Comment te dire adieu
Jimmy Somerville Lyrics

The lyrics to Jimmy Somerville's song "Comment Te Dire Adieu" speak of a difficult task - saying goodbye. The singer asserts that he doesn't want any unhappy reflexes or negative reactions when he tries to explain himself to the other person. He needs a clearer understanding of how to say goodbye without causing any hurt or offense. The next few lines compare the two hearts - one of silex (flint) that quickly takes fire, and one of pyrex (heat-resistant glass) that resists the heat. The singer is left feeling perplexed and uncertain, not wanting to give into a final goodbye. Despite knowing that past loves usually have little chance of survival, the singer wishes for a better explanation for the breakup.

The singer expresses that he doesn't want to show any vulnerability in front of the other person. He wants to find a way to say goodbye without tears or heartbreak in front of the other person. He mentions how the other person has excluded him from their life, cutting away their shared nights and mornings. The singer still desires an explanation, but also wants to find a way to say goodbye that doesn't compromise his dignity. The repeated refrain of "Comment te dire adieu" adds to the intensity of the song's theme, as it feels like the singer is struggling to find a way to express himself properly.