The song "The Hardest Word Is Goodbye" by John Newman revolves around the theme of letting go of a loved one in order to allow them to find happiness and healing. The lyrics speak to the struggle of leaving someone you love but realizing that it is necessary for their own well-being and growth. The song opens with the narrator questioning how the person they love will be able to experience the love they truly deserve if the narrator doesn't leave. They acknowledge that by staying, they are preventing the other person from finding the space and time they need to heal and find happiness. The chorus emphasizes that saying goodbye is the hardest word to say, but it is important to make it easy and not cry. The narrator expresses their love for the other person and acknowledges the difficulty of parting ways. Although it hurts and the other person may scream for them not to go, the narrator promises that the other person's heart won't stay empty. They hold onto hope that the other person will move on and find a love that not only includes the narrator but also offers even more. The bridge acknowledges that the other person is much stronger and braver than the narrator. They imply that the other person doesn't need the narrator anymore and that they will be able to thrive and grow without them. Overall, the song explores the painful decision to leave someone you love for their own well-being and the hope that they will find happiness and love beyond the relationship.
