About the song
“Goodbye to You” marked a significant milestone for American rock band Scandal, serving as their debut single from the 1982 eponymous EP. Penned by band member Zack Smith, the song’s emotive lyrics and infectious melody resonated with audiences, catapulting it onto the Billboard Hot 100 where it peaked at No. 65.
The music video for “Goodbye to You” features Patty Smyth, the band’s lead vocalist, clad in a striking red dress. Against a backdrop of raw emotion, Smyth delivers poignant lyrics directly to various band members, each immersed in their own musical contribution. Notably, Benjy King, the band’s keyboardist, showcases his prowess on the Digital Keyboards Synergy synthesizer, a rare instrument that forms the pulsating 8th note foundation of the track.
Behind the scenes, the song boasts collaborations that enrich its sonic landscape. Max Crook, renowned for his work with Del Shannon, and Paul Shaffer, then bandleader on Late Night with David Letterman, contribute memorable elements. Shaffer’s Oberheim OB-Xa synthesizer solo, reminiscent of Del Shannon’s “Runaway,” adds a nostalgic yet contemporary flair to the composition, elevating its appeal.
“Goodbye to You” not only captivated listeners with its lyrical sincerity and melodic hooks but also showcased Scandal’s ability to blend rock sensibilities with electronic nuances, a hallmark of their early sound. The song’s modest chart success belies its enduring impact on the music scene, cementing Scandal’s reputation as a band to watch.
As fans revisit the track through its music video and live performances, “Goodbye to You” continues to evoke a sense of nostalgia while remaining timeless in its emotional resonance. It remains a testament to Scandal’s ability to craft enduring music that speaks directly to the heart, transcending decades to resonate with new generations of listeners.
Video
Lyrics
Those times I waited for you seem so long ago
I wanted you far too much to ever let you go
You know you never got my “I feel it too’s”
And I guess I never could stand to lose
It’s such a pity to say
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to you
Could I have love someone like the one I see in you?
I remember the good times, baby, now, and the bad times too
These last few weeks of holding on
The days are dull, the nights are long
Guess it’s better to say
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to you
‘Cause baby, it’s over now
No need to talk about it
It’s not the same
My love for you’s just not the same
And my heart, and my heart
And my heart can’t stand the strain
And my love, and my love
And my love won’t stand the pain
And my heart, and my heart
And my heart can’t stand the strain
And my love, and my love, and my love
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to you
Now, could I ever love someone like the one I see in you?
Yeah, I remember the good time, baby, now, and the bad times too
These last few weeks of holding on
The days are dull, the nights are long
Guess it’s better to say
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to you, whoa
Goodbye, baby (goodbye, baby)
So long, darlin’
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to you, whoa
Bye-bye, baby (bye-bye, baby)
So long, darlin’
Goodbye to you (bye-bye, baby)
Goodbye to you