Hello Goodbye
The Beatlesࠀ Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You say, "Yes", I say, "No"
You say, "Stop" but I say, "Go, go, go"
Oh no
You say, "Goodbye", and I say, "Hello, hello, hello"
I don't know why you say, "Goodbye", I say, "Hello, hello, hello"
I don't know why you say, "Goodbye", I say, "Hello"

I say, "High", you say, "Low"
You say, "Why?" And I say, "I don't know"
Oh no
You say, "Goodbye", and I say, "Hello, hello, hello" (hello, goodbye, hello, goodbye)
I don't know why you say, "Goodbye" (hello, goodbye)
I say, "Hello, hello, hello" (Hello, goodbye, hello, goodbye, hello, goodbye)
I don't know why you say, "Goodbye", I say, "Hello" (hello, goodbye)

Why, why, why, why, why, why, do you say, "Goodbye, goodbye, bye, bye"
Oh no
You say, "Goodbye", and I say, "Hello, hello, hello"
I don't know why you say, "Goodbye", I say, "Hello, hello, hello"
I don't know why you say, "Goodbye", I say, "Hello"

You say, "Yes", I say, "No" (I say, "Yes", but I may mean, "No")
You say, "Stop", I say, "Go, go, go", (I can stay still it's time to go)
Oh, oh no

You say, "Goodbye", and I say, "Hello, hello, hello"
I don't know why you say, "Goodbye", I say, "Hello, hello, hello"
I don't know why you say, "Goodbye", I say, "Hello, hello, hello"
I don't know why you say, "Goodbye", I say, "Hello-wow, oh hello"
Hela, heba, helloa hela, heba, helloa hela, heba, helloa
Hela, heba, helloa (hela) hela, heba, helloa hela, heba, helloa
Hela, heba, helloa




Hela, heba, helloa
Hela, heba

Overall Meaning

The Beatles’ song “Hello, Goodbye” is a fun and upbeat track that explores the theme of conflicting emotions and perspectives. The song is characterized by its catchy melody and repetitive lyrics, but there is more underneath the surface. The lyrics have a playful quality to them, like a trivia of sorts, but they also convey a deep sense of ambiguity that reflects the complexities of human relationships. The song uses a call-and-response format in which one voice states a position or emotion, and the other voice counters it with a contrasting position.


The first verse sets up this conversation, with one voice saying “Yes” and the other “No.” The next line builds on this contrast as one voice says “Stop,” while the other says “Go, go, go.” This leads to the chorus, where one voice says “Goodbye” and the other “Hello.” The chorus repeats this pattern as it drives home the song’s main theme of conflicting emotions and perspectives. In the second verse, the voices continue to offer contrasting views, with one voice saying “High” and the other “Low,” and one voice asking “Why?” while the other says “I don’t know.”


The song makes use of repetition to emphasize that miscommunication and misunderstanding are a normal part of relationships. While one person may say “Goodbye,” the other may say “Hello.” This same pattern applies to the other contrasting views within the song. The repeated phrase “Hela, heba,” that appears towards the end of the song may not mean anything in particular but it adds to the song’s overall sense of playfulness.


Line by Line Meaning

You say, "Yes", I say, "No"
We have differing opinions or viewpoints. You agree, but I do not.


You say, "Stop" but I say, "Go, go, go"
You want to pause or halt, but I want to keep moving forward with energy.


Oh no
This difference in perspective is causing concern or worry.


You say, "Goodbye", and I say, "Hello, hello, hello"
We are parting ways or ending something, but I want to greet you or start something new instead.


I don't know why you say, "Goodbye", I say, "Hello, hello, hello"
I am confused or unsure about your decision to end things, and I desire to continue or reconnect.


I say, "High", you say, "Low"
We have different levels of enthusiasm or expectations. I am excited or optimistic, but you are not.


You say, "Why?" And I say, "I don't know"
You are asking for an explanation or reason, but I do not have a clear answer.


Why, why, why, why, why, why, do you say, "Goodbye, goodbye, bye, bye"
I am frustrated or puzzled by your repeated insistence on ending our interaction or relationship.


You say, "Yes", I say, "No" (I say, "Yes", but I may mean, "No")
I may not be completely honest or straightforward with my responses to you despite our differences.


You say, "Stop", I say, "Go, go, go", (I can stay still it's time to go)
I am urging you to take action or make a change even though sometimes it may not be best to do so.


Oh, oh no
This push and pull dynamic may have serious consequences or implications.


I don't know why you say, "Goodbye", I say, "Hello, hello, hello"
I am still perplexed or uncertain by our separation, and I desire a new beginning with you.


Hela, heba, helloa hela, heba, helloa hela, heba, helloa
In this instance, the lyrics are nonsensical and playful, serving as a chant or mantra to express excitement or anticipation.


Hela, heba, helloa (hela) hela, heba, helloa hela, heba, helloa
This playful chant continues, perhaps to add energy or lighten the mood of the situation.


Hela, heba, helloa
The chant concludes, leaving the listener with a sense of joy or positivity that despite differences or goodbyes, potential new beginnings and hellos are always possible.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul Mccartney

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@Vincentlpp08

This whole video just radiates “This was Paul’s idea” energy

@dyanapomp

😂😂😂😂😂

@5seb

drugs.

@lepetitchat123

John and George look painful lol
I agree this song can be very annoying with that repetitive hello goodbye refrain

@FKMDC

1967-1969 Paul was in control


(This was a joke)

@maxwelledison9954

@@FKMDC The good and bad years

326 More Replies...

@JavierBustacara

George: Hey guys, where are your hats?
Everyone else: 😁

@lukaapic3109

You think😂😂😂😂😂

@0805eder

Considering the cover of Sgt Peppers, only Ringo who forgot his hat, the other two didn't have it.

@sakurasayonara6387

To be fair, George Harrison is known for being fashionable Beatle. I think he initiates Apple Fashion Boutique.

More Comments

More Versions