Goodbye Cruel World Lyrics – The Wall – Pink Floyd

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Goodbye Cruel World Lyrics (Waters) 1:05

Goodbye cruel world,
I’m leaving you today.
Goodbye,
Goodbye,
Goodbye.

Goodbye, all you people,
There’s nothing you can say
To make me change my mind.
Goodbye.

The epic rock opera The Wall is one of Pink Floyd’s most popular albums and had great commercial success.

  1. In the Flesh?
  2. The Thin Ice
  3. Another Brick in the Wall Part 1
  4. The Happiest Days of our Lives
  5. Another Brick in the Wall Part 2
  6. Mother
  7. Goodbye Blue Sky
  8. Empty Spaces
  9. Young Lust
  10. One of My Turns
  11. Don’t Leave Me Now
  12. Another Brick in the Wall Part 3
  13. Goodbye Cruel World
  14. Hey You
  15. Is There Anybody Out There?
  16. Nobody Home
  17. Vera
  18. Bring the Boys Back Home
  19. Comfortably Numb
  20. The Show Must Go On
  21. In The Flesh
  22. Run Like Hell
  23. Waiting for the Worms
  24. Stop
  25. The Trial
  26. Outside the Wall

“Goodbye Cruel World” – An Introspective Analysis

1. Overview of “Goodbye Cruel World” “Goodbye Cruel World” closes the first disc of Pink Floyd’s 1979 double album “The Wall.” This brief yet impactful track stands as a somber farewell, marking a pivotal moment in the album’s narrative. The song reflects the protagonist, Pink’s, final descent into isolation, as he completes the metaphorical wall around himself.

2. Lyrical Significance and Themes The lyrics of “Goodbye Cruel World” are minimal but powerful. Pink declares his withdrawal from the world, signifying his complete surrender to the emotional barriers he’s erected. This track encapsulates the themes of despair and isolation that are central to “The Wall.” The line “Goodbye cruel world, I’m leaving you today” conveys a sense of finality, as Pink bids farewell to the outside world and retreats into his inner sanctum.

3. Musical Composition Musically, “Goodbye Cruel World” is stark and minimalistic. The song features a simple bass line and subdued vocals, creating an atmosphere of finality and resignation. The lack of a full band or complex instrumentation underscores the theme of isolation and the end of Pink’s journey towards self-imposed solitude.

4. Role in “The Wall” “Goodbye Cruel World” serves as a crucial juncture in the narrative of “The Wall.” It marks the completion of Pink’s emotional and psychological withdrawal from the world. This song sets the stage for the second half of the album, where the consequences of Pink’s isolation are further explored. It symbolizes the point of no return in his journey.

5. Impact and Interpretation “Goodbye Cruel World” is notable for its emotional depth and narrative significance. While one of the shorter tracks on the album, its placement and poignant message make it a key component of “The Wall.” The song resonates with listeners who have experienced feelings of isolation and despair, making it a powerful and relatable piece.


In summary, “Goodbye Cruel World” is a vital and emotionally charged track in Pink Floyd’s “The Wall,” effectively capturing the essence of the album’s themes. Its simplicity, both lyrically and musically, belies the depth of its impact on the narrative, making it a profound statement on isolation and the human condition.

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