Meaning and Lyrics of Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye
Song Lyrics meaning of Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye
About Gotye
Gotye, born Wouter André De Backer on May 21, 1980, is a Belgian-Australian multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and record producer known for his eclectic style and innovative soundscapes. While his stage name might not be instantly recognizable to everyone, the hauntingly catchy tune “Somebody That I Used to Know” rocketed him to stardom in 2011, earning him international acclaim.
Early Life and Career
Gotye was born in Bruges, Belgium, but his family relocated to Melbourne, Australia, when he was just two years old. Displaying a passion for music early on, young Wouter learned to play a variety of instruments, from drums to keyboards. In high school, he formed his first band, Downstares, which served as a precursor to his later solo success. Breakthrough and Success
Gotye’s breakthrough came with his third studio album, “Making Mirrors” (2011), a project that seamlessly blended samples, live instrumentation, and Gotye’s distinctive vocals. The album’s standout track, “Somebody That I Used to Know,” featuring New Zealand singer Kimbra, became a global phenomenon. The song’s minimalist, emotive arrangement, combined with its relatable lyrics, resonated with millions, earning Gotye a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 2013. Artistry and Influence
Gotye is celebrated for his genre-defying approach, merging elements of rock, pop, electronic, and world music. He’s known for his meticulous production style, often sampling obscure records and blending them into his compositions in unexpected ways. Despite the massive success of “Somebody That I Used to Know,” Gotye has remained somewhat elusive, choosing to focus on his music rather than bask in the spotlight. Current Endeavors
After the whirlwind success of “Making Mirrors,” Gotye has been relatively low-key, dedicating time to his experimental band, The Basics. He’s also expressed interest in exploring multimedia art and continues to be a dynamic, if enigmatic, presence in the music industry. In an era saturated with fleeting pop hits, Gotye’s ability to create deeply resonant, timeless music sets him apart, proving that artistry and innovation can indeed capture the world’s attention.
Gotye was born in Bruges, Belgium, but his family relocated to Melbourne, Australia, when he was just two years old. Displaying a passion for music early on, young Wouter learned to play a variety of instruments, from drums to keyboards. In high school, he formed his first band, Downstares, which served as a precursor to his later solo success. Breakthrough and Success
Gotye’s breakthrough came with his third studio album, “Making Mirrors” (2011), a project that seamlessly blended samples, live instrumentation, and Gotye’s distinctive vocals. The album’s standout track, “Somebody That I Used to Know,” featuring New Zealand singer Kimbra, became a global phenomenon. The song’s minimalist, emotive arrangement, combined with its relatable lyrics, resonated with millions, earning Gotye a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 2013. Artistry and Influence
Gotye is celebrated for his genre-defying approach, merging elements of rock, pop, electronic, and world music. He’s known for his meticulous production style, often sampling obscure records and blending them into his compositions in unexpected ways. Despite the massive success of “Somebody That I Used to Know,” Gotye has remained somewhat elusive, choosing to focus on his music rather than bask in the spotlight. Current Endeavors
After the whirlwind success of “Making Mirrors,” Gotye has been relatively low-key, dedicating time to his experimental band, The Basics. He’s also expressed interest in exploring multimedia art and continues to be a dynamic, if enigmatic, presence in the music industry. In an era saturated with fleeting pop hits, Gotye’s ability to create deeply resonant, timeless music sets him apart, proving that artistry and innovation can indeed capture the world’s attention.
Meaning of Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye
“Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye is a poignant and deeply reflective song that explores themes of past relationships, personal growth, and the emotions that arise when two people drift apart.
The lyrics in the song express both sides of a breakup, as voiced by both Gotye and Kimbra. The first verse recalls memories of a past relationship, highlighting moments of happiness and loneliness that were once shared. Gotye reminisces about the love that he felt at the time, despite the ache that lingers after the relationship ends. This sense of longing and nostalgia is underscored by the instrumental breaks that create a sense of reflection and contemplation.
