"50 Ways to Say Goodbye" by Train is an energetic and catchy pop-rock song that was released in 2012 as part of their album "California 37." Here are some interesting facts about the song:
Inspiration for the Song: The song's lyrics tell the humorous and imaginative story of a man who invents various outlandish ways to explain his girlfriend's departure. The inspiration for the song came from lead singer Pat Monahan's experience of running into an ex-girlfriend at a grocery store, and he imagined different ways she might explain their breakup.
Musical Style: "50 Ways to Say Goodbye" incorporates a mix of pop and rock elements. It features a lively and upbeat tempo with a catchy melody, making it a radio-friendly and commercially successful track.
Simon & Garfunkel Reference: The title of the song is a playful nod to Paul Simon's classic song "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover," released in 1975. Train's song, however, takes a humorous and exaggerated approach to the theme of parting ways.
Music Video Concept: The music video for the song complements its humorous lyrics. It depicts various absurd scenarios of how the girlfriend might have met her end, including being attacked by a lion and abducted by aliens. The video adds a comedic visual element to the song's already lighthearted tone.
Commercial Success: "50 Ways to Say Goodbye" performed well commercially, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. Its success contributed to the overall popularity of Train during this period.
Songwriting Collaboration: The song was written by Train's lead singer, Pat Monahan, along with the band's long-time collaborators Espen Lind and Amund Bjørklund. This trio has been behind several of Train's successful tracks.
Live Performances: Train often includes "50 Ways to Say Goodbye" in their live performances. The song's energetic and crowd-pleasing nature makes it a favorite among concertgoers.
"50 Ways to Say Goodbye" stands out for its unique lyrical concept, catchy melody, and the band's ability to infuse humor into their music.