“Waving Goodbye”: Original Song by Kyler Sullivan ’19

  • Inspired
“Waving Goodbye”: Original Song by Kyler Sullivan ’19
Kyler Sullivan ’19

His music blends country, pop and soulful melodies, and his rich, resonant voice has been compared to legends Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.

Original Song, “Waving Goodbye”

“Waving Goodbye” is a song about feeling sick of seeing our flags at half-mast all the time. With the countless school and mass shootings America has faced over the past few years, I really wanted to establish how little we’ve done to seriously affect the issue. After the October 2022 mass shooting in the Hedingham neighborhood of Raleigh and the March 2023 Covenant School shooting in Nashville, I was moved to write this song.

Above, Sullivan performs at Uncle Jessie’s Honkytonk in Raleigh.


About Kyler Sullivan ’19

Kyler Sullivan ’19 moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2019 to pursue studies in music performance and music business at Belmont University. One of the managers at Tootsies Orchid Lounge heard him busking and invited him to perform at their venue. He now performs five nights a week at Tootsies, Honky Tonk Central, Rippy’s and other well-known Nashville hot spots. He can also be found paying regular visits back to his home city of Raleigh and playing at places like Tin Roof and Uncle Jessie’s Honkytonk.

Sullivan’s music blends country, pop and soulful melodies, and his rich, resonant voice has been compared to legends Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. In original songs such as “Once You Go Country” and “Waving Goodbye,” he showcases his range — from classic country storytelling to reflections on modern times. He was nominated for a songwriter achievement award at the 10th Annual Josie Music Awards.

Enjoy more music — including a clip of Sullivan singing the national anthem at the Oct. 4, 2024, Carolina Hurricanes game against the Tampa Bay Lightning — and get the details on upcoming shows and releases at kylersullivanmusic.com.