About the song
Kris Kristofferson’s “Kiss the World Goodbye”: A Timeless Farewell
Released in 1972, Kris Kristofferson’s “Kiss the World Goodbye” is a poignant ballad that captures the bittersweet nature of saying farewell. This track, often overlooked amidst Kristofferson’s more popular works, offers a profound meditation on mortality, regret, and the enduring power of human connection.
The song begins with a simple, acoustic guitar melody that sets a reflective tone. Kristofferson’s distinctive, gravelly voice paints a vivid picture of a man contemplating his life and the choices he’s made. The lyrics, filled with imagery of aging and loss, evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. As the song progresses, the listener is drawn into the narrator’s introspective journey, as he reflects on past loves, missed opportunities, and the inevitability of death.
One of the most striking aspects of “Kiss the World Goodbye” is its raw emotional honesty. Kristofferson’s lyrics are both deeply personal and universally relatable. The song explores themes of mortality, regret, and the search for meaning in a way that resonates with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. It’s a reminder that as we grow older, we become more aware of our own mortality, and that it’s important to cherish the time we have with our loved ones.
Musically, “Kiss the World Goodbye” is a masterclass in understated elegance. The arrangement is sparse, allowing Kristofferson’s vocals and the haunting melody to take center stage. The song’s simplicity is both its greatest strength and its most enduring appeal.
In conclusion, “Kiss the World Goodbye” is a timeless piece of music that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release. Kristofferson’s ability to capture the complexities of the human experience with such honesty and simplicity is what makes this song such a special and enduring work of art.
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Lyrics
I never had no regrets, boys;
Not for nothing I’ve done.
I owed the devil some debts, boys,
Paid them all up but one.
And I don’t even regret the living
That I’ll be leaving behind.
I’ve gotten weary of searching
For something I couldn’t find.
I’m going down to the shade
By the river one more time,
And feel the breeze on my face before I die.
I’m gonna leave whatever’s left of my luck to the losers,
Then bend me down and kiss the world goodbye.
Come to lucky-in-lovin’
I never had no complaints.
They never said I was evil,
But then, I wasn’t no saint.
I’m just a river that rolled forever
And never got to the sea.
I ain’t blaming nobody;
I had it coming to me.
I’m going down to the shade
By the river one more time,
And feel the breeze on my face before I die.
I’m gonna leave whatever’s left
Of my luck to the losers,
Then bend me down, and kiss the world goodbye.