Released: 2019 • Features: Young Thug
“Goodbyes” by Post Malone featuring the Atlanta trap maestro, Young Thug, is a melancholy tune that delves deep into the pain of a tumultuous relationship. The song stitches together a narrative of self-destruction, regret, and the struggle to let go of a toxic situation. It ain’t your mama’s love song, that’s for sure, it’s a gritty rumination on love lost in the fast lane.
The track starts off with Post Malone making a reference to Nirvana frontman, Kurt Cobain, “Me and Kurt feel the same, too much pleasure is pain”; both of them struggled with fame, addiction, and mental health issues, exposing the central theme of battling personal demons. “My girl spites me in vain, all I do is complain” talks about a cycle of spite and regret that characterizes a fractious, nonconstructive relationship. Malone drops bars that suggest that he’s trying to drown his sorrows: “Now I’m drinkin’ again, 80 proof in my veins” to rid himself of the emotional pain brought on by the relationship.
Post drops a pithy confession, “I’m no good at goodbyes”. He’s wrestling with the idea of ending the relationship even though it’s clear that it’s unhealthy. The repetitive use of “goodbye” emphasizes his struggle with parting ways, it’s almost as he’s practicing how to say it over and over, yet it never comes out right.
When Young Thug steps up to the mic, the Atlantan adds his own flavor to the track. His verse leans into the lifestyle of material wealth and fame juxtaposed against the failing relationship. Thug’s mention of “blue diamond, no shark” implies wealth and success, and “You’re Barbie life doll, it’s Nicki Minaj” is a nod to rap queen Nicki Minaj, hinting that the woman in question may be living a superficial, perfect ‘Barbie-like’ life that lacks depth or realness.
“Goodbyes” ain’t about love in the traditional sense—it’s about love that’s laced with personal battles, struggles with mental health, and the cyclical nature of toxic relationships. It’s a heavy hitter that’ll have you turning that volume knob all the way up, even if it ain’t your typical love jam.
