“Farewell” by Rosie Thomas

On Breakup Songs.

I’ve been on a breakup song kick lately, ever since writing my list of the top ten best breakup songs. Earlier today I wrote about Eric Hutchinson’s “Breakdown More,” which is another song for all you sad-sack losers unlucky in love. And now, here I am, introducing you to (or reminding you of) Rosie Thomas’s “Farewell.”

What is it about breakup songs? Why do we have this masochistic desire to relive heartache? Why do we want to experience our breakups all over again, maybe even more acutely, this time concentrated into keenly descriptive four-minute ballads?

Here’s my theory: the breakup song is like a roller coaster. Both are meant to simulate an exceedingly unpleasant experience, but in both cases, we know we’re going to come out all right on the other side. Both roller coasters and breakup songs show us what we’re made of, and remind us of our capacity to endure extremes, whether extreme fear, or extreme heartbreak.

With that said, you should be careful when listening to “Farewell” by Rosie Thomas because it’s no kiddie ride. If ever you’ve left someone or lost someone, this song will surely strike a chord.

I never asked you for
A sailboat in the yard,
That fancy dress to wear,
A ceiling made of stars.

All I got was just this
Broken heart from you.

So pull your harness down securely against your chest, and keep your arms and legs inside the car at all times.