The Power Of Goodbye

Album: Ray Of Light (1998)
Charted: 6 11
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The lyrics of this electronic ballad, written by Madonna and Rick Nowels, are supposedly about the singer's ex-husband, actor Sean Penn. Their tumultuous marriage lasted from 1985 - 1989.
  • Croatian-born actor Goran Visnjic, who appears in this video as Madonna's boyfriend, went on to play Dr. Luka Kovac on the TV series ER. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jet - Seatown, ST
  • The music video for this song took some inspiration from classic film. The chess-playing scene was modeled after a famous sequence from The Thomas Crown Affair, a 1968 crime thriller starring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway, while the introspective stroll on the beach was taken from the 1946 drama Humoresque, starring Joan Crawford.
  • This song was used in TV ads to promote the WB series Felicity, which began its four-year run in 1998.

Comments: 7

  • Sony Amin from Bangalore, IndiaOne of her finest vocal moments. If only she could have sustained this :(
  • Ethan from CanadaThe best song EVER!
  • Nancy from Cleveland, OhOne of Madonna's best songs. I also believe this song is about Sean Penn about finally being able to let him go and move on.
  • Edward from Miami Beach, FlThis is the most beautiful look for Madonna! The beat and duration of the music reminds me of what it was like to be in Miami when she had a home here- very quiet nights at the beach and with the beat you easily fell into a beach somber mood.
  • Theresa from Murfreesboro, TnGorgeous ballad. Ray of Light is her best album and this song has the best music, loops but with acoustic guitars.
  • Linc from Beaumont, TxI really like this song and this album. It's very powerful, and relaxing and it's a wonderful concept album in a time when no one would probably notice or care.
  • Andrew from West Covina, CaI really really love this song. My grandpa had past away and a member of my family had developed this CD with old family pictures filled with memories including my aunt and grandma who also past away. So when I listen to this song, it reminds me of my grandpa because he used to play a guitar also and my aunt resembles a beauty queen madonna, but prettier...So in Life there is no greater power than the power of good-bye...I really miss them!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

80s Music Quiz 1

80s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

MTV, a popular TV theme song and Madonna all show up in this '80s music quiz.

Eric Clapton

Eric ClaptonFact or Fiction

Did Eric Clapton really write "Cocaine" while on cocaine? This question and more in the Clapton edition of Fact or Fiction.

Timothy B. Schmit

Timothy B. SchmitSongwriter Interviews

The longtime Eagle talks about soaring back to his solo career, and what he learned about songwriting in the group.

Gary LeVox

Gary LeVoxSongwriter Interviews

On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.

Gilby Clarke

Gilby ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

The Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist in the early '90s, Gilby talks about the band's implosion and the side projects it spawned.

Tom Waits Lyrics Quiz

Tom Waits Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

Pool balls, magpies and thorns without roses - how well do you know your Tom Waits lyrics?