TobyMac - Goodbye (For Gabe) Lyrics
Lyrics
They say the larger they live
The harder they fall
So, when your knees hit that ground
This whole world must've paused
When you walked through that door
You made our problems yours
And if love feels like rain
Brother, you made it pour
And even though I know I'll see you on the other side
I wish I could've said (Goodbye) to all the late-night talkin'
The long bus rides and the downtown walkin'
(Goodbye) To all the truth you spittin'
The rock you were when my head was trippin'
(Goodbye) To all the dreams we chased
And the ones we caught by the Good Lord's grace
(Goodbye) I wish I could've said (Goodbye)
I wish I could've said goodbye (Ohh)
I wish I could've said goodbye (Ohh)
Well, I can still hear your laugh
And it still makes me smile
It's like time used to fly
Now, I feel every mile
Any room that you walk in
We just end up by you
And our lives will never be the same, it's true
Man, I wish I could've said (Goodbye) to all the late-night talkin'
The long bus rides and the downtown walkin'
(Goodbye) To all the truth you spittin'
The rock you were when my head was trippin'
(Goodbye) To all the dreams we chased
And the ones we caught by the Good Lord's grace
(Goodbye) I wish I could've said (Goodbye)
I wish I could've said goodbye (Ohh)
(Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye)
I wish I could've said goodbye (Ohh)
(Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye)
You said, "Save your words, don't say goodbye
Just say a prayer for me tonight
If this is the road, I'll walk it
Save your words, don't say goodbye
Just say a prayer for me tonight
If this is the sea, He'll part it
If He wants to part it"
(Goodbye) To all the late-night talkin'
The long bus rides and the downtown walkin'
(Goodbye) To all the truth you spittin'
The friend you were, I will always miss you
(Goodbye) To all the dreams we chased
And the ones we caught by the Good Lord's grace
(Goodbye) I wish I could've said (I wish I could've said)
I wish I could've said goodbye (Ohh)
(I wish I had the words to say; Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye)
I wish I could've said goodbye (Ohh)
(I wish I had the words to say; Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye)
So, I guess I need to say goodbye
Video
TobyMac - Goodbye (For Gabe) (Official Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Set to arrive on June 20, 2025, TobyMac’s release titled "Goodbye (For Gabe)" immediately signals a deeply personal and poignant offering, directly addressing the profound loss of his son, Truett "Gabe" McKee. This song is more than just a musical track; it's an raw outpouring of a father's heart grappling with unimaginable grief, filtered through the enduring lens of faith. Coming years after Gabe’s passing in 2019, the song suggests a continuation of the complex journey through sorrow—a testament that healing is not a destination but a long, winding path, and faith is the necessary companion through the darkest valleys. The title itself, "Goodbye (For Gabe)," cuts straight to the heart, acknowledging the painful finality of earthly separation while hinting at the eternal perspective that faith provides.
The narrative woven within "Goodbye (For Gabe)" delves into the agonizing reality of saying farewell to a loved one far too soon. It speaks to the ache of absence, the memories that both comfort and wound, and the sheer difficulty of navigating a world forever altered by loss. Yet, TobyMac's work has always been anchored in his belief, and this song is no exception. It’s a conversation with grief, yes, but also a dialogue with God, expressing the pain while seeking solace and understanding in divine promises. The song likely explores the tension between human sorrow and the hope found in Christ—the sorrow of missing a cherished presence countered by the promise of resurrection and eternal reunion. This mirrors the human experience described in Scripture, where even figures of great faith wrestled with pain and loss, as seen in the laments of the Psalms, yet consistently turned to God for refuge and strength.
Musically and lyrically, "Goodbye (For Gabe)" carries the weight of its subject matter. Without relying on specific lyrics outside of necessary reference, one can anticipate a soundscape that supports this emotional journey—perhaps reflective and stripped-back in moments, building in intensity as it grapples with difficult truths, ultimately resolving with a sense of peace hard-won through persistent faith. TobyMac’s delivery is known for its authenticity and passion, and here, that is amplified by the personal connection to the subject. He doesn’t just sing about grief; he embodies it, allowing others who have faced similar losses to feel seen and understood. The song serves as an honest expression of sorrow, a necessary part of the grieving process, while simultaneously affirming the bedrock of hope that keeps the soul from collapsing. As Jesus told His disciples in John 16:22, there will be times of sorrow, but that sorrow can turn to joy, particularly in the context of His presence and future promises.
The power of "Goodbye (For Gabe)" is significantly amplified by its scriptural grounding, even if not explicitly stated in every line. The human experience of loss and the divine response to it are central themes throughout the Bible. Passages like Psalm 34:18, which assures that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit, offer profound comfort in the face of such pain. The New Testament further grounds hope in the resurrection. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 encourages believers not to grieve like those who have no hope, because just as Jesus died and rose again, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. This eternal perspective doesn't erase the pain of goodbye, but it reframes it within a larger, hopeful narrative. The song resonates with this truth, acknowledging the temporary nature of earthly life while affirming the eternal nature of the soul for those in Christ. It’s a musical articulation of finding strength in God when your own strength is depleted, echoing Isaiah 41:10, which promises God's presence and support: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Ultimately, "Goodbye (For Gabe)" stands as a courageous work of art that transforms personal tragedy into a universal message of faith, grief, and hope. It’s a vulnerable admission of pain paired with an unwavering declaration of trust in God’s plan and promise of eternity. For anyone navigating the complexities of loss, this song offers a companion who understands the depth of sorrow but points towards the light that faith provides. It reminds us that even in the painful act of saying goodbye, there is an enduring connection forged by love and upheld by the hope of a future where, as Revelation 21:4 promises, God will wipe away every tear, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. This song isn't just a final farewell; it’s a powerful testament to the enduring power of love and faith that transcends even the grave.