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Introduction
“Kiss the World Goodbye” is a song that embodies the essence of saying farewell on your own terms—fearlessly, unapologetically, and with a heart full of conviction. This track, performed and written by Kris Kristofferson, is a reflection of his distinctive ability to capture raw human emotion and put it into words that linger long after the music ends. With Kristofferson, there’s always more than meets the eye. This song is no exception; it’s not just about leaving—it’s about the courage to let go, to face the unknown, and to walk away with a sense of dignity and resolve.
When you listen to “Kiss the World Goodbye,” you can almost feel Kris’s rugged yet poetic spirit infusing each line. His voice carries a tone that’s both weary and hopeful, creating a perfect blend of resignation and liberation. It’s like sitting down with a man who’s seen and felt more than most, sharing his final words of wisdom before he takes that long walk into the sunset.
What Makes It Special?
What sets this song apart is its simplicity. It’s not wrapped in flashy production or weighed down by unnecessary embellishments. Instead, it’s stripped back, allowing the lyrics and Kris’s gritty vocals to take center stage. You can hear every crack, every grain of his voice as he delivers lines like, “If you want to, I’ll go with you. But you have to make up your mind.” It’s direct, raw, and yet, it holds a kind of grace that’s hard to find in more polished tracks.
Another aspect that makes “Kiss the World Goodbye” special is its universal theme of acceptance and closure. Whether you’re interpreting it as a metaphor for leaving a relationship, moving on from a difficult chapter in life, or even facing mortality, the song feels deeply personal. It speaks to anyone who’s ever felt the need to close a door in order to step through another, embracing the unknown with nothing but faith in themselves.
A Song for the Brave
This isn’t a song for the faint-hearted. There’s no regret here, no looking back over one’s shoulder with tears of sorrow. Instead, it’s a proud, almost defiant farewell—one that says, “I lived my life the way I wanted, and I’m going to leave it just the same.” In that sense, “Kiss the World Goodbye” is more than a farewell; it’s a celebration of independence and self-respect. It’s Kris Kristofferson’s poetic way of telling the world, “I’m done, and I’m okay with it.”
For fans, this track is a reminder of Kris’s unparalleled talent for blending poetry and storytelling with a rugged, real-world perspective. He doesn’t shy away from the hard truths or the bittersweet moments of life; instead, he dives right in, bringing listeners along for the ride.
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Lyrics
I never had no regrets, boys;
Not for nothing I’ve done.
I owed the devil some debts, boys,
Paid them all up but one.
And I don’t even regret the living
That I’ll be leaving behind.
I’ve gotten weary of searching
For something I couldn’t find.
I’m going down to the shade
By the river one more time,
And feel the breeze on my face before I die.
I’m gonna leave whatever’s left of my luck to the losers,
Then bend me down and kiss the world goodbye.
Come to lucky-in-lovin’
I never had no complaints.
They never said I was evil,
But then, I wasn’t no saint.
I’m just a river that rolled forever
And never got to the sea.
I ain’t blaming nobody;
I had it coming to me.
I’m going down to the shade
By the river one more time,
And feel the breeze on my face before I die.
I’m gonna leave whatever’s left
Of my luck to the losers,
Then bend me down, and kiss the world goodbye.