The Way You Say Good-Bye
Dave Alvin · Blackjack David [1998]
(Blue Horn Toad Music, BMI, Administered by Bug Music)
Well I hate the way you call my name, baby
I hate that look on your face
And I hate the cold touch of your kiss, baby
I hate the chill in your embrace
Oh, but I hate the way that you pull from me
When I want you by my side
Yeah, baby
I hate the way that you say "Goodbye."
I hate my eyes 'cause they see, baby
That you'll be goin' soon
And I hate my mind 'cause it knows, baby
There ain't nothin' I can do
But I hate my arms that long to hold you
And I hate my heart that wants to cry
Yeah baby, I hate the way that you say "Goodbye."
I hate the way you talk, and you talk and talk
'Til I hate every word that you say
I hate the lies I believe when you swear you won't leave
Then you turn around and you walk away
Well I hate the night I met you, baby
And your lips first touched mine
Yeah. baby
Well I hate the way that you say "Goodbye."
Well I hate the way I wait
Honey, and I wait and wait
For you to make up your mind
And I hate the way it seems I'm always down on my knees
Begging, "Baby come back one more time."
Well I hate everything I love about you
And I'm gonna hate it all my life
Yeah baby I hate the way that you say "Goodbye."
I hate the way that you say "Goodbye."
The Way You Say Good-Bye
Dave Alvin stands as a cornerstone of American roots music, celebrated for his deep engagement with blues, rockabilly, and country traditions. As a founding member of the Blasters and a prolific solo artist, Alvin has cultivated a discography defined by lyrical honesty and raw emotional resonance. "The Way You Say Good-Bye" appears on his 1998 album Blackjack David, a record that further solidified his reputation for crafting intimate, character-driven narratives. The track exemplifies his ability to blend traditional songwriting structures with a modern, weary sensibility. Throughout his career, Alvin has consistently explored themes of heartbreak and resilience, drawing from a vast well of musical influences to create recordings that feel both timeless and immediate. This song remains a testament to his enduring skill in capturing the complexities of human relationships through the lens of classic American music.