Dean Lewis is an Australian singer-songwriter known for his emotive and introspective music. One of his standout tracks is “How Do I Say Goodbye,” a poignant and heartfelt song that delves into the complexities of parting ways. Released as part of his debut album, “A Place We Knew,” in 2019, the song showcases Lewis’s ability to craft lyrics that resonate with listeners on a deep, personal level.
At the core of “How Do I Say Goodbye” is the universal theme of farewell, a topic that has been explored in countless songs throughout the history of music. However, Lewis brings a unique perspective and authenticity to the subject matter, drawing from his own experiences and emotions. The lyrics capture the raw and vulnerable moments that often accompany goodbyes, making the song relatable to anyone who has faced the challenge of parting from a loved one.
The opening lines set the tone for the entire song: “There’s nothin’ left to say, it’s all been said / I take my time with the lie in bed.” From the outset, Lewis establishes a sense of resignation and contemplation, setting the stage for a soul-searching exploration of the farewell process. The use of the phrase “take my time with the lie in bed” suggests a reluctance to confront the reality of the goodbye, perhaps a desire to prolong the inevitable separation.
As the song unfolds, Lewis navigates through the intricacies of saying goodbye, grappling with the conflicting emotions that arise. He acknowledges the inevitability of the situation, singing, “I pack my bags, then I check out.” The act of packing bags is a tangible and symbolic representation of the departure, emphasizing the physical and emotional weight of leaving.
The chorus serves as the emotional core of the song, with Lewis questioning, “How do I say goodbye to what we had?” This poignant inquiry encapsulates the central dilemma of bidding farewell to a meaningful connection. The use of the word “how” adds an element of uncertainty, emphasizing the difficulty of finding the right words or gestures to convey the depth of emotions tied to the goodbye.
Throughout the lyrics, there is a sense of retrospection as Lewis reflects on the shared experiences and memories that now become bittersweet in the face of separation. Lines such as “I thought we’d get better with time” suggest a longing for a different outcome, a hope that the passage of time would strengthen the bond rather than lead to a goodbye. This introspective quality adds layers to the song, allowing listeners to connect with the sentiment of looking back on a relationship with both fondness and sadness.
The bridge of “How Do I Say Goodbye” showcases Lewis’s vocal range and emotional delivery as he sings, “And I know we had to be free, free from all the damage we’d done.” Here, the acknowledgment of the necessity for freedom and release from a damaging situation adds a layer of maturity to the narrative. It suggests that, despite the pain of parting, there is an understanding that it is the right course of action for personal growth and healing.
The instrumentation accompanying the lyrics contributes to the emotional impact of the song. The acoustic guitar, a signature element in many of Lewis’s tracks, provides a stripped-down and intimate backdrop to the introspective lyrics. The simplicity of the musical arrangement allows the focus to remain on the evocative storytelling, creating an atmosphere that resonates with authenticity and vulnerability.
In conclusion, “How Do I Say Goodbye” by Dean Lewis is a masterful exploration of the complexities surrounding farewells. Lewis’s ability to convey raw emotions through his lyrics and vocal delivery elevates the song to a powerful and relatable piece of music. The universal theme of saying goodbye is approached with sincerity and depth, making the track a standout in Dean Lewis’s discography and a poignant anthem for those navigating the challenging terrain of parting ways.
