Goodbye Blues
Mills Brothers Lyrics

The Mills Brothers' song "Goodbye Blues" is a melancholic tune that depicts the feelings of sadness and loss that arise after a breakup. The lyrics are straightforward, describing the singer's current state of mind after losing the affection of someone he used to love. The words "Goodbye blues, goodbye blues" signal the beginning of the end, as the hopelessness and despair of the situation seem to set in. The singer has "lost two loving arms I used to use," which hints at the physical intimacy he shared with his former partner. Now, he is left with "lonesome nights, low down news," and he is unsure of who his ex-lover might be with now. The sensation of losing control over a formerly loving relationship sets in, and he concludes that he now has "those old goodbye blues."

The song is a classic example of the blues genre, which emerged from African American communities in the South in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Blues music was primarily associated with expressing feelings of sorrow, loneliness, and heartbreak, often emerging from difficult life circumstances such as poverty, discrimination, and inequality. The Mills Brothers' rendition of "Goodbye Blues" features their signature close harmony singing style, with each brother contributing a unique vocal element to the overall sound. The slow and steady tempo of the song, combined with the somber lyrics, conveys a sense of resignation and acceptance that accompanies the end of a relationship.