenching Western Music—from Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits
- Ranking of Tear-Jerking Western Songs [2025]
- When you’re hurting and feel like you want to disappear… timeless Western songs to listen to at times like these
- Western songs to listen to when you feel lonely: world classics and popular hits
- Hidden gems of tear-jerking Western songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- Recommended Western songs to express gratitude and say thank you [2025]
- [2025 Edition] Goodbye Songs in Western Music: Sad Farewell Tracks
- A collection of popular Western rock ballads: a roundup of moving, tear-jerking masterpieces.
- Top 2025 Ranking of Popular Goodbye Songs by Female Western Artists
Western songs about saying “goodbye” — perfect for bereavement or a lost lover (1–10)
Stay With MeSam Smith
Sam Smith’s mega-hit song, “Stay With Me.” Released in 2014, this track became a worldwide sensation thanks to its heartrending melody and Sam Smith’s distinctive high tenor.
The lyrics portray the feelings of a gay man who can’t bring himself to confess his love to another man.
While it’s a breakup song, the lyrics are abstract enough that it could also be interpreted as dealing with bereavement.
Why not let yourself be soothed by a melody that gently wraps around a battered heart?
Beautiful GoodbyeMaroon 5
Maroon 5’s “Beautiful Goodbye” is a song whose comfortable rhythm and soulful, beautiful melody seem to soothe the memories of a sorrowful farewell.
Like a page from a novel, its lyrics lay out a wistful, delicate inner world—be sure to read them and take them in.
The gentle groove that fits seamlessly into everyday life offers a forward-looking strength that keeps you from being bound by the past.
It’s a track I hope you’ll relax to and take your time listening to now and then.
Wake Me Up When September EndsGreen Day
A song woven by Green Day that carries feelings for a father.
It is included on their 2004 album American Idiot.
Born from vocalist Billie Joe’s experience of losing his father at the age of ten, the piece sets the pain of loss and the passage of time to a beautiful melody.
Beginning with the delicate tones of an acoustic guitar and gradually gaining strength, its structure suggests hope within sorrow.
The lyrics, rooted in a personal experience, possess a universality that resonates with many.
It is a song that gently stays by the side of anyone trying to overcome a difficult experience.
Western songs about saying “goodbye”: perfect for bereavement and lost lovers (11–20)
GhostJustin Bieber
This song, performed by Canadian artist Justin Bieber, centers on the sorrow of losing a loved one and the hope felt through their memories.
It blends an up-tempo beat with a wistful melody, skillfully expressing the idea of finding hope amid grief.
Included on the album Justice, it was released as a single in September 2021.
The music video features actress Diane Keaton and portrays the story of a grandchild and grandmother who have lost their grandfather.
Conveying empathy and comfort to those who lost someone during the COVID-19 pandemic, the track offers a warm, consoling presence.
Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi
Lewis Capaldi is a singer-songwriter from Scotland, known for his baritone voice and expressive delivery.
One of his most famous songs is Someone You Loved.
The song deals with the theme of a breakup, and it actually has two music videos—one of which clearly focuses on bereavement.
Considering that, I think the song carries a double meaning, encompassing both heartbreak and loss.
Definitely give it a listen.
Good RiddanceGreen Day
Green Day is known as a quintessential punk rock band and has garnered immense popularity among listeners in Japan as well.
Their song Good Riddance was released from their fifth album, Nimrod.
Centered on the theme of farewell, the track portrays the feeling of trying to forget a former lover in order to move forward on a new path.
While some of the emotions are tempered by the melody, as is typical in punk, it still comes together as a poignant song.
Be sure to give it a listen.
HallelujahPentatonix
Leonard Cohen’s masterpiece, “Hallelujah.” It’s so famous that it even appears in Japanese textbooks, but I think few people have ever paid attention to the meaning of the lyrics.
At first glance, the song’s lyrics can be hard to understand because they seem heavily religious, but in fact, it’s about love.
It’s a bittersweet yet heartwarming song that depicts a relationship from beginning to end, so be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well.
This time, instead of the original, I’ve selected the a cappella group Pentatonix’s version.
The melody is also especially compelling.