About the song
## A Timeless Farewell: The Beatles’ “Hello, Goodbye”
In the summer of 1967, as the psychedelic revolution was reaching its zenith, The Beatles released one of their most iconic and enduring singles, “Hello, Goodbye.” This upbeat, catchy tune, with its contrasting melodies and witty lyrics, served as a cheerful farewell to the swinging sixties and a testament to the band’s enduring popularity.
The song’s title itself is a clever play on words, suggesting both a greeting and a parting. This dual meaning sets the tone for the lyrics, which explore themes of love, loss, and the cyclical nature of life. The opening lines, “Hello, hello, hello, hello, hello, goodbye,” immediately capture the listener’s attention with their repetitive and hypnotic quality.
Musically, “Hello, Goodbye” is a masterpiece of pop craftsmanship. The song features a bright, infectious melody that is instantly recognizable. The contrasting sections, with their shifting tempos and harmonies, add depth and complexity to the arrangement. The band’s tight harmonies and Paul McCartney’s energetic bassline provide a solid foundation for the song, while John Lennon’s lead vocals are full of character and charm.
One of the most striking aspects of “Hello, Goodbye” is its witty and clever lyrics. Lennon and McCartney’s songwriting skills are on full display as they explore themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The song’s refrain, “Hello, goodbye, hello, goodbye, hello, goodbye,” is both catchy and thought-provoking, suggesting the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of change.
The song’s B-side, “I’ve Got a Feeling,” is another classic Beatles track that perfectly complements “Hello, Goodbye.” This upbeat, soulful number features a driving rhythm and catchy melodies. The band’s harmonies are particularly impressive on this track, and Ringo Starr’s drumming is full of energy and excitement.
“Hello, Goodbye” remains one of The Beatles’ most beloved and enduring songs. Its catchy melody, witty lyrics, and timeless message have ensured its place in the hearts of millions of fans around the world. This classic track is a testament to the band’s songwriting genius and their ability to create music that is both accessible and sophisticated.
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Lyrics
You say, “Yes”, I say, “No”
You say, “Stop” and I say, “Go, go, go”
Oh no
You say, “Goodbye” and I say, “Hello, hello, hello”
I don’t know why you say, “Goodbye”, I say, “Hello, hello, hello”
I don’t know why you say, “Goodbye”, I say, “Hello”
I say, “High”, you say, “Low”
You say, “Why?” And I say, “I don’t know”
Oh no
You say, “Goodbye” and I say, “Hello, hello, hello”
I don’t know why you say, “Goodbye”, I say, “Hello, hello, hello”
I don’t know why you say, “Goodbye”, I say, “Hello”
Why, why, why, why, why, why, do you
Say, “Goodbye, goodbye, bye, bye”?
Oh no
You say, “Goodbye” and I say, “Hello, hello, hello”
I don’t know why you say, “Goodbye”, I say, “Hello, hello, hello”
I don’t know why you say, “Goodbye”, I say, “Hello”
You say, “Yes”, I say, “No” (I say, “Yes”, but I may mean, “No”)
You say, “Stop”, I say, “Go, go, go” (I can stay still it’s time to go)
Oh, oh no
You say, “Goodbye” and I say, “Hello, hello, hello”
I don’t know why you say, “Goodbye”, I say, “Hello, hello, hello”
I don’t know why you say, “Goodbye”, I say, “Hello, hello, hello”
I don’t know why you say, “Goodbye”, I say, “Hello-wow, oh, hello”
Hela, heba, helloa, hela heba, helloa, hela, heba, helloa
Hela, heba, helloa, (hela) hela, heba, helloa, hela, heba, helloa
Hela, heba, helloa, hela, heba, helloa, hela, heba, helloa…