Husam Says ‘Good Riddance’ in Anti-Valentine’s Day Single

On February 12, D.C.-based Syrian-American artist, Husam, released his latest single, “Good Riddance.” The anti-Valentine’s Day track is anthemic, moody, and powerful. Drawing from the alternative artist’s personal experience of being dumped unexpectedly by a former flame, the song carries an important message for anyone who has been jilted, ghosted, or otherwise sidelined: know your value and resist the temptation to settle in future relationships.

“‘Good Riddance’ is about a girl who I was seeing,” explained Husam. “We were still getting to know each other when one day she just up and left, for seemingly no reason, even though I was doing everything I could to make her happy. I thought everything was cool, but later, I got a text from her saying we shouldn’t see each other again.”

The confusion and hurt that inevitably follow are perhaps best captured in the song’s unforgettable, magnetic chorus: “Good riddance / We could’ve had something / We could’ve had something.” Against the delicate atmospheric backdrop of emotive electric guitar, shimmery strings, and a hip-hop-inspired rhythm section, the confessional lyrics prompt audiences to think about all of the “could have beens” in their own lives.

Between the chorus and the verses, Husam makes a creative decision to oscillate between two song keys and sonic tones. This compelling structure symbolizes the complexities of love in a way that takes audiences delightfully by surprise.

“‘Good Riddance is that mixed emotion of ‘this could’ve been special’ and ‘good riddance,” said Husam. “That’s why the song has switch-ups from positive sounding instrumental to an aggressive hip-hop beat.”

In contrast to the refrain, the verses acknowledge that Husam has moved on and is “done settling, done meddling with the bottom of the barrel.” The incorporation of humor is clever, suggesting that Husam is already over it based on the realization that he deserves better. 

“When I took you out, I barely got so much a thanks / You always had a little something, something to complain / You fell in love with me as fast as you left / Over the phone, bitch / I wipe my ass with your text.” And later in the bridge, Husam sends a direct message to his ex, one that is meant to haunt her for what she abandoned callously: “But you fucked it up / You think you’ll find better / You’ll never find anyone like me.”

Inside of the saturated independent music scene, Husam’s impressive growing body of work stands in a distinct category all of its own. Like “Good Riddance,” the rising talent’s past singles – including “Gotchu,” “I’ll Destroy You,” and “Harm’s Way” – make you feel something quite unlike anything you have felt before. Husam creates from deep within, sharing both his triumphs and trauma in an authentic way that provides a platform for audiences to show up as their true selves.

“Good Riddance” is naturally a little salty, but tastefully so from the perspective of someone who realizes when all is said and done, that they got the sweet end of the deal. It is a song of closure and a celebration of being unfettered from a person who was not worth the time and attention in the first place.

Listen to “Good Riddance” below, and find more great music on the Alchemical Records Multigenre Mixture playlist on Spotify.