Sam Smith gets really personal in his new 2017 single “Too Good At Goodbyes.” This is the first music he is releasing since his hit “Writings on The Wall” back in 2015. Now that he is making a return to music in 2017, we can possibly expect his second studio album somewhere in the horizon.
“Too Good At Goodbyes” could be the heartbreak anthem of 2017, which was pretty much the only emotion that was lacking in. At an interview with Zane Lowe, Sam Smith said;
“[This song is] about a relationship I was in and it’s basically about getting good at getting dumped. I’m still very, very single. I think I’m even more single than I was when I released In the Lonely Hour, so I’m insanely single. People are going to see, this one as I’ve said is about me and something that I’ve gone through.”
The artwork released for this song features a huge bouquet of dying flowers, which pretty much sums up his feelings said above.
Listen to “Too Good At Goodbyes” Single by Sam Smith
Buy “Too Good At Goodbyes” Single on iTunes and Amazon
Although the idea behind this new song is apparent, let’s take a look at the lyrics and hidden meanings.
Lyrics Review & Song Meaning of “Too Good At Goodbyes”
Verse 1
You must think that I’m stupid
You must think that I’m a fool
You must think that I’m new to this
But I have seen this all before
Sam Smith talks about being played at love and being played consistently. He tells his partner to not take him for a fool. This is not the first time his heart was broken and he thinks this will not be the last too. It is like a cycle for Sam Smith.
Refrain
I’m never gonna let you close to me
Even though you mean the most to me
‘Cause every time I open up, it hurts
So I’m never gonna get too close to you
Even when I mean the most to you
In case you go and leave me in the dirt
Sam Smith is closing his heart sleeves up in “Too Good At Goodbyes,” as he is afraid of getting hurt once more. He is tired of all the games and he is giving up on love. This is very relatable to a lot of us, as we have had our hearts broken at one point and decide to close all possible (ones that might have been good) just in the fear of getting hurt. You are not alone, even great artists like Sam Smith are there with you.
Pre-chorus
And every time you hurt me, the less that I cry
And every time you leave me, the quicker these tears dry
And every time you walk out, the less I love you
Baby, we don’t stand a chance, it’s sad but it’s true
This is what Sam Smith actually wanted to tell from “Too Good At Goodbyes.” There comes a point where we get used to all the heartbreaks, tears and pain. The more you experience it, the more you get accustomed to it. The next time hurts less and this is not to say that, it is the way to go. But “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger” or “what hurts today, is stronger tomorrow.”
Sam Smith says all the breakups he has endured has made him a bit stronger. The more you pretend to leave, the less effective it will get. The more times you get your heartbroken, the colder your love will get. It is a sad reality.
Chorus
I’m way too good at goodbyes
(I’m way too good at goodbyes)
I’m way too good at goodbyes
(I’m way too good at goodbyes)
Notice that the chorus has an additional “way” than the title of the song. This changes the entire meaning of the title. “Too Good At Goodbyes” would mean that he has got used to saying goodbyes to the ones who he love. “Way too good at goodbyes” mean Sam Smith is saddened at the fact that he is too good at saying goodbye. It should not have come to this, but it is now.
Verse 2
I know you’re thinkin’ I’m heartless
I know you’re thinkin’ I’m cold
I’m just protectin’ my innocence
I’m just protectin’ my soul
Now that loving has grown cold and goodbyes have become mere words, people think Sam Smith has become heartless. He might have and it’s not his fault. He was pushed to the point where he had no choice but to block all the emotions out to protect himself. The singer does not want to be anymore colder than he is already, so he is saying ‘no’ to love, because anymore heartbreaks, he would become soulless.
We think “Too Good At Goodbyes” is a brilliant come back song from the maestro of heartbreak anthems himself. Sam Smith mixes emotions well to his lyrics and the calming melody intensifies the effect.
What do you think about the song and the lyrics? Do you have any other opinions of the song? If so let us know in the comments below and share this article with your friends.