Meaning of "All We Ever Do is Say Goodbye" by John Mayer

"All We Ever Do is Say Goodbye" portrays a relationship that is characterized by emotional pain and constant separation. The narrator expresses their frustration and confusion as they try to understand why their partner keeps breaking their heart. The repetitive line "All we ever do is say goodbye" emphasizes the pattern of endings and farewells that have become the norm in their relationship. The mention of the partner's voice coming through the narrator's quiet bed indicates that even though they have tried to move on, memories and reminders of the person still haunt them. The narrator's decision to buy a plane ticket indicates their willingness to make an effort and give the relationship a chance. However, by the time they arrive, their partner is already gone again, highlighting the fleeting and elusive nature of their connection.

Despite their love for this person, the narrator comes to the realization that they cannot keep holding onto the pain of constantly saying goodbye. They acknowledge that they have tried everything to make the relationship work, except for surrendering themselves completely. There is a sense of resignation and self-preservation as they question why they would let their partner try again to break their heart. The repeated phrase "All we ever do is say goodbye" serves as a reminder that this relationship is stagnant and only brings farewell, indicating a lack of progress or resolution. The repetition of "We say goodbye" at the end emphasizes the inevitability of their constant partings.

The underlying meaning of the lyrics reflects the emotional journey of letting go. The narrator realizes that they cannot keep chasing after a past that no longer exists. They recognize the need to prioritize their own well-being and move on from a relationship that only brings heartache. While love is mentioned in the lyrics, it is clear that love alone is not enough to sustain a relationship when it is marked by constant goodbyes. The song captures the pain and frustration of holding onto something that is continuously slipping away, ultimately leading the narrator to accept the reality that all they ever do is say goodbye.