Goodbye by Spice Girls

Album: Forever (1998)

Charted: 1 11

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"Goodbye" was the Spice Girls' first single without Geri Halliwell; it was released as a single in 1998 and later issued on their third album, Forever. The song was written by Richard Stannard and Matt Rowe along with the four remaining Spice Girls. Stannard, who teamed with Rowe on many of the group's hits, said the song wasn't specifically about Halliwell.

"It was about moving on and saying goodbye to the old Spice Girls," he explained. "It wasn't goodbye to Geri; it wasn't really literal. A lot of that song was written when they were touring in America. We wrote it in Nashville so I think it has that sentimental feel to it because everyone was kind of homesick and knackered."
This was the Spice Girls' third consecutive #1 Christmas single in Britain. At the time, the only other act to accomplish that feat was The Beatles, who had the #1 Christmas singles from 1963 to 1965. Ladbaby did it from 2018 to 2020 with "We Built This City… On Sausage Rolls," "I Love Sausage Rolls" and "Don't Stop Me Eatin'."
After the song's release, many assumed it would symbolize the disbanding of the Spice Girls, but the members assured everyone (particularly their fans) that the song was simply a special tribute to Halliwell saying they would support her in whatever she wanted to do.

They also said the words "It's not the end" were supposed to symbolize that they would not split up. A few months after the song's release, the members took a break to devote time to their personal lives and/or pursue solo projects. The group then made a comeback (without Halliwell) in the fall of 2000 with a single (the double A-side "Holler/Let Love Lead the Way", UK #1) and a third album (Forever, which was not as commercially successful compared to their first two albums). In the spring of 2001, the members ended up not practicing what they preached, and they disbanded to pursue solo careers. They returned in 2007 (with Halliwell) for the first of their reunions.

Comments: 11

Jonathan from United KingdomWhilst far from the version we know, writing of this song actually started when Geri was still in the band. Both she and Emma had began working on a song named Goodbye at the start of 1998. It was about a relationship ending. I wonder how much was taken from the from the original version.
Jason from Dublin, Irelandi agree Jessie Ann good art is good art no matter who creates it or what form it takes. this song is good regardless of who made it. i would not call myself a s.g. fan but i like some of their work and i respect their unique place in music history.
Danielle from Cleveland, OhI always though that, while clearly the song deals with Geri leaving, it also reflects how the girls felt with the death of Princess Diana. Of course, that could just be me.
Jessie Ann from Purchase, NyFor a spice girls song it is beautiful and well written and their voices are amazing. The video is also beautiful and haunting. Not my type of music, but I can appreaciate this song.
Dave from Cardiff, WalesThis could well have been about the band considering splitting up - but whether or not it was, it could, nevertheless, be said that this song marked the beginning of the end for the band. The Spice Girls all began releasing solo efforts from 1999 onwards, but despite another UK No.1 in 2000 with "Holler/Let Love Lead The Way" - then the lowest selling UK No.1 in history - by 2001, when the line-up had reformed without Geri Halliwell, they encountered a dramatic reversal in their fortunes - their new album flopped, their solo releases began having little or no impact on the charts, and Melanie Brown, Melanie Chisholm and Victoria Beckham were dropped from the record label in early 2001, as was Emma Bunton later on in 2003. Geri Halliwell, meanwhile, also lost her contract in 2002, and after a brief, unsuccessful stint in TV presenting, Geri was famously seen desperately trying to sell copies of a new single in an Asda/Walmart car park in London in 2005. Some say that the record label deliberately set out to ruin the girls' careers as a way of paying them back for sacking their manager Simon Fuller in 1998, a move which Geri Halliwell and Emma Bunton both admitted later on was a big mistake...
Loony Moony Lupin from VirginiaThis song makes me cry, but not because it's aimed at Geri. Just because it's sad and hits deeply.
Hayden from Northampton, EnglandGosh!!! this song is so cool well for spice girls because it is sooo sweet... it seems even more better without Geri cause this song rules!!! also makes abit sad/upset.. but anyways i love it in most ways!!!
Aaron from Mississauga, CanadaI love this song. It brings back so many memories of the Spice Girls. I know this was probably their last big hit, but I think it is their best one. Keep up the Girl Power!
Emmy from Westborough, MaYes maybe but "Tell me why" is about Geri (Ginger Spice) leaving the group too...i know alot about them...maybe this song was about them thinking about breaking up!?
Dave from Cardiff, WalesPity the friends forever thing blew up in their face when they got their claws out ans started slagging Geri off soon after... Geri's debut solo release was a tongue-in-cheek reply which saw her 'bury' her Ginger Spice persona at a funeral
Jeffrey from Anaheim, CaThis song is about a relationship break-up among two best friends. Released as a Christmas single in 1998, seven months after Geri's departure from the group, it gave a whole new layer and meaning for this song as the rest of the 4 members of the group dedicated it to their bond and friendship cherished with Geri and her 'moving' on and starting a new chapter in life.

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