I came up with the music for this song in 1995, the night that I'd learned that Jerry Garcia had died. It started out as something I expected to call An Ode To Jerry. But I struggled to find something to say and I set it aside. For about 15 years, as it turned out. Then in 2010, in answer to a songwriting class assignment, I came up with a story that had nothing to do with my original idea. After presenting it in class then working to incorporate some of the feedback, I again I set it aside, until 2025. Because I can get Suno.com to produce backing tracks that adhere to my chord progressions, melodies, melodic rhythms, lyrics, etc, I realized I could probably have Suno create a Renaissance ensemble, which is what I'd always imagined for this song.  I uploaded a stripped down version of the song, then played around with various iterations until I liked what I heard. Eventually I will sing the male parts but for now I've let Suno do all the singing as well as the instrumentation.  – Paul Fifield

Fare Thee Well
© Paul Fifield 2025


[Male Vocalist]
[Verse 1]
In afterglow he told her that he soon would take his leave
He'd lost himself while to her heart he'd cleaved
How long he'd be away it was impossible to tell
But for now, he'd bid her fare thee well

[Female Vocalist]
[Verse 2]
Stunned in disbelief she felt his words flow through her ears
And land among her deep and silent fears
With thoughts of all she’d given him she felt her anger swell
How could he dare, to bid her fare thee well?

[Duet]
[Chorus]
Fare thee well
Time will tell
If darling we are meant to be
But for now, my love, fare thee well

[Female Vocalist]
[Verse 3]
How can you bid me well and leave me craving your embrace
No more to feel your touch or see your face
I’ve given you my heart and soul and more than words can tell
I never dreamed, you’d bid me fare thee well

[Male Vocalist]
[Verse 4]]
Shocked at her reply he told her this is not goodbye
My love for you is true and cannot die
The flame that burns for you and me is one that can't be quelled
But for now, I bid you fare thee well

[Duet]
[Chorus]
Fare thee well
Time will tell
If darling we are meant to be
But for now, my love, fare thee well

[Female Vocalist]
[Verse 5] 
I don't believe in meant to be, and though I've loved you so
I won't wait around forever if you go
I may take another lover for your memory to dispel
If you leave, my love, fare thee well

[Male Vocalist]
[Verse 6]
This thought did not sit easily upon his troubled soul
How rapidly his countenance did fall
He felt his spirit rend apart and open like a well
Deep into, that shadow land he fell

[Duet]
[Chorus]
Fare thee well
Time will tell
If darling we are meant to be
But for now, my love, fare thee well

[Duet]
[Chorus]
Fare thee well
Time will tell
If darling we are meant to be
But for now, my love, fare thee well
But for now, my love, fare thee well

[Instrumental Outro]
 

Music and Lyrics by Paul Fifield
Vocals by Suno.com
Backing tracks by Suno.com