Firefall was a rock band that formed in Boulder, Colorado in 1975. It was f… Read Full Bio ↴Firefall was a rock band that formed in Boulder, Colorado in 1975. It was founded by Rick Roberts, who had been in the Flying Burrito Brothers, and Jock Bartley, who had been Tommy Bolin's replacement in Zephyr. The band's biggest hit single, "You Are the Woman", peaked at #9 on the Billboard charts. Other hits include "Just Remember I Love You" (#11 in 1977), "Strange Way" (#11 in 1978), and "Staying with It" from 1981, with female vocalist Lisa Nemzo.

Firefall was a mainstay, album-oriented rock band that put out a large number of hits such as "You Are the Woman" and "Just Remember I Love You" in the late 1970's. The album track from 1976's Firefall, "Cinderella", is a narrative about a man dealing with the torn feelings regarding his girlfriend's unexpected pregnancy and the negative consequences on the relationship and is one of the most controversial tracks released in the rock era.

The original line-up included former Spirit bassist Mark Andes, who later joined Heart, and former Byrds drummer Mike Clarke.

The band's releases were on Atlantic Records during their career. "You are the Woman" was featured as a notable track on the record label's twin compact-disc 30-year history retrospective that was released in 1988.

Goodbye I Love You
Firefall Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

All I can do is cry

But love is not enough to make you mine
You need someone who's gonna be there all the time
Someone to treat you better
Someone to see you through
Someone who'd never say
Goodbye, I love you

Goodbye, I love you
Goodbye, I love you
Goodbye, I love you

You need a man who's always around
Whenever you feel alone
You need a man who won't let you down
You need your man at home

You need the time to let yourself live
You haven't lived enough
You need the one thing I cannot give
You need the time to love

But love is not enough to make you mine
You need someone who's gonna be there all the time
Someone to treat you better
Someone to see you through
Someone who'd never say
Goodbye, I love you

Goodbye, I love you

Goodbye, I love you
Goodbye, I love you

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of Firefall's "Goodbye I Love You" could lead listeners to believe that the song is a breakup letter. The song suggests that love is not always enough to make a relationship work. The lyrics can be interpreted as the singer saying goodbye to his significant other because he realizes she needs more than just his love, which he can't provide. Maybe he thinks that he is letting her go, and perhaps it's not the case, considering that the relationship hasn't been serving her needs. He implies that he loves her more than she knows and that she'll know someday, even though he is leaving.

The song admits that it hurts him more than she can see and that all he can do is cry. Nevertheless, the singer thinks that she needs someone who is going to be there all the time, someone to treat her better, and someone who will never say goodbye, there is clearly an acknowledgment that the two are currently incompatible. The singer states that she needs someone who won't let her down, someone who will always be around when she feels alone, and someone she can depend on. The song concludes: "But love is not enough to make you mine, you need someone who's gonna be there all the time. Someone to treat you better, someone to see you through. Someone who'd never say goodbye, I love you."

In conclusion, "Goodbye I Love You" by Firefall is a heartfelt, slow-tempoed song that speaks of love's limitations. The singer acknowledges that their love is not sufficient to build a lasting relationship, and his partner needs more than what he can offer. Thus, he is setting her free because he loves her, which is evidenced in the chorus's repetition "Goodbye, I love you."

Line by Line Meaning

Maybe you think I'm letting you go
Perhaps you believe that I am willingly releasing you from my grasp

Maybe it's not that way
Perhaps my intentions are different from what you think

Maybe I love you more than you know
Perhaps my affection for you surpasses what you currently comprehend

Maybe you'll know someday
Perhaps in due time, you will comprehend the depth of my feelings for you

Maybe you think it's easy for me
Perhaps you presume it's effortless for me to do this

Easy to say goodbye
To part ways appears to be a simple task

Maybe it hurts me more than you see
Perhaps the torment of this separation is more profound than what you perceive

All I can do is cry
I am unable to do anything other than weep

But love is not enough to make you mine
However, love is insufficient to claim you as my own

You need someone who's gonna be there all the time
You require a person who will always be present

Someone to treat you better
You deserve someone who treats you surpassingly well

Someone to see you through
You require someone to be with you till the end

Someone who'd never say
Someone who would never utter

Goodbye, I love you
Farewell, I love you

You need a man who's always around
You require a man who is perennially present

Whenever you feel alone
Whenever you feel lonely

You need a man who won't let you down
You need someone who will never disappoint you

You need your man at home
You need your man to be with you

You need the time to let yourself live
You need to have time to live life to the fullest

You haven't lived enough
You have not experienced enough in your life

You need the one thing I cannot give
You need one thing that I am not capable of offering

