"I Don't Know How To Say Goodbye" by Engelbert Humperdinck is a heartfelt song about the struggle of wanting to leave a relationship but not knowing how to express it. The song delves into the emotions of feeling torn between the desire to return to a previous life and the love and care received in the current relationship. The lyrics depict a narrator who often contemplates leaving, imagining themselves packing up and walking out the door. They long for the freedom and independence they had before, not having to take care of themselves or anyone else. However, when they lie awake at night next to their beloved partner, they see the love in their eyes and realize they don't deserve to be hurt. The narrator acknowledges the deep love and connection they share with their partner, but they struggle to find the right words to express their desire to leave. They fear breaking their partner's heart and causing them pain. Despite knowing that leaving would lead to happiness for themselves, they find it difficult to vocalize their feelings and say goodbye. The song highlights the conflicting emotions the narrator experiences. On one hand, they feel the need to reclaim their independence, but on the other hand, they recognize the love and care they receive from their partner. It emphasizes the difficulty of making the decision and conveying it to the person they love. In the end, the narrator contemplates waking their partner with a kiss to show their affection and hoping that their partner will understand their struggle. The song ultimately expresses the narrators' confusion and their inability to find the right words to say goodbye, even though they deeply love their partner.
