Meaning of "Honest Goodbyes" by Bic Runga

The lyrics of "Honest Goodbyes" delve into the emotional turmoil that comes with the end of a relationship. The narrator seems to be grappling with the idea of honesty and deception in parting ways with their partner. There is a sense of resignation and acceptance throughout the song, as the narrator acknowledges the necessity of moving on even though it may be painful. The repetition of the phrase "honest goodbyes" juxtaposed with the acknowledgment that the rest must be lies suggests a duality in the narrator's emotions - wanting to be truthful in the farewell, but ultimately recognizing that there are limitations to how much honesty can be expressed in such a situation. The mention of standing in line for what used to be theirs and the fading of colors from the sky paint a picture of loss and nostalgia. Overall, "Honest Goodbyes" captures the bittersweet nature of ending a relationship and the internal conflict that accompanies such a decision.