Popular Australian singer-songwriter Dean Lewis’ father was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. The bleak prognosis prompted Dean Lewis to write a heartfelt song about his feelings about the imminent loss of his dad. The song, How Do I Say Goodbye, was released in September 2022. Lewis says, “Everyone was telling me, ‘Are you sure you want to put out a death song’ — that’s what they were calling it — ‘just after COVID?’ ‘I was like, ‘Yeah, but like, it’s the best song I’ve ever done.’”
Lewis admits to being concerned that the heavy subject matter might have prevented people from listening more than once. As it turns out, Lewis’ emotional tribute song to his dad touched people worldwide. The song went viral. Meanwhile, Lewis’ father received an experimental stem cell transplant for his destructive leukaemia. The treatment worked, and Lewis’ father went into remission. To celebrate, Lewis’ father joined him on stage for a celebratory “How Do I Say Goodbye” in Sydney in 2022! Let’s take a look.
Mark Uszxc comments, “His dad doesn’t even glance at the crowd; he’s just looking at his son. He must be so proud of him.” Debbie Brownlee also notes the father/son dynamic: “Absolutely love how the dad moves toward his son.” Yukki says, ‘I love how his audience doesn’t just scream randomly, but actually sings the song in sync. It really adds to the performance.” Mostly, the comments record the bittersweet solace viewers find in the song. G Patha says, “I can never listen to this song without crying like a baby.”
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After the triumphant Sydney performance, Dean Lewis decided to take his father along for the ride on his 2023 European tour. Of course, Lewis’ father joined him for How Do I Say Goodbye. Lewis says, “He’s loving the attention. He’s living his dream because he’s always played and wanted to get onstage. It’s been amazing for all of us.” This is Lewis’ father listening to How Do I Say Goodbye for the very first time. What an emotional journey!
Dean Lewis first came to public attention as an 18-year-old when he played Halo 2 for Team Australia at the 2005 World Cyber Games. Dean Lewis’ most popular songs include his debut single Waves (2016, 7× Platinum in Australia), Be Alright (2018, 11× Platinum in Australia), and, of course, How Do I Say Goodbye (gold or platinum in more than 10 countries). Dean Lewis’ most recent album is The Epilogue (October 2024, his third LP). Dean Lewis’ father is still in remission.
Dean Lewis has touched the hearts of many with his deeply personal song, showcasing the powerful connection between father and son. His emotional journey, from crafting the song to sharing the stage with his father, resonates with audiences worldwide. If you want to explore more of Lewis’s music and story, check out the links below.