How to Say Goodbye

Paul Tiernan's 'How to Say Goodbye' delves into the complex emotions surrounding the act of leaving. The song opens with a distinction between leaving and running away, suggesting that leaving can be a conscious, deliberate choice rather than an act of cowardice. The protagonist is portrayed as someone who finds solace in the act of saying goodbye, almost as if it provides a sense of freedom and renewal. This is evident in the lines, 'He loved to say goodbye / And always counted out the time / Until he was free, to get up and leave / To learn how to breathe / Again.' The act of leaving is not just an escape but a way to rediscover oneself.

The song also touches on the fleeting connections we make with others. The protagonist slips out to have a cigarette with a stranger, contemplating the idea of running away together. This moment captures the transient nature of human relationships and the allure of starting anew. The lyrics, 'Ask her if by the way would she like to run away / And try to forget? / Or just not to stay, to leave without saying why,' highlight the temptation to leave behind the burdens of the past without the need for explanations.

The recurring theme of departure is further emphasized in the final lines, 'To get up and go / To catch the last train / To get in some car / And drive out again / To never come back this way.... / And have to say.... / Goodbye.' Here, the act of leaving is romanticized as a journey towards freedom and self-discovery. The song encapsulates the bittersweet nature of goodbyes, portraying them as both an end and a new beginning. Tiernan's gentle, melancholic tone adds depth to the lyrics, making 'How to Say Goodbye' a poignant exploration of the human desire for change and the courage it takes to embrace it.