The track was written by vocalist Cristina Caramarcu, while production and composition were handled by fellow members Alexandru Matei and Alin Neagoe.

During their highly acclaimed show, The Humans performed choreography in front of several white and black, masked mannequins, representing depersonalization and the loss of identity in modern times.

To promote "Goodbye", the band performed the song on multiple occasions, including at the ITB Berlin in Germany, as well as in Israel, Spain and Portugal.

An accompanying music video was directed by Anthony Icuagu and was uploaded onto Roton's official YouTube channel simultaneously with the single's release.

[5][12] Regarding the recording's lyrical message, Caramarcu said: "'Goodbye' is a manifesto [...] and an urge to motivate one another not to give up our dreams," adding: "Say 'goodbye' to all the emotions that keep us on the spot, say 'goodbye' to limitations, conventions and step confident towards the future".

[4][12] She further elaborated:[19] "With regard to [the negative feedback captured in] foreign press and all sorts of articles and polls made by Eurovision-specialized sites, I know it is not a hate to us.

"An accompanying music video for "Goodbye" was uploaded simultaneously with the single's release on 12 January 2018 onto Roton's official YouTube channel.

[21] In interspersed shots, several people wear white masks, which the band said signifies that "in essence we are all the same, we are equal in the right to dream and aspire to the highest goals".

[32] The group performed last in the final round on 25 February 2018;[33] lead singer Caramarcu wore a red dress hand-sewed by Romanian designer Andreea Zamfir.

"[42] The Humans' rehearsals in Lisbon were scheduled to take place on 1 May and 4 May 2018;[43] the group had previously prepared for the contest at Studiourile TVR in Bucharest, Romania.

[41] The performance begins with cellist Matei removing a mask from her face; she wears a white dress and subsequently walks to the other end of the stage.

[44] After the singer walks on the stage — which is filled with a total of 25 masked male and female, black and white mannequins — she and the aforementioned members reach one of its ends to perform hand choreography in front of Matei.

"[40] The Humans further elaborated: "Our show includes masked mannequins, which reference depersonalization and the risk of losing identity in an increasingly fast and indifferent world that we are witnessing in everyday life.

[48] An editor of EuroVisionary praised it, stating that the group "takes new technology to a whole new level not used before at Eurovision", while also applauding Caramarcu's vocal delivery and the band's overall stage presence.

[44] Jessica Weaver from ESC Today also praised the singer's vocals and wrote: "The Humans have produced a rather theatrical performance [...], with plenty of interpretive dance included throughout the entire song.

Weaver further commented that The Humans' show "is set to make a statement" and predicted it would "catch the viewers' eyes due to its differing style".

[45] Lee Adams, writing for Wiwibloggs, applauded the performance's creative and artistic nature, and stated that it "cuts across borders and touches hearts".

[40] In a more mixed review, an editor of Eurovision.de called the performance "rather disturbing", while likening the mannequins to those featured in the American science fiction action film I, Robot (2004).