About the song
## Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye – Steam (1970)
The year was 1970, and the world was in the throes of a cultural revolution. The Vietnam War raged, civil rights protests filled the streets, and the counterculture movement was in full swing. Amidst this tumultuous backdrop, a seemingly innocuous pop song emerged, destined to become a timeless anthem of celebration and defiance. That song was “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye,” performed by the one-hit wonder group, Steam.
At first glance, the song’s lyrics might seem simplistic, even juvenile. They tell the tale of a jilted lover who, rather than dwelling on his heartbreak, chooses to mock and ridicule his ex-girlfriend’s new beau. Yet, it is precisely this apparent simplicity that belies the song’s enduring appeal. The lyrics tap into a universal human experience: the catharsis of letting go and moving on.
Musically, “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” is a perfect blend of catchy melodies and driving rhythms. The opening guitar riff, with its infectious energy, immediately grabs the listener’s attention. The song’s repetitive chorus, with its chanted refrain of “Na na na na, hey hey hey, kiss him goodbye,” is both hypnotic and empowering. The arrangement is sparse, allowing the vocals and the basic instrumentation to shine through.
The song’s success can also be attributed to its timing. Released in the summer of 1970, it perfectly captured the spirit of the era. The upbeat tempo and the carefree attitude of the lyrics resonated with a generation that was searching for hope and optimism in the face of adversity. The song became a popular choice for graduation ceremonies, backyard parties, and even protest marches.
“Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” may have been Steam’s only major hit, but its legacy lives on. The song has been covered countless times by artists from various genres, and it remains a staple of classic rock radio stations. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to connect with audiences of all ages.
Video
Lyrics
Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye
He’ll never love you, the way that I love you
‘Cause if he did, no no, he wouldn’t make you cry
He might be thrillin’ baby but a-my love
(My love, my love)
So dog-gone willin’, so kiss him
(I wanna see you kiss him, wanna see you kiss him)
Go on and kiss him goodbye, now
Na na na na, hey hey, goodbye
Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye
Listen to me now
He’s never near you to comfort and cheer you
When all those sad tears are fallin’ baby from your eyes
He might be thrillin’ baby but a-my love
(My love, my love)
So dog-gone willin’, so kiss him
(I wanna see you kiss him, I wanna see you kiss him)
Go on and kiss him goodbye, na na na na, na na na
Na na na na, hey hey, goodbye
Hey hey, goodbye
Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye
Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye
Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye
Hey hey, goodbye
Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye
Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye
Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye
Hey hey, goodbye
Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye
Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye
Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye
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