Meaning of "Goodbye" by Elton John

The lyrics of "Goodbye" seem to capture a deep sense of resignation and acceptance of one's insignificance. The opening lines, "And now that it's all over / The birds can nest again," imply that a particular phase or relationship has come to an end, allowing other aspects of life to resume. The narrator then describes their own existence as something that only holds meaning under specific conditions, such as when it snows while the sun is out or when it rains. This suggests a sort of conditional existence, where they can only truly shine or be relevant in certain situations.

The lines, "And if you want a drink / Just squeeze my hand / And wine will flow into the lands / And feed my lambs," can be interpreted metaphorically. The narrator offers themselves as a source of comfort or solace, symbolized by the wine that flows when their hand is squeezed. They become a provider, nurturing the metaphorical lambs, which could represent the listener's emotional needs or desires.

The next stanza presents the narrator's self-perception. They see themselves as a mirror, capable of reflecting the moon, which could represent something serene or unattainable. By offering to write songs for someone, they become their silver spoon, suggesting a role of nurturing and support. The apology for taking the listener's time reveals a sense of awareness about their own lack of significance. They describe themselves as a poem that doesn't rhyme, symbolizing their own mismatched existence or lack of harmony.

The repeated refrain of "I'll waste away" reflects a theme of fading importance or diminishing relevance. It may suggest a feeling of becoming obsolete or gradually losing significance. This could be interpreted as a broader commentary on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of decline.

Overall, the lyrics of "Goodbye" convey a sense of acceptance, resignation, and self-awareness regarding one's own insignificance. They explore themes of conditional existence, the role of nurturing and support, and the inevitable fading away of importance.