We Said Hello, Goodbye

Phil Collins · No Jacket Required [1985]

We said goodbye to a dear old friend

And we packed our bags and left feeling sad

It's the only way

We said hello as we turned the key

A new roof over our heads

Gave a smile

It's the only way

Only way



Turn your head

And don't look back

Set your sails for a new horizon

Don't turn around don't look down

Oh there's life across the tracks

And you know it's really not surprising

It gets better when you get there oh



Well it really don't matter much where you are

Cos home is in your heart

It's a feeling that you wake with one day

Some people keep running all their life

And still find they haven't gone too far

They don't see it's the feeling inside - the feeling inside oh



Turn your head and don't look back

Just set your sails for a new horizon

Don't turn around don't look down

Oh there's life across the tracks

And you know it's really not surprising

It gets better when you get there



We said hello as we turned the key

A new roof over our heads

Gave a smile - it's the only way

We Said Hello, Goodbye

Phil Collins' "We Said Hello, Goodbye" stands as a defining track from his 1985 album "No Jacket Required," showcasing his evolution from pop to a more mature, soulful sound. The recording features his signature piano-driven arrangements and emotive vocals, characteristic of the mid-80s New Wave era. This song reflects the personal turmoil and introspection that permeated Collins' work during this period, distinct from his earlier synth-pop hits. It remains a staple of his discography, often cited alongside other major releases like "In the Air Tonight" for its emotional depth and polished production. The track exemplifies Collins' ability to blend pop accessibility with genuine lyrical vulnerability, cementing his status as a pivotal figure in 1980s music.