About the song
“Goodbye” is a captivating song penned by Paul McCartney, though it is credited to the songwriting duo Lennon–McCartney. This charming track was performed by Mary Hopkin and first released on March 28, 1969. It quickly garnered attention, climbing to No. 2 on the UK singles chart. Despite its success, it was edged out of the top spot by the Beatles’ own hit, “Get Back.” In the United States, where it was released on April 7, 1969, “Goodbye” reached No. 13 on the singles chart. It also enjoyed considerable success in the Netherlands and Ireland, where it peaked at No. 1.
The song was crafted as a follow-up to the success of Hopkin’s debut single, “Those Were the Days,” which was also produced by McCartney. This earlier track was a standout on Hopkin’s debut album “Postcard,” one of the initial releases from Apple Records. McCartney, who was busy with the Beatles, created “Goodbye” in a rush to capitalize on Hopkin’s growing popularity. Despite his own limited recollection of the song’s creation, McCartney was pleased to learn that it resonated well with listeners, including a boat skipper from the Orkney Islands who appreciated it as a perfect “leaving-the-port” song.
The recording process for “Goodbye” involved McCartney recording a solo demo to help Hopkin prepare for the song. The arrangement, done by Richard Hewson, was tailored to better suit Hopkin’s voice by shifting the key from C major to E major. McCartney contributed bass guitar, acoustic guitar, and percussion, while Hopkin provided the vocals and acoustic guitar performance. The recording was noted for its meticulous production, featuring backing vocals, horns, and strings. It was also the first Apple record to come with a full-fledged picture sleeve, marking a milestone for the label.
Critics praised “Goodbye” for its melodious charm and McCartney’s production quality. Billboard highlighted Hopkin’s impressive vocal performance and McCartney’s exceptional production skills. Cash Box described it as a “melodic lilter” with engaging instrumental work, while Record World appreciated its appeal as a “charming Lennon-McCartney tune.” Allmusic critic Richie Unterberger referred to it as a “pleasant and catchy romp” with a touch of Continental European folk and music hall influences.
In sum, “Goodbye” remains a memorable piece from a notable period in music history, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the late 1960s and the creative energies of its talented contributors.
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