How Do I Say Goodbye Lyrics
Early mornin' there's a message on my phone
It's my mother saying "Darlin', please come home"
I fear the worst, but how could you leave us all behind?
There's so much to say, but there's so little time
[Chorus]
So how do I say goodbye
To someone who's been with me for my whole damn life?
You gave me my name and the colour of your eyes
I see your face when I look at mine
So how do I, how do I, how do I say goodbye?
[Verse 2]
When I couldn't, you always saw the best in me
Right or wrong, you were always on my side
But I'm scared of what life without you's like
And I saw the way she looked into your eyes
[Pre-Chorus]
And I promise, if you go
I will make sure she's alright
[Chorus]
So how do I say goodbye
To someone who's been with me for my whole damn life?
You gave me my name and the colour of your eyes
I see your face when I look at mine
So how do I, how do I, how do I say goodbye?
And there's no way you could ever let me down
Gonna steal some time and start again
You'll always be my closest friend
And someday we are gonna make it out
Just hold the light, just hold the light
[Chorus]
So how do I say goodbye
To someone who's been with me for my whole damn life?
You gave me my name and the colour of your eyes
I see your face when I look at mine
So how do I, how do I, how do I say goodbye?
[Outro]
So how do I, how do I, how do I say goodbye?
About
“How Do I Say Goodbye” is a touching song in which, as explained by Dean Lewis, the vocalist is mourning his dying father, which honestly is not a particular theme we come across often. But as presented in this case, the addressee, i.e. Dean’s dying father, was someone who had a constant presence throughout his entire life His father meant so much to him that the prospect of the addressee passing is something which the singer cannot conceptualize. And such is this song’s thesis sentiment, i.e. Dean’s emotions being such that he can’t even conceive ‘how to say goodbye’ to his dad. Moreover, he is using the opportunity to let him know, most frankly put, that he doesn’t want him to die. And yes, by the time all is said and done, even if not stated forthrightly, it can be ascertained that the addressee is indeed the vocalist’s father. Accordingly Dean’s mom, who is still around, also plays a role in it all. And one thing the singer does assure his passing father of is that he will take care of her in his absence. Of course no matter what, Dean is never going to forget his dad. How can he, when he beholds his features even while looking in the mirror? So again, if nothing else, this song is unique in that we have a vocalist identifiable mourning his pops.
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
This is for anyone who’s had to say goodbye to someone they love.
A few years ago, my dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. The doctors gave him a 25% chance of living past a year. He had always been my best friend and the person I looked up to the most, so I wrote him this song.
—via Instagram
“How Do I Say Goodbye” is officially out everywhere in the world. I remember the moment so vividly a little while ago in Nashville… I sang the chorus into the microphone, took off my headphones and couldn’t believe what I was hearing back from the speakers! The lyrics perfectly explained what I had felt, and it was an incredibly emotional moment. The vocal you hear on the chorus now is what I heard then! I don’t think I’ll ever write a song as good or meaningful as this one again… although I won’t stop trying. I am consciously aware that these songs appear once every couple of years. It was an incredibly emotional song to write for me, I broke down a bunch of times. I knew it was special! I wrote this song about my dad when he got diagnosed with cancer. And I was luckily enough to show him this song as he is now in remission!!! (He said he loves the song but can’t listen to it more than once 🤣) And now I’m seeing the song connect with so many of you… go listen hope you love it 🧡
—via Instagram
A song I wrote about my dad. My dad was really sick with an aggressive form of cancer. I wrote the song simply because I didn’t know how to say goodbye. My dad taught me how to play guitar. He’s given me my love of music. I’m very close to him, and it was a very emotional song. I cried about 15 times in the writing of it just because it was so emotional and deep for me. I don’t think I’m ever going to write a song as good as this. He’s actually in remission now, and I was able to play him the song, and he loves it but can’t listen to it. He listened to it once and was like, that’s enough for me.
—via Apple Music
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- 6.How Do I Say Goodbye
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