Goodbye Songs For Teachers
1. ‘Goodbye Song for Children’ by Matt (Dream English)
I am opening with a song aimed at the younger members of the community. This easy to sing song is a happy, upbeat number written for children to sing to departing teachers and friends.
The lyrics are open and straight forward encouraging children to join in with actions too. At a little under two minutes with a familiar verse-chorus pattern, it is appealing and fun.
2. ‘Time To Say Goodbye’ from The Maple Leaf Learning Club
Another sweet, short song for the pre-school children to sing to departing teachers. In a similar vein to the track above, there are actions and easy words that make this a very accessible song.
The site associated with the song recommends this song for learners of the English language.
3. ‘Goodbye My Teacher’ From Ivory Music
A simple song that thanks teachers and wishes them well. The lyrics are an expression of gratefulness to any and indeed, all teachers.
The sentiment is well-meant accompanied by a functional series of chords. It is a small song that would suit any teacher leaving occasion most notably in Primary Schools.
4. ‘Farewell’ from The Solution of Mind
This track appealed to me. It may not be quite as spontaneously produced as it appears in the video, but it is a compelling piece. What stands out is that in under a minute, the song uses no words but turns everyday items into percussion instruments.
These bring a strong selection of ostinato patterns created by banging on desks, opening and closing scissors, and tapping the keys on laptops.
The song builds quickly adding new rhythms and vocal chants until it concludes in a triumphant major chord. A clever and imaginative farewell and thank you.
5. ‘AM a Little boy’ by Reverend Kris Okotie
Not the best recording of this bright song dedicated to the departure of a loved teacher. What makes this song stand out is that it has a jaunty Caribbean feel that is not as common in the other songs.
The arrangement is nicely balanced with contrasting sections, an instrumental, and an easy chorus to remember. At the very opening of the song, you will hear this chorus as an acapella version that then leads into the main track.
There is a prolonged play-out that surprisingly introduces the well-known song ‘Merrily we roll along’ for reasons that are probably more apparent to the writer.
6. ‘Con Te Partiro’ (1996) music by Francesco Sartori; lyrics by Lucio Quarantotto
The title translates as ‘With You, I Shal Depart’ and has become an immense success for Italian operatic tenor Andrea Bocelli.
Initially, the song received a poor response in Italy but went on to be developed into a duet. It was Bocelli and Sarah Brightman who recorded this version to great acclaim.
It sold an astonishing 12-million copies. Since then the song has become synonymous with Andrea Bocelli and has been used in films as diverse as ‘Madagascar 3’.
7. ‘Bye Bye Teacher’ (1959) by Bill Randall
Sadly, there seems to be very little information about Mr. Randall or his song. What I could find out is that it was quite a popular late fifties track released as a single. The ‘B’ side was titled ‘Rowena’.
As you might expect from the date, this song is firmly entrenched in the popular style of the time; rock ‘n’ roll. Rather than this being a song of thanks, Randall takes the side of the typical 1950s teen in a slightly rebellious song.
The lyrics orientate around saying goodbye to the teacher as the singer is now on holiday, trying to forget school and have a good time. There is a charm with this track that rings out through the irreverence and fast-paced rockabilly backbeat.
The accompanying pictures are also an amusing reminder of times gone by.
8. ‘Starmaker’ by Carole Bayer Sager, Bruce Roberts
Another big hit song from the ever-popular US series is ‘Fame’. The song came in the finale of season one when Mr. Crandall was leaving the school.
If you can get passed the rather dated video that accompanies the song you can hear the work of two great songwriters. It is a beautifully crafted song that expresses the love and gratitude that the teachers and students have for Mr. Crandall.
The style is that of a rock/gospel ballad that gradually builds to its final, modulated chorus. Whether you are a Fame fan or not I challenge you not to be just a little moved by this song of goodbye.
9. ‘Teacher Goodbye’ by Andy Burrows
We enter the realms of gentle comedy with this track. Andy Burrows, in what sounds like a demo recording on this link, sings about a teacher who is leaving his school. She is having a baby and promises to return.
Andy seems more interested in the things the teacher took away from him during school and hopes that if she does return that she brings with her all his things. A light-hearted one-minute ditty with a nice lyrical twist.
Andy Burrows has a substantial following on most social sites and has an impressive number of albums to his credit. Interestingly, Burrows has recently collaborated on an album with well-known author Matt Haig titled ‘Reasons To Stay Alive’. (Haig’s best-selling book shares the title).
10. ‘Teacher’s Farewell Song’ by Rascal Flatts
I have included this very fine country-rock song as it comes up remarkably frequently when looking for songs that say goodbye. Oddly enough, this song is particularly popular with people saying farewell to teachers. (See youtube video below).
It is a very polished track with the quality of lyrics that are closely associated with Country music. Although the track is saying goodbye the tone is abundantly positive and uplifting, full of hope and possibility.
Rascal Flatts is a highly talented influential trio. Founded in 2000, they have enjoyed continued success with 35 million downloads and 2.5 million streams of its music.