As exciting as it is to start college and begin a new chapter of life, it can also be incredibly heartbreaking and scary to leave behind friends, family, hometowns and familiarity. Luckily, these emotions are shared by many artists who have created art out of their feelings. Here is a list of the best songs to cry to as goodbyes are shared and new horizons are looked toward.
‘Ribs’ by Lorde
This song exemplifies the duality of longing for the past and knowing that the future is imminent. It highlights the importance of friendship and the experience of growing up together, while knowing that things can never be the same as they are. This song will make you grateful for the time you’ve shared with your loved ones, and reassure you that trepidation about leaving them behind is a universal feeling.
‘Where'd All the Time Go?’ by Dr. Dog
While this song has turned into a bit of a cliche after becoming a popular TikTok sound for graduation videos, the energy of the song fits perfectly into this list. People come in and out of life, and this song focuses on a much darker version of that sentiment. However, it is still a good reminder to appreciate the moment you are in and not take for granted the memories and time that you have.
‘String Lights’ by Peter McPoland
After spending the entire track reminiscing on memories of early adolescence, McPoland aptly ends this song by repeating the words “everything ends” until fading out into nothingness. "String Lights" is similar to "Ribs" in its ability to encapsulate the feeling of having grown up with someone, and knowing that that time will never return. McPoland’s voice is haunting and painful, with brilliant lyrics and flowing instrumentals to boot.
‘Godspeed’ by Frank Ocean
Similar to "Where'd All the Time Go?", this song is a slightly darker version of a universal sentiment. Ocean keeps good thoughts about the subject of the song, and promises to never forget them. It also exemplifies the importance of love to persevere through times of longing and sadness, and is accompanied by a fitting vocal style and instrumental energy.
‘I And Love And You’ by The Avett Brothers
This song by the indie folk group is a slice of bittersweet excitement for the future. It acknowledges the unlikelihood of returning to the person you used to be, while always holding onto that person of your past. Listening to it will get you excited about the road ahead of you, but keep you grounded to the experiences that have made you.
‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’ by Peter, Paul and Mary
This song is a classic ballad about leaving loved ones behind, and is sure to warrant some tears. While it reminds you of the uncertainty of the time ahead, it promises that the comfort of your current life will return to you somehow. The folk trio outdoes themselves in this number, and the harmonies perfectly highlight the message of the song.
‘Scott Street’ by Phoebe Bridgers
Bridgers explores a very real perspective with "Scott Street", that of loneliness and reflection. The ending sentiment of “don’t be a stranger” is one of the saddest things one can say to a person who used to be a friend, but it nevertheless is perfectly justified through the story of the song. This song will make you feel grateful for a time when life was simple enough that you didn’t have to worry about growing apart, but it will nevertheless coax you into a resignation that life will continue on.
‘Long Live’ by Taylor Swift
This ending track from "Speak Now" is a perfect summary of an exciting life. It encourages never forgetting moments of joy and bliss that have been shared with friends, and carrying those pieces of one’s past close. It is much more upbeat sounding than the other tracks on this list, but when paired with the nostalgic and bittersweet lyrics, it becomes the perfect love letter to the past.
‘Watch How You Go’ by Keane
This Keane song is much more personal than their famous, but equally pertinent song, "Somewhere Only We Know". "Watch How You Go" contains a much sadder perspective about saying goodbye because this ballad insinuates that the singer will never see the subject again. The singer wishes nothing but the best for the person, and leaves them with the knowledge that the singer will remember them fondly and knows they will go on to be great. The haunting piano instrumental drives home the melancholy song, making it one of the greatest heartbreaking numbers of all time.
"Rivers and Roads" by The Head And The Heart
Ending with a quintessential goodbye song, "Rivers and Roads" is a swelling folk number that highlights the determination that two people’s paths will cross again in the future. It is tragic and hopeful, and leaves the door open for a future of possibilities and change.
