Meaning of "Somebody's Always Saying Goodbye" by Anne Murray

"Somebody's Always Saying Goodbye" explores the universal experience of saying goodbye and the struggles that come with it. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and sadness as they describe various settings of departures: railroad stations, midnight trains, lonely airports, and rain-soaked scenes. These images paint a picture of a world where farewells are a constant. The repetition of these scenes reinforces the idea that goodbyes are an inevitable part of life.

The song also touches on the complexities of relationships. It suggests that people often leave or get left behind, leading to a sense of longing and regret. The line, "That's the trouble with all mankind," implies that farewells and separations are a fundamental part of human nature. This line hints at the transient nature of relationships and how difficult it can be to maintain a lasting connection.

The lyrics also delve into the theme of missed opportunities and regret. The verse "Take two people like me and you, we could have made it, we just quit too soon" expresses a sense of remorse for not giving a relationship a fair chance. It suggests that love requires effort and commitment, emphasizing that the narrator and their partner could have had a fulfilling relationship if they had only tried.

Overall, "Somebody's Always Saying Goodbye" is a poignant reflection on the realities of life and relationships. It acknowledges the continual departure of people, whether physically or emotionally, and the difficulties in maintaining lasting connections. The lyrics evoke feelings of longing, regret, and the longing for second chances.