Released: 2017
Sam Smith’s “Too Good At Goodbyes” is a heart-wrenching ballad about self-preservation in the face of repeated heartbreak. The song captures the emotional armor one builds after experiencing the pain of love lost too many times. It’s about learning to guard oneself against the hurt that comes with opening up to someone who might leave.
The opening lines, “You must think that I’m stupid / You must think that I’m a fool,” set the stage for a narrative of self-awareness and emotional defense. Smith acknowledges that they’ve been through this cycle before, suggesting a history of being hurt in relationships. The repetition of “I’m never gonna let you close to me” highlights a protective stance, where keeping distance is a means of self-preservation.
In the chorus, “But every time you hurt me, the less that I cry / And every time you leave me, the quicker these tears dry,” Smith describes a process of emotional desensitization. The more they’re hurt, the less they react, indicating a growing numbness to the pain. The phrase “I’m way too good at goodbyes” is both a declaration of strength and a lament of having to become so adept at ending relationships.
Smith continues with “I know you’re thinkin’ I’m heartless / I know you’re thinkin’ I’m cold,” addressing the perception others might have of them as detached or unemotional. However, this is a defense mechanism, a way to “protect my soul” from further damage. The repetition of the earlier lines about not letting someone close underscores the theme of self-protection.
The song’s structure, with its recurring lines and themes, mirrors the cycle of heartbreak and healing. Smith’s delivery, filled with raw emotion, adds depth to the lyrics, making the listener feel the weight of each goodbye. In the end, “Too Good At Goodbyes” is a poignant reflection on the cost of love and the barriers we build to shield ourselves from its pain.