Goodbye, I love you
Farewell, I love you

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Rick Roberts

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@michelleeaton9282

Maybe you think I'm letting you go
Maybe it's not that way
Maybe I love you more than you know
Maybe you'll know someday
Maybe you think it's easy for me
Easy to say goodbye
Maybe it hurts me more than you see
All I can do is cry
But love is not enough to make you mine
You need someone who's gonna be there all the time
Someone to treat you better
Someone to see you through
Someone who'd never say
Goodbye, I love you
Goodbye, I love you
Goodbye, I love you
Goodbye, I love you
You need a man who's always around
Whenever you feel alone
You need a man who won't let you down
You need your man at home
You need the time to let yourself live
You haven't lived enough
You need the one thing I cannot give
You need the time to love
But love is not enough to make you mine
You need someone who's gonna be there all the time
Someone to treat you better
Someone to see you through
Someone who'd never say
Goodbye, I love you
Goodbye, I love you
Goodbye, I love you
Goodbye, I love you

All comments from YouTube:

@JOETHEWOOD

5y↑14

I saw them in 1977 when they opened for Fleetwood Mac . One of the best concerts I have ever seen. And now their songs bring back such memories of young love and loss.

@lauraken

15y↑26

By far this is one of the best songs that is out there in the world. I know all of the words and it is just a feel good song. people don't make music like this anymore. I am so glad that I grew up in the era that I did with such beautiful music. Thank you Firefall...

@kenrutherford1109

Pretty depressing IYAM

@utexasnurse5401

2y↑1

Can we just transport back to the 70’s when I was just a kid riding my aunt’s 10-speed bike exploring in the summer in Texas heat! Take me back

@edwardjames6070

30w↑1

I remember this song. it's been about 30 years since I heard it. this is my kind of music. I just don't know why.

@douglasw9624

21w

That first instrumental bridge is absolutely classic...

@dalekidd8431

4y↑6

Yes we did grow up in a time when things were so much better and the music was just amazing, peace my friends!!!🌌

@birdsfan57

38w

Love songs were about LOVE, not sex anfd "gettin' it and" givin' it". The music industry and the culture it's spawned in the last 20 years has turned an entire generation of young people into hookers and pimps, who are only interested in either of those things, minus the tenderness, respect and affection that are the cornerstones of a normal, healthy, mutually respectful relationship.

@starlitblond

7y↑24

💜 Such a great album!! Man this brings me back to the magical days so long ago! 💜

@kenrutherford1109

2y↑2

IMHO this is the most depressing song I have ever heard in my whole life. To listen to this song almost brings tears to my eyes 😥😥😥

@starlitblond

2y↑2

@@kenrutherford1109 Aawe Ken.. sometimes a good cry is a good thing, so they say! I myself haven't cried in awhile, but perhaps I need too lol.

@74bshs

11y↑12

This song brings back so many memories from the late '70's, and all of them good. Thank you for finding this memorable piece and for the post! It was a part of my life back then...

@kenrutherford1109

This song reminds me of packing up to leave my vacation spot and go home

@74bshs

11y↑10

Yeah, you and me both. It was great growing up in the '70's, high school and college all in the one decade.. I am having a hard time telling people that in that era, one could hear that kind of music on a weekly basis, with the twist of the radio knob in the car. Those were the days...

@juliecloninger8804

36w↑1

❤❤❤one of my favorite bands ❤❤❤

@starlitblond

6y↑16

The 3rd verse resonates with me. It's been a long time.. on purpose. Ready to take that chance again at love.

@kodiakpredator

6y↑1

Melanie Coleman good luck! When you find it you’ll know it was worth the wait.

@starlitblond

6y↑1

kodiakpredator Thanks! I'm not looking for it, but if it finds me, I might take a look!

@leaforrest2945

6y↑6

Wow!! We need a lot more groups like this. Love ya guys....

@BrentMFisher

A sweet way to tell some jerk he's not treating you right. And you found your Prince Charming. Snooze you lose - kimie

@randalcoats7529

10y↑11

thanks for the lyrics. its fun to be alone in the garage and belt out these tunes while playing air guitar with my broom. lol it helps me get thru this crazy mixed up world..

@jimrobinett2254

8y↑10

Great Song

@kenrutherford1109

My favorite is Love That Got Away

@sandrabellade

15y↑5

These Comments we're so Great..Infomative!"FIREFALL" had so many Good Tunes!I guess, They're In "THE GROUP" of "THe Greatest Legends Now".. Here, it is some 30 Years later and It Takes you back to THE GOOD OLE DAYS!!!! Thanks for all who commented with Great comment's and THANK YOU for Posting One of The Best songs of That era..(and this era too)

@richardpowell3259

7y↑17

I love music. when i think back to my tennage years Firefall was there. Very underrated band... Radio friendly hits... 70's radio .. i don't like getting old but, i am so glad i grew up with the best music . the golden age of R&R for me . enjoy this great song. Adios..

