Hello Goodbye
The Beatles! 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 song "Hello Goodbye" by The Beatles is a classic example of their unique style of music that combines simple yet catchy melodies with thought-provoking lyrics. The song is essentially about the conflicts and misunderstandings that arise between two people who are trying to communicate with each other. The lyrics are filled with opposites such as "yes" and "no", "stop" and "go", "high" and "low" and they convey the idea that one person saying one thing can be perceived in completely different ways by another person.


At first, it seems like a conversation between two people who are trying to make sense of each other's words. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that the conflicts between the two voices are not just misunderstandings but also a reflection of their personalities. One person is more impulsive and ready to take risks while the other is more cautious and measured. Despite their differences, both voices are saying hello and goodbye at the same time, suggesting a sense of confusion and detachment.


The repetitive nature of the lyrics also adds to the theme of communication breakdown, as if the two voices are locked in an endless loop of misunderstanding. The chorus, which consists of the words "hello, goodbye" repeated over and over again, is a symbol of how communication can be as simple as saying hello or goodbye, but also as complicated as the emotions and conflicts that lie beneath them.


Line by Line Meaning

You say, "Yes", I say, "No"
You and I have opposite opinions


You say, "Stop" but I say, "Go, go, go"
You are asking to stop, but I want to keep going


Oh no
Expressing concern or fear of the situation


You say, "Goodbye", and I say, "Hello, hello, hello"
You are leaving, but I am greeting you enthusiastically


I don't know why you say, "Goodbye", I say, "Hello, hello, hello"
I don't understand why you are leaving, but I am excited to see you again


I say, "High", you say, "Low"
We have different preferences or ideas


You say, "Why?" And I say, "I don't know"
You want an explanation, but I don't have one


Why, why, why, why, why, why, do you say, "Goodbye, goodbye, bye, bye"
Asking repeatedly why you are leaving


You say, "Yes", I say, "No" (I say, "Yes", but I may mean, "No")
I may say yes but disagree with you, or I may not understand what you are asking


You say, "Stop", I say, "Go, go, go", (I can stay still it's time to go)
I am eager to move or do something, even though you may be asking me to stop


Oh, oh no
Continuing to express concern or fear


Hela, heba, helloa hela, heba, helloa hela, heba, helloa
Nonsense syllables, possibly meant to emphasize the confusion or misunderstandings between the two speakers


Hela, heba, helloa (hela) hela, heba, helloa hela, heba, helloa
Continuation of nonsense syllables


Hela, heba, helloa
More nonsense syllables


Hela, heba, helloa
Continuation of nonsense syllables


Hela, heba
Final nonsense syllables




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