The band's music is a mixture of 1960s-style psychedelia and folk-rock with old-fashioned country and modern alternative rock influences. The Coral have released nine albums (The Coral, Magic and Medicine, Nightfreak and the Sons of Becker, The Invisible Invasion, Roots & Echoes, The Singles Collection/Magic & Mysteries, Butterfly House, The Curse of Love, and Distance Inbetween). Their self-titled debut album was nominated for the 2002 Mercury Music Prize and later voted the fourth best album of the year by NME Magazine. It was announced on 9 January 2008 that Bill Ryder-Jones would be leaving, but the band would continue as a 5-piece.
Goodbye
The Coral Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Saw through her disguise
But never realised
That we were longing to be free
Runaway to sea
Well that could never be
Goodbye don't say goodbye
Than say goodbye
Once so very long ago
Was when I loved you so
If only I had known
That I was blinded by my fate
I traded love for hate
Now I just sit and wait
Goodbye don't say goodbye
I'd rather die
Than say goodbye
10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1
Goodbye don't say goodbye
I'd rather die
Than say goodbye
Goodbye don't say goodbye
I'd rather die
Than say goodbye
The Coral's song "Goodbye" tells a story of a man who had a chance at love, but was unaware of it at the time. The song's narrator looks back on his past with regret and longing, wishing he had realized what was in front of him. He saw through her disguise and knew deep down that they were both searching for something more, but the fear of taking a risk and running away to seek a better life held them back. The lyrics "runaway to sea, well that could never be" show that there were limitations and obstacles that prevented them from pursuing their dreams together.
As the song progresses, the singer reflects on how things could have been different if he had known the truth at the time. He was blinded by his fate and made mistakes that he can't undo. He traded love for hate and now sits alone, waiting for something that may never come. The repetition of "Goodbye don't say goodbye, I'd rather die than say goodbye," adds to the desperation and finality of the situation. The idea of "rather dying" than saying goodbye conveys just how deep the singer's love and regret is.
Overall, "Goodbye" is a poignant reflection on a missed opportunity for love and the regret that comes with it. The song's haunting melody and stirring lyrics make it a memorable piece of music that resonates with many listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
I, I look into her eyes
The singer is talking about looking into someone's eyes, possibly a past lover.
Saw through her disguise
The singer could see through the person's facade or their mask of hiding their true feelings.
But never realised
Despite seeing through the facade, the singer never realized that the person they were with was also seeking freedom.
That we were longing to be free
The artist and their partner were feeling trapped and wanted to break free from their limitations.
Runaway to sea
The artist fantasizes about a romantic escape to the sea with their lover.
Well that could never be
The fantasy of running away to the sea will never become a reality for the singer and their partner.
Goodbye don't say goodbye
The chorus repeats the singer's fear of saying goodbye to their lover.
I'd rather die
The artist would rather die than say goodbye and let go of their past love.
Once so very long ago
Reflecting on the past, the artist recalls a time when they were once deeply in love with their partner.
Was when I loved you so
The artist remembers a time when they were deeply in love with their partner but that love has since transformed into something else.
If only I had known
The singer wishes they had realized the true nature of their relationship before it was too late.
That I was blinded by my fate
The artist was too consumed by their own destiny to see the truth and what was best for their partner and themselves.
I traded love for hate
The relationship has devolved into something negative and hateful, where love has been replaced with negative emotions.
Now I just sit and wait
The singer is stuck in a place of inaction, waiting for something to change.
10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1
This countdown symbolizes the singer's fear of time slipping away from them and missing their chance to reconcile with their partner.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANDRE SCHMIDT, MIK THOMAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Liliana López
¿Qué persona puede darle dislike a esta joya?
Jorge Miguel Hernández Martínez
Sólo los reggaetoneros y demás faltos de gusto.
Gareth Jenkins
A modern psyche/garage classic. This is one of many great songs on the superb debut album.
Love the video. And always enjoy a good countdown in the middle of a song.
Samantha Larner
What a band!
Anna Suárez
uno de los mejores temas de esta banda
Ivan M
This song is a masterpiece, just as the video clip.
MARK C_AFC
The Coral are a great band and have written some songs that are definitely standing the test of time.. I havent managed to see them live. But hopefully they'll get back on the road soon...
modscholar
such a fantastic jingle-jangle, neo-60s tune! I love that the video references Wicker Man, too. Excellent!
folderman71
Was never one for the big festivals but was dragged kicking and screaming to glastonbury in 2003 and saw this great band there... Fantastic
terry hughes
Love this song has a great raw 60s guitar sound which i love. Nice one The Coral