Context

This line is from the song "Hello, Goodbye" by the Beatles, written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney, from the album Magical Mystery Tour (1967).

Life is filled with opposites. Ups and downs. Days and nights. Wins and losses. Hellos and goodbyes. That's basically what this catchy Beatles song is all about—opposites, contradictions, and duality.

The singer keeps on saying "hello" to this person, but this dude just keeps on saying "goodbye" right back. Paul says "yes" and he says "no." It's a vicious cycle. But Paul's not mad about it. He just wonders why this guy won't give in and just be positive for once in his life.

But, then again, maybe you need the flip side of that coin to flip it. For every heads, there had to be a tails. Our differences are what makes the world go 'round. Hey, maybe the Beatles are really onto something here.

Where you've heard it

You've probably heard this when hellos and goodbyes are being exchanged amongst Beatles fans. Hey, it's a fun way to say goodbye or hello.

Additional Notable References

• The cast of Glee covered this song because maybe Finn and Rachel really would get together this time.
• Target featured a cover version of this song in a 2007 ad. Hello and Good Buy.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Okay, are you trying to start a fight about who says goodbye and who says hello? That's just a little bit pretentious, don't you think? We'll let this one slide because you're quoting the Beatles, but just be a little leery of this one.