Monsters of Folk is an indie folk supergroup consisting of Conor Oberst (of… Read Full Bio ↴Monsters of Folk is an indie folk supergroup consisting of Conor Oberst (of Bright Eyes and several other groups), Mike Mogis (of Bright Eyes and Lullaby For The Working Class), Jim James (of My Morning Jacket) and M. Ward (of She & Him as well as a successful solo musician). All share guitar duties, with Oberst, Ward and James sharing vocals. Ward also plays keyboards and Mogis and James play drums on the album. In 2010, the band's touring drummer, Will Johnson of Centro-matic, became the band's official fifth member.

Monsters of Folk originally came together in 2004 and toured as Bright Eyes, with Jim James and M. Ward, and developed the name Monsters of Folk while on tour. The band released their self-titled debut album on September 22, 2009 on Shangri-La Music.

Goodway
Monsters of Folk Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I learned a good way (good way)
I learned a good way (good way)
I learned a good way of saying goodbye

I learned a good way (good way)
I learned a good way (good way)
You taught me everything I know about taking other people for a ride
And I just wanted to take the time to thank you for that gift tonight

I learned a good way (good way)
I learned a good way (good way)
I learned a good way of saying goodbye

I learned a good way (good way)
I learned a good way (good way)

You taught me everything I know about taking other people for a ride
And I just wanted to take the time to thank you for that gift tonight

Overall Meaning

The song "Goodway" by Monsters of Folk is a melancholic and reflective piece about learning to let go and moving on from a toxic person or relationship. The lyrics are repetitive and sparse, highlighting the importance of the central lesson that the singer has learned - a good way of saying goodbye. The song is musically simple and understated, allowing the lyrics to be the focus and giving the impression of a quiet and personal reflection.

The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, with the repetition of "I learned a good way" emphasizing the lesson that the singer has taken away. The following verses reveal that the person they are saying goodbye to has taught them how to manipulate and take advantage of others. Despite this, the singer seems grateful for the lesson and doesn't seem to harbor any resentment towards the person. The final lines, "And I just wanted to take the time to thank you for that gift tonight," suggest that the singer has made peace with the situation and is ready to move on.

Overall, "Goodway" is a poignant and introspective song that explores themes of growth and forgiveness.

Line by Line Meaning

I learned a good way (good way)
I have discovered an efficient and effective method

I learned a good way of saying goodbye
I have learned a technique for departing from someone or something with closure and clarity.

You taught me everything I know about taking other people for a ride
You have shown me how to deceive and manipulate others for my own benefit.

And I just wanted to take the time to thank you for that gift tonight
I want to express my gratitude towards you for teaching me these valuable skills.

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: M. WARD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS