I Am Goodbye
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy Lyrics
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a glowing cry
heaven we go
never say die
i'll likely never know
the answer why
you are hello
i am goodbye
i am goodbye
like the end of something wonderful sometimes
like the way that a wound-up toy top unwinds
i am goodbye
i am goodbye
i am goodbye
like a beast in the distance you can't tell if fur or fowl
like the last thing you hear [?] before you hear the [?] goodbye
i am goodbye
i am goodbye
like the end of something wonderful sometimes
like the absense that more and more crowds into my mind
i am goodbye
i am goodbye
The lyrics of Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's song "I Am Goodbye" are a melancholic exploration of endings and goodbyes. The chorus repeats the phrase "I am goodbye," emphasizing the feeling of finality and inevitability that comes with departing from something or someone. The song opens with the line "you are hello," which juxtaposes the idea of a beginning or introduction with the overarching theme of goodbyes. The line "a glowing cry" suggests an intense outpouring of emotion that accompanies the moment of saying farewell. The next line, "heaven we go," gives the impression that the goodbye in question is leading towards something greater or more peaceful.
The second verse employs vivid imagery to convey the feeling of goodbye. The line "like a beast in the distance you can't tell if fur or fowl" creates a sense of uncertainty and unease. The following line, "like the last thing you hear [?] before you hear the [?] goodbye," adds to the feeling of ambiguity and unreality. The song ends with the repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the idea that sometimes goodbye is the only option.
Overall, the lyrics of "I Am Goodbye" are a haunting exploration of the complex emotions that arise when we must say farewell to something or someone. Through its use of vivid imagery and repetitive phrases, the song effectively communicates the feeling of finality that accompanies the end of something.
Line by Line Meaning
you are hello
you bring light and joy to my life, like a greeting or warm welcome from a friend
a glowing cry
a beautiful expression of emotion, like the sight of a sunset or a baby's laugh
heaven we go
an expression of hope and optimism, anticipating a better future or a positive outcome
never say die
a resolute determination to persevere through adversity and never give up
i'll likely never know
acknowledgement of uncertainty or lack of understanding, perhaps about the mysteries of life or the reasons for certain events
you are hello
reinforcement of earlier sentiment, acknowledging the value of the person or thing being addressed
i am goodbye
a declaration of departure or separation, marking the end of a relationship or moment in time
like the end of something wonderful sometimes
simile to describe the bittersweet feeling of losing something cherished or valuable, whether it be a person, experience, or opportunity
like the way that a wound-up toy top unwinds
imagery of a familiar childhood toy spinning out of control and eventually coming to a stop, representing the natural cycle of life and eventual decline or decay of all things
i am goodbye
reiteration of earlier sentiment, emphasizing the finality and significance of the moment
like a beast in the distance you can't tell if fur or fowl
simile to describe a looming threat or danger that is difficult to discern or understand, evoking a sense of fear or unease
like the last thing you hear [?] before you hear the [?] goodbye
evocative imagery of a final, haunting sound or image that lingers in one's memory, leaving an indelible impression
i am goodbye
repetition of earlier words, emphasizing the weighty and significant nature of the moment being described
like the absence that more and more crowds into my mind
simile to describe the lingering impact of a loss or separation, where the memory of the departed becomes more pronounced with each passing day
i am goodbye
final assertion of the singer's departure or farewell, acknowledging the gravity of the moment and the impact it will have going forward
Contributed by Bailey B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
xxkrydxx
i want this played @ my funeral....well done Will!!!
spandaumole
I always have to listen to this one about 10 times in a row :)
Vladimir Dobrovinsky
++++
Michael Shields
Samesies...for serious, yo!
Karl S
Same.
bigbattenberg
The brilliance of BPB... blows my mind every time, and puts a smile on my face.
Wankshaftsbury
Master and everyone is beautiful. In my top 10 albums of all time.
Josh B
This song has been echoing through my head all day.
jonnigee2810
I'm gonna spend the whole of tomorrow walkin like this!! I love Billy, he just makes my soul smile properly.
Pe Za
He may look like an extra from Lord of the Rings, but man, can he sing!!!