About the song
“Goodbye,” a captivating song penned by Paul McCartney (though credited to Lennon–McCartney) and performed by Mary Hopkin, was officially released on March 28, 1969. This single achieved remarkable success, reaching No. 2 on the UK singles chart, just shy of the top spot which was occupied by the Beatles’ own hit “Get Back.” In the US, the song was released a week later, on April 7, 1969, and climbed to No. 13 on the singles chart. It also enjoyed notable success in the Netherlands and Ireland, where it topped the charts.
The creation of “Goodbye” was aimed at following up the success of Hopkin’s debut single, “Those Were the Days,” which had also been produced by McCartney. This first single was featured on Hopkin’s debut album, *Postcard*, one of the earliest releases from Apple Records. McCartney, in retrospect, described the song as being written quickly to leverage Hopkin’s growing popularity. Despite his limited recollection of the songwriting process, McCartney remembered an interesting anecdote from a boat skipper in the Orkney Islands, who favored the song as a fitting tribute to the theme of departure and journeys.
The recording of “Goodbye” took place on March 1, 1969, at Morgan Studios in Willesden. To aid Hopkin, McCartney provided a solo demo and arranged for the song to be adjusted to better suit her vocal range. The session featured McCartney on bass guitar and acoustic guitar, along with percussion and drums. Hopkin contributed her own vocals and acoustic guitar performance. Richard Hewson, who had previously orchestrated “Those Were the Days,” arranged the backing vocals, horns, and strings for this track. The recording session was also captured on film by Apple’s Tony Bramwell, providing a glimpse into the studio process.
The B-side of the single, “Sparrow,” was written by Benny Gallagher and Graham Lyle, and was produced by McCartney with additional arrangements by Hewson. Mary Hopkin met her future husband, record producer Tony Visconti, while recording foreign-language versions of “Goodbye.”
Critics responded positively to “Goodbye.” Billboard praised Hopkin’s vocal performance and McCartney’s production, while Cash Box highlighted the song’s melodic charm and strong instrumental work. Record World described it as a delightful tune with a touch of wanderlust. Allmusic critic Richie Unterberger noted its pleasant, catchy nature, likening it to a European folk ballad with a hint of music hall flair.
Overall, “Goodbye” remains a significant piece of pop music history, showcasing the collaborative spirit and musical innovation of its era.
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 awayGoodbye (Goodbye)
Goodbye (Goodbye)
Goodbye, goodbye
My love, goodbyeSongs that lingered on my lips
Excite me now and linger on my mind
Leave your flowers at my door
I’ll leave them for the one who waits behindGoodbye (Goodbye)
Goodbye (Goodbye)
Goodbye, goodbye
My love, goodbye
Goodbye (Goodbye)
Goodbye (Goodbye)
Goodbye, goodbye
My love, goodbye