About the song
Mary Hopkin – Goodbye (1969)
Ah, 1969. The year of Woodstock, the moon landing, and the twilight of the swinging sixties. Amidst the cultural whirlwind, a delicate, almost ethereal voice emerged from the British folk scene, capturing the hearts of millions with a simple yet poignant ballad. That voice belonged to Mary Hopkin, and the song, of course, was “Goodbye.”
Penned by none other than Paul McCartney, “Goodbye” is a bittersweet ode to lost love, wrapped in a melancholic melody that seems to linger long after the final notes fade. McCartney, recognizing Hopkin’s unique vocal talent after her appearance on the popular UK talent show “Opportunity Knocks,” originally intended the song for himself. However, he ultimately decided that Hopkin’s crystalline voice was the perfect vehicle for its gentle beauty.
Released in March of ’69, “Goodbye” quickly ascended the charts, peaking at number two in the UK and securing a respectable number thirteen spot in the US. Its success cemented Hopkin’s status as a rising star and further solidified McCartney’s reputation as a pop songwriting genius, even beyond his work with the Beatles.
What makes “Goodbye” so enduringly appealing? Perhaps it’s the simplicity of the arrangement, with its delicate acoustic guitar and understated strings, that allows Hopkin’s voice to truly shine. Or maybe it’s the universality of the lyrics, which speak to the pain of parting and the lingering memories of love lost. Whatever the reason, “Goodbye” remains a timeless classic, a poignant reminder of a bygone era and a testament to the power of a truly captivating voice.
Listening to “Goodbye” today, one is transported back to a time of innocence and optimism, a time when music seemed to possess a certain magic, a power to touch the soul and evoke deep emotions. Hopkin’s performance is both fragile and strong, conveying the vulnerability of heartbreak with a quiet dignity. The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics create an atmosphere of wistful nostalgia, inviting the listener to reflect on their own experiences of love and loss.
In a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain, “Goodbye” offers a moment of peace, a refuge from the storm. It’s a song that speaks to the enduring human experiences of love, loss, and hope, reminding us that even in the face of sadness, there is always beauty to be found. So, let us revisit this timeless classic, allowing Mary Hopkin’s enchanting voice to transport us back to a simpler time, a time when music truly had the power to heal and inspire.
Video
Lyrics
Please don’t wake me up too late, tomorrow comes
And I will not be late
Late today when it becomes tomorrow
I will leave to go away
Goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye, my love
Goodbye
Songs that lingered on my lips excite me now
And linger on my mind
Leave your flowers at my door, I leave them for
The one who waits behind
Goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye, my love
Goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye, my love
Goodbye
Far away my lover sings a lonely song
And calls me to his side
When a song of lonely love invites me on
I must go to his side
Goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye, my love
Goodbye
