How Do I Say Goodbye

Dean Lewis's song 'How Do I Say Goodbye' is a poignant reflection on loss and the difficulty of facing the departure of a loved one. The lyrics convey a deep sense of sorrow and the struggle to find the right words to bid farewell to someone who has been an integral part of the singer's life. The song opens with a phone call from the singer's mother, urging him to come home, which sets a somber tone and suggests an impending loss, possibly due to a family member's critical condition or death.

The chorus of the song encapsulates the central theme of the difficulty in saying goodbye. The artist expresses how the person he is losing has shaped his identity, from his name to the color of his eyes, indicating a close familial bond, likely a parent. The repetition of the question 'how do I say goodbye?' underscores the helplessness and the emotional turmoil one experiences when faced with the finality of death. The imagery of seeing the loved one's face when looking at his own serves as a powerful metaphor for their lasting influence and the indelible mark they've left on his life.

The bridge of the song offers a glimmer of hope amidst the grief. The singer vows to take care of another family member, possibly alluding to a promise made to the dying person. The lyrics also suggest a belief in an afterlife or spiritual continuation, as the singer speaks of 'holding the light high' and the hope of reuniting someday. This part of the song provides a sense of resolution and acceptance, even as the repeated question in the chorus returns, emphasizing that while the singer may find ways to cope, the pain of saying goodbye is an enduring struggle.