The lyrics talk about leaving a loved one softly before they can wake up and see the person go, as the heart would break if they were to witness the departure. The speaker emphasizes leaving before they are missed to spare both parties from the pain of goodbye.

Meaning of "Softly As I Leave You" by We Five

The song "Softly As I Leave You" explores the bittersweet emotions of parting ways with a loved one. The lyrics convey a deep sense of love and care, as the speaker wants to spare their partner from the pain of witnessing the departure. By leaving quietly and preemptively, the speaker hopes to lessen the impact of their absence, hinting at a selfless act of sacrifice and consideration for the other person's feelings. The longing to avoid seeing the tears fall and the desire to preserve the memories of a love that once was, highlight the complexity of emotions involved in saying goodbye. The song captures the inner turmoil of leaving someone behind, showcasing the difficulty of letting go while trying to protect the other person from heartache.