Ultimately, “Farewell Party” became the second single from Watson’s 1978 album “Reflections.” The single was released on February 17th, 1979, and peaked at the No. 5 spot. Over the years, “Farewell Party” became Watson’s signature tune and, to this day, his most requested song in concert.“The funny thing is it never went No. 1,” Watson notes with a grin. “But it has sustained. I did it recently at the Opry and it got a standing ovation.
I wish I had a few more like that,” he adds, laughing. “It was a pretty difficult song to sing, It was risky but I really felt that song. I know I would have recorded it sooner or later. It’s amazing to think that a song could last all those years.”