Linden scored two hits on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 late in the 1950s. The first was "Billy", a song originally written in 1911; it hit #7 in 1958. The second was "Goodbye Jimmy, Goodbye", which rose to #11 in 1959. Both singles were released on Felsted Records and featured Joe Leahy's backing orchestra. "Goodbye Jimmy Goodbye" incorporated elements of two previous tunes - the British music hall song "Two Lovely Black Eyes" and the country song "Goodbye Little Darling". There were a few covers, the biggest of which was by Ruby Murray in the UK. At the time of her first hit single Kathy was a married woman in her 20s, but her record company wanted her to appear as a child due to her childish voice.
Goodbye Jimmy Goodbye
Kathy Linden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Goodbye, Jimmy, goodbye
I'll see you again but I don't know when
Goodbye, Jimmy, goodbye
Wind is a blowing, rain starts to fall
Train is a tooting its long, lonesome call
Wheels are clicking their way down the track
Goodbye, Jimmy, goodbye
Goodbye, Jimmy, goodbye
I'll see you again but I don't know when
Goodbye, Jimmy, goodbye
When he has traveled the land and the sea
He'll stop his roaming and come home to me
Give me a kiss for each tear and each sigh
'Til then my Jimmy, my Jimmy, goodbye
Goodbye, Jimmy, goodbye
Goodbye, Jimmy, goodbye
I'll see you again but I don't know when
Goodbye, Jimmy, goodbye
Goodbye, Jimmy, goodbye
The song "Jimmy" by Kathy Linden is a heartbreaking ode to a lover who is saying goodbye. The song starts with the repetition of the phrase "Goodbye, Jimmy, goodbye," which sets the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics describe a sad and emotional departure, where the singer is unsure of when she will see Jimmy again. The second verse paints a picture of a train leaving, with the wind blowing and the rain starting to fall. The singer misses Jimmy already and counts the days until he returns.
In the third verse, the singer explains that Jimmy is traveling the land and sea, "roaming" the world without her. She longs for him to come back to her and promises to give him a kiss for each tear and sigh she's had in his absence. The repetition of "Goodbye, Jimmy, goodbye" throughout the song emphasizes the finality of their separation, making the loss feel even more profound. Overall, the song expresses a depth of emotion and sadness that is relatable to anyone who has experienced loss.
Line by Line Meaning
Goodbye, Jimmy, goodbye
She is saying goodbye to Jimmy
Goodbye, Jimmy, goodbye
She repeats that she is saying goodbye to Jimmy
I'll see you again but I don't know when
She is unsure of when she will see Jimmy again
Goodbye, Jimmy, goodbye
Again, she says goodbye to Jimmy
Wind is a blowing, rain starts to fall
She describes the weather
Train is a tooting its long, lonesome call
She describes the sound of a train whistle
Wheels are clicking their way down the track
She describes the sound of train wheels moving
Counting the days till he's coming back
She is eagerly waiting for Jimmy's return and counting the days
When he has traveled the land and the sea
She explains that Jimmy is traveling across land and sea
He'll stop his roaming and come home to me
She believes that Jimmy will eventually stop traveling and come back to her
Give me a kiss for each tear and each sigh
She wants Jimmy to comfort her and kiss her for every sad moment she has had
'Til then my Jimmy, my Jimmy, goodbye
She says goodbye to Jimmy again, but with affection
Goodbye, Jimmy, goodbye
She repeats her goodbye to Jimmy
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jack Vaughn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lindsy
“I left,” Linden said. “I just said, ‘I’m going to go up on a ranch with horses and my children and my family. I’m going to get out of this business.’”
So, that’s what she did. Linden lived a quiet life with her family. She said her life changed in 1980 when she became a Christian. She went into a local, little church and heard the word in a way that resonated. From that moment on, she was a believer.
“My whole life changed,” Linden said. “I just wanted to serve God.”
She began writing Christian music – an experience that she says has reinvigorated her love for music. During her pop days, her songs were written by other people, and she felt no real connection to the words she was singing.
“My own music, God given to me, is really the connection that’s made my life so happy and changed,” Linden said.
She is making music again
jim stevens
This song popped into my head for no reason. I probably have'nt heard it in over 50 years. Looked it up and here it is! Wow!
Joe Beutner
Good find Jimmy, Good find....
Harry Barry
Somehow this beautiful song and beautiful performer got past me in the 50's and 60's. Wish we had a video of her.
TheLimePopsicle
She appeared on the Ed Sullivan show. Hopefully Ed's official YT channel will post the video of her someday. I'd love to see her too!
101liberty
My father passed away in 2002, his name was Jimmy, Jimmy was the best step father God could've ever blessed us 3 small scared an abused children with. For 50 plus years, we called him Dad. Rest in Peace James Edward Denson, your job is done. Thank you.
Jerry Jaye
losses are so sad
Henryk Zaleski
May your father, Jimmy rest in eternal peace. God bless his soul.
William Weathersby
I understand...my brother Jimmy died a few weeks ago and my 75 year old self is listening with tears
Gary VanDecar
Love this song remember hearing it in the early 1970's on Honey Radio in my Homestate of Michigan what a beautiful voice Kathy Linden has.
Eddie murphy
This brings me back...Great song! Thanks.