The church I am attending, Hope Covenant in Lake Stevens WA, currently meets in a middle school cafeteria. That all is about to change however when the congregation moves to Everett in a few weeks into an established church building and combines with the members of Sanctuary Covenant. As we were talking about this in our pre-church prayer time last Sunday a thought occurred to me about what would be the best CCM "Goodbye Songs." I put together a list; obviously these songs are much more somber than your standard fair 'upbeat' praise and worship CCM. However, they also have some of the best lyrical content of any CCM hits as well, including some profound "one-line zingers." So without further ado, here are your top 5 CCM Goodbye songs of all time as compiled by......me:
Number 5:
"Bye Bye Babylon" - Whiteheart
Whiteheart's "Freedom" album was arguably released at the pinnacle of the band's career; this opening track set the stage for music that rivaled the mainstreams rock and roll efforts of the same year. (Best Lyric: "Rocket ride through time and space/It's 2088/They're diggin' around in the dust of what we've done/Now people study me/I'm a part of history/Oh, did we leave them another Babylon")
Number 4:
"Move to Bremerton" - MXPX
More of a "Hello" song than a "Goodbye" song, the song suggests nevertheless that one 'drop out of school, run away and quit their job,' because Bremerton (Washington) 'is a good place to reside.' That type of resolve would still no doubt be stressful for anyone who is leaving their former settings behind. (Best Lyric: "Drop out of school and run away/Quit your job, you got a place to stay/Pack your bags and hitch a ride/Bremerton's a good place to reside")
Number 3:
"So Long Self" - Mercyme
"Stop right there because I know what you're thinking/But no we can't be friends (Best Lyric)"; Mercyme's "controversial" offering of the mid 2000's is still probably one of their most catchiest and wittiest offering of their collection. It's believe it's also the only CCM song I've ever heard played in a Las Vegas casino.
Number 2:
“Friends” - Michael W. Smith
At first this song wasn’t going to make the list. But after reconsidering, it should not only be on the list but toward the top. This was the last song of the last concert before high school graduation, the three years I was in A Capella choir, the one that made everyones’ faces tear up with emotion. This is the quintessential high school/college goodbye song, the song you pull out, like Christmas music, once a year. (Best Lyric: Packing up the dreams God planted/In the fertile soil of you/Can't believe the hopes He's granted/Means a chapter in your life is through)
And the Number 1 CCM Goodbye Song of all Time:
"Goodbye" - Plankeye
"I never took the time/To stop and realize/That death takes many forms/Even while alive (Best Lyric)"; this lyric is not just the best CCM Goodbye Song lyric, it's probably in the top ten best lyrics of any CCM song ever. At least I think so. This song is symbolic of the band itself, having had their lead singer drop out, yet still producing a solid rock album called "Relocation" in 1999. The shock of the remaining members of Plankeye after losing their lead singer is evident on this music video, shot 95% in a hospital elevator. Don't think a music video in a hospital elevator will hold your attention? Think again.
Honorable Mentions: Barlowgirl “Beautiful Ending”; Michelle Tumes - "Missing You"; Third Day - "Don't Say Goodbye"; Jars of Clay - "I'll Fly Away"; Group 1 Crew - "Not the End of Me"; Hocus Pick - "Bye Bye Bye"; DC Talk - "My Friend - So Long"; PFR - "Life Goes On"; Mat Kearney - "Runaway"; Nicol Smith - "When I Most Miss You"; Michael W Smith “Pray for Me"
