Acoustic-Folk Duo Amistat Share Reimagined Version of “Goodbye” Featuring Emily James
December 5, 2025 BY Emma Orland
Today, the acoustic folk twin brother duo, Jan and Josef Prasil of amistat, are excited to share a reimagined version of their emotional love song, “goodbye,” featuring singer-songwriter Emily James. While touring the United States together this past September, amistat and Emily James formed a fast friendship that culminated in the brothers asking Emily to sing alongside them for a performance of “goodbye.” There was an immediate musical connection as the song became a nightly staple. Fans of both artists quickly began requesting that they record this version of the song. While in Los Angeles for their show at the legendary Troubadour, the trio finally went into the studio to capture the magic of the new version. Recorded live in one take, this intimate rendition showcases the raw emotion and natural chemistry between amistat and Emily James. Today, they are excited to share it for fans to enjoy.
Soft acoustic guitar and piano underline amistat’s expertly breathy melody on “goodbye” which is only highlighted by Emily James gorgeous and euphoric vocals. It all culminates together with an emotionally complicated, yet effortlessly catchy chorus, “I don’t know how to say goodbye.”
Jan and Josef Prasil share, “When Emily sings, every word becomes a feeling that carries you away. A sentiment that perfectly captures the track’s spirit.”
Emily James shares, “When I first joined the tour with Amistat, I was immediately drawn to their song, “goodbye,” so when Jan and Josef asked if I’d want to join them on stage and sing it with them, I immediately said yes, and it became my favorite part of every night. During the tour, we had a day off in LA so we got in the studio for a couple of hours to record our version of it. It’s such a heart-wrenching song, and I’m incredibly grateful to be part of it.”
LISTEN TO “GOODBYE” FEAT. EMILY JAMES HERE
This past summer, both Amistat and Emily James propelled themselves as standout singer-songwriters in their respective communities.
amistat released their EP, what we are, akin to a dreamcatcher nabbing a dream; the band captures inspiration and beams it back to the world through songs. Exhibiting a heightened sense of empathy, the European-based duo of twin brothers Jan and Josef Prasil threads relatable emotions into the fabric of gentle indie folk anthems. amistat’s what we are EP belongs to anyone who opens their heart to it.
While Emily James released her coming-of-age tale, Summer Nostalgia, a dreamy six-track collection and her most intimate project yet. It transitions from ruminating on slow ballads to euphoric pop jams, telling the story of two people reconnecting after years of distance. Emily’s inspiration for Summer Nostalgia poured out as she prepared to leave Los Angeles (where she had lived for the past seven years) to spend some time writing and recording in London. She now resides in Brooklyn, New York. “I missed the changing of seasons,” Emily shares of her decision to move back to New York, where she’s originally from. “I like to be able to move around on my own. There are many similarities between New York and London, and having spent time there has made me even more nostalgic for New York. This EP is about reflecting on your past, growing up, and reconnecting with those roots.”
“GOODBYE”
LYRICS
Now in the silence of the morning
Where your shadow used to lie
I trace the echoes of our story
Like you never left my side
Every heartbeat was a whisper
Every touch and kiss and sigh
Now I’m standing in the wreckage
And learning how to say goodbye
I’m learning how to say goodbye
I don’t know how to say goodbye, uhhh
I don’t know how to say goodbye, uhhh
I hope you know, my love, I will wait for you
’Cause I don’t know how to say goodbye to you
Through the quiet of the evening
There’s a strength I never knew
In the space where we were dreaming
Now I breathe and find the truth
Every scar is just a lesson
Every pain a stepping stone
Now I’m learning how to love myself again
In a world that’s all my own
In a world that’s all my own
I don’t know how to say goodbye, uhhh
I don’t know how to say goodbye, uhhh
I hope you know, my love, I will wait for you
’Cause I don’t know how to say goodbye
Lalalalalala
Lalalalala lalala
Lalalalalalalalalalala
I never wanna say goodbye to you
Now every fear has lost its power
And every doubt has disappeared
Although I’m standing in the wreckage
Our love is drawing near