Say Goodbye
Roger Hodgson Lyrics


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Say goodbye to the old way, say hello to a new day
Well if you want to linger, a trail a finger
It'll only leave you wondering what the future might have been

Say goodbye to the old scene, say hello to a new dream
You say you want your freedom, but is it freedom
When you leave it all behind you but your mind just can't let go?-oh no'
When the news is known and you hear those cries
Then waves of sadness will fill your eyes
You're alone as an island, alone as a man can be'

Say goodbye to the old days, say hello to a new ways
Well if you want to linger, trail a finger
Just remember what was told you about the way it's going to be-you'll see..

You're alone as an island, alone as a man must be

Say goodbye to the old way, say hello to a new day




Well if you want your freedom, oh where's your freedom?
On the road that lies before you, that is all you need to know, let go...'

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Roger Hodgson's song "Say Goodbye" addresses letting go of the past and embracing the present and future. The song urges listeners to say goodbye to the old ways and hello to new beginnings. The first verse encourages taking action and not lingering in the past. It suggests that holding onto the past will only leave an individual feeling unfulfilled and wondering about what could have been. The second verse touches upon the idea of freedom and poses the question of whether leaving everything behind equates to true freedom. It highlights that it can be challenging to let go of the past, and it takes time to adjust to new ways of living. The chorus reiterates the importance of embracing change, letting go of old patterns, and accepting the new way of life.


As a whole, the song possesses a melancholic tone that reflects on the struggle of adjusting to change while navigating through life's uncertainties. The lyrics draw attention to the importance of letting go of the past and the fear of the unknown, urging listeners to embrace new beginnings with hope and positivity.


Line by Line Meaning

Say goodbye to the old way, say hello to a new day
Leave behind your old habits and embrace a fresh start


Well if you want to linger, a trail a finger
If you hold on to the past, you'll end up missing out on the future


It'll only leave you wondering what the future might have been
It's not worth dwelling on what could have been, focus on what can be


Say goodbye to the old scene, say hello to a new dream
Say farewell to your old environment and chase after new aspirations


You say you want your freedom, but is it freedom
You claim to desire independence but have you truly thought about what it entails?


When you leave it all behind you but your mind just can't let go?-oh no'
Leaving the past behind can be tough, but it's necessary to move on


When the news is known and you hear those cries
When you become aware of the truth and hear the sorrows of others


Then waves of sadness will fill your eyes
It's natural to feel empathetic and experience grief when you understand someone's suffering


You're alone as an island, alone as a man can be'
Despite being connected with others, you can still feel secluded and lonely


Say goodbye to the old days, say hello to a new ways
Bid farewell to your past routines and welcome new approaches


Just remember what was told you about the way it's going to be-you'll see..
Don't forget the lessons you've learned about how life works, they'll come in handy


You're alone as an island, alone as a man must be
Regardless of companionship, there are moments when you must be self-reliant


Well if you want your freedom, oh where's your freedom?
If you crave freedom, consider if you truly possess it in your current situation


On the road that lies before you, that is all you need to know, let go...'
Focus on the present and future, let go of the past, and anticipate new possibilities




Contributed by Emily T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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