Goodbye

Bo Burnham's song 'Goodbye' is a poignant reflection on the artist's struggles with mental health, the pressures of performance, and the isolating effects of fame. The song begins with a sense of reluctance and unfinished business, as Burnham questions whether he really has to finish the song and if returns always diminish. This sets the tone for a narrative that explores the exhaustion and disillusionment that often accompany a career in the public eye.

The lyrics 'Does anybody want to joke when no one's laughing in the background?' and 'I promise to never go outside again' highlight Burnham's feelings of isolation and the performative nature of his life. The absence of an audience's laughter, a crucial element for a comedian, underscores the loneliness and the loss of genuine connection. Burnham's promise to stay inside can be seen as a metaphor for retreating from the world and the pressures that come with it.

As the song progresses, Burnham delves deeper into his mental state, questioning his sanity and reflecting on his journey over the past fourteen years. The lines 'A little bit of everything all of the time' and 'Apathy's a tragedy, and boredom is a crime' capture the overwhelming nature of modern life and the constant bombardment of stimuli. Burnham's desire for 'a little bit of everything' speaks to the human craving for variety and fulfillment, while also acknowledging the paralyzing effects of apathy and boredom. The song concludes with a sense of entrapment and resignation, as Burnham acknowledges his irrelevance and brokenness, ultimately surrendering to the pressures that surround him.