Meaning of "So Long Goodbye" by Keb' Mo'

The lyrics of "So Long Goodbye" speak to the inner conflict of holding on to a love that has faded. The speaker acknowledges the truth that the relationship is no longer the same, admitting that they are no longer the other person's priority. Despite this realization, they struggle with letting go because of the deep love and attachment they feel. The repetition of "So long, goodbye" reflects the difficulty of accepting the end of a relationship and the pain associated with saying farewell. The speaker wrestles with the idea of changing themselves to salvage the relationship but ultimately decides to prioritize self-love and acceptance. The mention of living the same sad stories and feeling helpless in the face of bizarre circumstances reflects a sense of resignation and confusion in trying to understand why things turned out the way they did. Overall, the lyrics capture the bittersweet process of recognizing the need to say goodbye to someone you deeply care about, even if it feels wrong and painful.