@kenray9720

5y↑1

One of the best bands of the 70s them and the Allman brothers

@DERedhead65

4y↑2

Love Love Love FIREFALL

@Tarantulisimo

6y↑2

Love Firefall & always will...But how do people figure they are/were "underrated"? They were huge in the '70s, had hit after hit blaring on the radio all through the decade, made appearances on all the TV shows of the day, went on tours, sold tons of records, & then faded away by the '80s.....That's the same story with 97-99% of the bands who come down the pike. Only a select few bands are able to stay together & sustain productivity & quality for more than 5-7 years -- At least Firefall is still together & touring in one form or another.

@CountryRock2U

RIP David Muse 😭

@kattalady8114

4y↑2

This is my life. Always falling for men who loved me then leave forever.

@edwardjames6070

30w

I don't pay attention to lyrics at all. as far as I am concerned, they have no meaning, but the music definitely does.

@QuaaludeCharlie

9y↑5

This is Cool , I want to learn to Play this for my Valentine :) QC

@ladycaroline1965

11y↑8

Love Firefall

@ThePaul2206

11y↑1

Que buen invento y que excelente Musica GRACIAS

@paulroseen4394

7y↑2

The guitar sound is so underrated.

@kenrutherford1109

I kind of like the guitar interlude preceding the second verse

@JOETHEWOOD

6y↑1

For Kathy who will always be in my heart

@flaleblanc

3y↑1

Love the sound but would given much to have heard the Tom Dowd engineered recordings (check his background out on the internet - or better yet, watch The Language of Music)

@naudianeels1328

18w

💔💔💔💔

@scottpeters6160

8y↑10

A great very underrated band

@alittlereddotinaseaofblue9565

7y↑3

This is too much to bare.

@michelleeaton9282

@alittlereddotinaseaofblue9565

Linda.

@traderfiles

16y↑3

That's interesting. I guess he was with Heart from 1983 to 1993.

@sandrabellade

15y↑3

Oh,Forgot...... "Goodbye,I Love You"

@dougnelsin1480

Never forget. :-)

@donmenza147

7y↑3

Geri Robinson 1978 Fotomat

@edpolk1262

Gabriel

@SkyAngel799

I love u but u made a fool out of me!So run and hide

@windstruckladyc

12y↑1

who was on drums? Sandy Fica?

@dalenelson7161

I dont know does love even exist anymore?

@seerstone8982

It was " just a lie made to make you blue "

@boblpage

9y↑11

Some comments on some of these comments: Firefall was one of the most underrated and, unfortunately, drug-and-alcohoI-plagued bands in rock history. They, VERY unfortunately, are NOT in any kind of group known as "the greatest legends." They really only had one hit, "You Are the Woman," and are not well known to the average person. I assure you that America was NOT Firefall, though they certainly sold a lot more records. Firefall's harmonies are much richer and much more complex. Their songs are generally more sophisticated. Firefall's musicianship, particularly Jock Bartley on lead guitar, was a big cut above America's. Mark Andes was indeed the bass player of the legendary band, Spirit, as well as Heart. I saw Spirit from the side of the stage in the intimate Birmingham (Michigan) Paladium in about '68. An amazing group. Firefall's drummer was none other than Michael Clarke, the legendary drummer of the Byrds. His tale was one of the worst in music history. He wrote a lengthy piece about his addiction to alcohol just before his death due to cirrhosis years ago. You can find that on the net easily enough. You can also find the sad story of Larry BURNETT, to clarify the issue broached here, on the net, as written by Larry. A very talented guy who simply went astray and faded into near oblivion. Rick Roberts, a great rock lead vocalist and terrific songwriter(!) became ill years back and has also been a sad story, though he's apparently better now and performing -- or trying to -- again. I'm a HUGE fan (can ya tell?). For years now the band has toured with Jock as its only original member. They sound okay -- kinda. Jock is also a talented painter and can be contacted through the net. Very nice man.

@kcory1

9y↑4

Robert Page I disagree. They had several hit records.

@kcory1

7y↑4

Robert Page Firefall as i remember had several hit records.

@h2xxx160

7y↑1

I always thought Strange Way was a pretty big hit. Anyway, it was my favorite by them.

@Tarantulisimo

Love Firefall & always will...But how people figure they are/were "underrated" is beyond me. They were huge in the '70s, had hit after hit (10 Top 50 pop hits, 1 Top 50 AC hit, & 2 other semi-hits to be exact) blaring out of every car radio all through the decade, made appearances on all the major TV shows of the day, went on tours, sold tons of records....& then faded away by the '80s -- That's pretty much the exact same story with 99% of the groups/bands who come down the pike. Only a select few bands are able to stay together, sidestep the drug issues & financial problems, & sustain productivity & quality for more than 5-7 years....At least Firefall is still together & touring in one form or another.