About the song
“Goodbye” by Mary Hopkin is a beautifully melancholic song that captures the wistful emotions of parting and loss. Released in 1969, it was Hopkin’s follow-up to her massive debut hit, “Those Were the Days.” The song was written by Paul McCartney of The Beatles under his pseudonym “Bernard Webb,” though it was no secret that McCartney was behind the composition. Produced by McCartney as well, “Goodbye” continued the folk-pop style that had endeared Hopkin to audiences around the world.
The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics evoke a sense of bittersweet farewell, with Hopkin’s pure, crystalline voice delivering the message of parting with grace and sincerity. Her vocal performance, full of warmth and vulnerability, adds an emotional depth to the song, making it a poignant listening experience. The delicate acoustic guitar and subtle orchestration reflect McCartney’s masterful production touch, while the overall sound is evocative of the late 1960s folk-pop scene.
“Goodbye” was released as a standalone single and reached #2 on the UK Singles Chart, solidifying Hopkin’s position as one of the leading female vocalists of the era. In the U.S., it charted on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #13, proving her international appeal. Though it never appeared on a studio album at the time of its release, “Goodbye” was later included in various compilation albums of Mary Hopkin’s work.
While “Goodbye” didn’t quite achieve the monumental success of “Those Were the Days,” it remains one of Mary Hopkin’s most beloved songs, celebrated for its lyrical beauty and emotional resonance. The collaboration between Hopkin and McCartney was a special one, with this song exemplifying the perfect marriage of Hopkin’s ethereal vocals and McCartney’s songwriting genius. Today, “Goodbye” is cherished as a timeless classic from the golden age of pop-folk music.