Music Review: Spice Girls "Goodbye"

Goodbye
Album: Forever
Year: 1998

Emma Bunton wishes a childhood friend good luck as she starts over in the somber ballad "Goodbye."
The single begins immediately with the Spice Girls saying "no", setting a disbelieving tone.

"No no no no, no no no no, no no no no."

In the first verse, she says all the troubles she and her friend went through together will be gone. Even though they were close as children, they bickered often. At times, it was a combative relationship with nagging issues. However, Bunton knew they would work it out. It would take time and maturity.

"Listen little child, there will come a day/When you will be able, able to say/Never mind the pain, or the aggravation/You know there's a better way, for you and me to be."

In the pre-chorus, Melanie Brown tells her to look on the positive side when things are haywire. She advises her friend to be as helpful and caring as she was with her.

"Look for a rainbow in every storm/Fly like an angel, heaven sent to me."

In the chorus, Bunton is cleaning up the last of the things in her friend’s home. Even though the room is empty, she feels like her friend is still there. She has so many memories in the home that it's tough for her to leave it forever. She realizes they will talk on the phone, but it won't be the same. She reminds herself to remain composed. Her friend will be all right and so will she. Melanie Chisholm is thankful for their friendship. The years may pass but they will always be friends. Nothing can change it.

"Goodbye my friend (I know you're gone, you said you're gone, but I can still feel you here)/It's not the end (Gotta keep it strong before the pain turns into fear)/So glad we made it, time will never change it (No no no, no no no no.)"

In the second verse, she said her friend had great ambitions. People told her she wouldn't be able to accomplish anything. However, she proved them wrong. Discovering the world gave her new ideas and strengthened their friendship.

"Just a little girl, big imagination/Never letting no one take it away/Went into the world, what a revelation/She found there's a better way for you and me to be."

In the pre-chorus, Melanie Brown adds her friend will always the support of someone. She warns her to be careful of those with an agenda. Even if it's not her, she will be in good hands.

"Look for a rainbow in every storm/Find out for certain, love's gonna be there for you/You'll always be someone's baby."

The chorus is sung again. Melanie Chisholm adds that leaving one another was eventual. It's something they must do.

"Goodbye my friend…So glad we made it, time will never change it..You know it's time to say goodbye (No, no no)."

The accepting strings have a solo.

In the bridge, Victoria Beckham remembers when they go over to each other houses' and play school and dress up. She also recalls their tiffs over boys and grades, which seem minuscule now. Although her friend had talked about moving, she seemed content at home. When she told everyone that she was moving out of state, people were surprised.

"The times when we would play about/The way we used to scream and shout/We never dreamt you'd go your own sweet way."

The second pre-chorus is sung again.

The first chorus is sung again.

In the final section, Melanie Chisholm tells her friend to give her a call and she'll be on a plane in an instant. She will always be her best friend.

"No no no no, you know it's time to say goodbye/No no no no, and don't forget you can rely/No no no no, you know it's time to say goodbye/No no no no, and don't forget on me you can rely/No no no no, I will help, help you on your way/No no no no, I will be with you every day."

Emma Bunton thought she and her friend would continue to live in their sleepy old town until they were senior citizens. It seemed to be the natural step. She'll miss the midnight runs to the video store on the weekends and gossiping about the neighbors all afternoon. Out of all people she knew in school, her friend was the only one who has become a permenant part of life.

The Spice Girls' vocals are still thin as fingernails. However, Bunton and Chisholm are the most expressive of the group. They are tender and downhearted. However, they are optimistic and happy for their friend as well. It's a bittersweet farewell.

The tearful arrangement smiles through the hurt. Although the finality is there, it hasn't yet sunk in.

The classy "Goodbye" was a wonderful way to address Geri Haliwell's departure as well be a touching ballad.

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