It is a song that refers to drug addiction, specifically heroin. It contains a phrase of Neil Young's: "The needle and the damage done".
There is a live version available of the song on the live EP Live at La Cigale.
The original video portrays an addicted father that his son (played by Field Cate) tries to save. Some interpret this video as a role-reversal between father and son.
Song to Say Goodbye
Placebo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You crying tragic waste of skin
I'm well aware of how it aches
And you still won't let me in
Now I'm breaking down your door
To try and save your swollen face
Though I don't like you anymore
You lying trying waste of space
Before our innocence was lost
You were always one of those
Blessed with lucky sevens
And the voice that made me cry
My oh my
You were Mother Nature's son
Someone to whom I could relate
Your needle and your damage done
Remains a sordid twist of fate
Now I'm trying to wake you up
To pull you from the liquid sky
'Cause if I don't we'll both end up
With just your songs that say goodbye
My oh my
A song to say goodbye
A song to say goodbye
A song to say
Before our innocence was lost
You were always one of those
Blessed with lucky sevens
And a voice that made me cry
It's a song to say goodbye
It's a song to say goodbye
It's a song to say goodbye
It's a song to say goodbye
It's a song to say goodbye
It's a song to say goodbye
It's a song to say goodbye
It's a song to say goodbye
The lyrics of Placebo’s Song to Say Goodbye convey the dark and somber feelings of a failed relationship. The opening line “You are one of God’s mistakes” reflects the negative perception of the subject by the singer. The next line “You crying tragic waste of skin” highlights the emotional pain experienced by both the singer and the subject. The singer expresses their desire to help the subject despite their resentment in the line “Now I’m breaking down your door/To try and save your swollen face.” The line “Though I don’t like you anymore/You lying trying waste of space” shows the bitterness the singer feels towards the subject.
The lyrics then shift to a reflective tone in the lines “Before our innocence was lost/You were always one of those blessed with lucky sevens/And the voice that made me cry.” These lines seem to evoke a sense of nostalgia and the memories of the past, including the positive attributes of the subject. However, this moment of reflection is short-lived as the next lines “Your needle and your damage done/Remains a sordid twist of fate” shift the focus back to the negative actions of the subject.
The song’s chorus “A song to say goodbye” is repeated several times, reinforcing the idea that the singer feels the need to end the relationship. The final lines “With just your songs that say goodbye/It’s a song to say goodbye” provide a bleak image of the end of the relationship, where all that’s left are the songs that serve as a reminder of the pain and loss.
Overall, the lyrics of Song to Say Goodbye highlight the complex emotions that come with the end of a relationship. The bitterness and resentment are juxtaposed with memories and nostalgia, making this a powerful and emotional song.
Line by Line Meaning
You are one of God's mistakes
Your existence is flawed and unfortunate
You crying tragic waste of skin
You are a pitiful waste of life, constantly shedding tears
I'm well aware of how it aches
I know your pain intimately
And you still won't let me in
You refuse to allow me to help you with your suffering
Now I'm breaking down your door
I'm resorting to extreme measures to reach you
To try and save your swollen face
I want to save you from further physical and emotional harm
Though I don't like you anymore
Our relationship has soured, but I still want to help you
You lying trying waste of space
You are deceitful and untrustworthy, taking up valuable resources
Before our innocence was lost
In a time before we knew the harsh realities of the world
You were always one of those blessed with lucky sevens
You always seemed to have good luck on your side
And the voice that made me cry
Your singing voice had a deep emotional impact on me
My oh my
An expression of shock or surprise
You were Mother Nature's son
You were in tune with the natural world
Someone to whom I could relate
I felt a connection with you
Your needle and your damage done
Your drug addiction and the harm it caused
Remains a sordid twist of fate
It's a tragic and unpleasant consequence of your actions
Now I'm trying to wake you up
I'm attempting to bring you back to reality
To pull you from the liquid sky
To rescue you from your drug-induced state of mind
'Cause if I don't we'll both end up
If I don't help you, we'll both suffer the consequences
With just your songs that say goodbye
All that will remain of you is your music about endings
A song to say goodbye
A musical farewell to a doomed relationship
A song to say
An opportunity to express our emotions through music
It's a song to say goodbye
This song is our final goodbye
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Brian Molko, Stefan Olsdal, Steven Hewitt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@F.OWX_C2V
Brian, un des meilleurs artiste que j’ai pu écouter, ma maman était fan de Placebo.
Toute mon enfance pendant les trajets en voiture j’écoutais tout ces albums, mais aussi dans mon lecteur MP3 de l'époque
cette musique représente beaucoup pour moi, aujourd’hui j’ai 28ans j’ai perdu ma maman et chaque fois que je l'écoute je re plonge 15ans en arrière.
Beaucoup de mes souvenirs sont associé a ce morceau.
Brian fait partie des artistes qui ma donner envie de composer.
Absolument tout ces albums sont ancestral surtout (Battle For The Sun) qui traînera dans la boîte à gant de mon véhicule à tout jamais.
Cette version longue est encore meilleure à écouter, il argumente encore plus le sentiment de dépression et de nostalgie avec ce solo de guitare batterie. JUST INSANE !
Love Placebo et MERCI🙏🏼🖤
@PhilippeAndreFilms
I wrote and directed this video for Placebo in 2006. It’s so much heartwarming to see how my short film can connect with all of you. ‘Song to say goodbye’ was so inspiring, I wrote a story following the lyrics but being distant from them at the same time, to not illustrate and let it open to interpretation. I first made a 4’ music video for ‘Song to say goodbye’ then suggested this 8 minutes extended version.
Thank you so much to all of you for your wonderful comments.
@senjen988
This video is so important in my life for so many years now. I've been thinking a lot about its director and the two actors who made it exist, its really moving to read you today. I couldn't thank you enough sir.
@xoen6
Thank You, Sir...
@dominiksiemon3913
<3 BLESS YA
@EicherCorp
Hi i would like to know who is driving the car at the end of the video? ahahaha
@elhijodelaconserje
I've been listening to this song and watched this video so many times!!!! Thanks for this piece, thanks a lot...
@1746hgf
When I was young this song and music video used to make me think about my childhood, being parent of my alcoholic dad and schizo mom. Now as an adult I changed my point of view and makes me think about my inner child guiding me to be a better person and finally get a happy life. A song to say goodbye to all my past.
@lotusbrit9055
Happy for you! Go and enjoy life you beautiful soul!
@valentinatacchini9241
❤
@lilianakekalih7551
When i was a kid, i used to watch this video on MTV. In my head i was like : "Oh.. poor boy. he had to take care of his dad all the time..."
15 years later, my prespective in seeing this video has changed. "This is me in depression and the boy is just a little voice in my head who convince me to stay alive."