Introduction
The Gentle Farewell: A Look at Ernest Tubb’s “Let’s Say Goodbye Like We Said Hello”
While the exact year of release remains unclear, Ernest Tubb’s “Let’s Say Goodbye Like We Said Hello” became a staple in his repertoire during the late 1940s. The song doesn’t dwell on the heartache of a breakup, but offers a melancholic yet hopeful approach to parting ways.
Tubb, nicknamed the “Texas Troubadour,” was a pioneer of honky-tonk, a style of country music characterized by its focus on heartbreak, loneliness, and the working class. “Let’s Say Goodbye Like We Said Hello” stands out within this genre for its gentle acceptance of a relationship’s end.
There’s a good chance Tubb co-wrote the song with Jimmie Skinner, a frequent collaborator during this period. Skinner was known for his poignant lyrics that resonated with everyday struggles, a quality evident in “Let’s Say Goodbye Like We Said Hello.”
The song likely found a home on the radio show “The Midnight Jamboree,” a popular program hosted by Tubb himself. The show, which ran from 1943 to 1964, served as a launching pad for many country careers and was a key platform for Tubb’s music.
“Let’s Say Goodbye Like We Said Hello” might not be a chart-topping hit, but it captured the essence of Tubb’s style – a relatable voice expressing the bittersweet realities of life. The song’s message of a respectful and gentle farewell resonates with listeners even today, making it a quiet gem in Tubb’s vast musical legacy. So, put on your boots, pour yourself a glass of sweet tea, and prepare to be transported to a simpler time by the smooth stylings of Ernest Tubb.