In the second verse, Gotye delves into the complexities of emotions after a breakup. He touches on the addictive nature of sadness that can accompany a failed relationship, as well as the difficulty of coming to terms with the end. The idea of remaining friends even after the romantic connection has dissolved is mentioned, but the relief of closure and moving on is also acknowledged.
The chorus captures the pain and confusion that can accompany a breakup, emphasizing the hurt of being treated like a stranger by someone who was once a significant part of your life. The lyrics depict the bitterness of being cut off and erased from the other person’s life, symbolized by changing numbers and having friends collect memories. The repetition of “Now, you’re just somebody that I used to know” drives home the idea of accepting the past and moving forward.
Kimbra’s verse adds another layer to the narrative, addressing the feelings of betrayal and manipulation that can emerge in a relationship. The realization that being with someone who constantly puts you down is not healthy is conveyed, along with the decision to break free from that toxic cycle of blame and doubt. The search for self-respect and agency is evident in her plea to let go and not remain tethered to the past.
The outro, where both Gotye and Kimbra sing together, reinforces the theme of letting go of the past and acknowledging that the other person has become a distant memory. The repetition of the phrase “Somebody that I used to know” reinforces the idea of acceptance and closure.
Overall, “Somebody That I Used To Know” is a powerful exploration of the complexities of relationships, the journey of healing from a breakup, and the eventual realization that some connections are meant to be left in the past. The interplay of emotions, regrets, and acceptance woven through the lyrics and music creates a deeply emotional and relatable experience for listeners.
The lyrics in the song express both sides of a breakup, as voiced by both Gotye and Kimbra. The first verse recalls memories of a past relationship, highlighting moments of happiness and loneliness that were once shared. Gotye reminisces about the love that he felt at the time, despite the ache that lingers after the relationship ends. This sense of longing and nostalgia is underscored by the instrumental breaks that create a sense of reflection and contemplation.
In the second verse, Gotye delves into the complexities of emotions after a breakup. He touches on the addictive nature of sadness that can accompany a failed relationship, as well as the difficulty of coming to terms with the end. The idea of remaining friends even after the romantic connection has dissolved is mentioned, but the relief of closure and moving on is also acknowledged.
The chorus captures the pain and confusion that can accompany a breakup, emphasizing the hurt of being treated like a stranger by someone who was once a significant part of your life. The lyrics depict the bitterness of being cut off and erased from the other person’s life, symbolized by changing numbers and having friends collect memories. The repetition of “Now, you’re just somebody that I used to know” drives home the idea of accepting the past and moving forward.
Kimbra’s verse adds another layer to the narrative, addressing the feelings of betrayal and manipulation that can emerge in a relationship. The realization that being with someone who constantly puts you down is not healthy is conveyed, along with the decision to break free from that toxic cycle of blame and doubt. The search for self-respect and agency is evident in her plea to let go and not remain tethered to the past.
The outro, where both Gotye and Kimbra sing together, reinforces the theme of letting go of the past and acknowledging that the other person has become a distant memory. The repetition of the phrase “Somebody that I used to know” reinforces the idea of acceptance and closure.
Overall, “Somebody That I Used To Know” is a powerful exploration of the complexities of relationships, the journey of healing from a breakup, and the eventual realization that some connections are meant to be left in the past. The interplay of emotions, regrets, and acceptance woven through the lyrics and music creates a deeply emotional and relatable experience for listeners.
Lyrics of Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye
Verse 1: Gotye
Now and then, I think of when we were together
Like when you said you felt so happy, you could die
I told myself that you were right for me
But felt so lonely in your company
But that was love and it's an ache I still remember
Instrumental Break
Verse 2: Gotye
You can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness
Like resignation to the end, always the end
So when we found that we could not make sense
Well, you said that we would still be friends
But I'll admit that I was glad it was over
Chorus: Gotye
But you didn't have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing
And I don't even need your love
But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough
No, you didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number
I guess that I don't need that, though
Now, you're just somebody that I used to know
Now, you're just somebody that I used to know
Now, you're just somebody that I used to know
Instrumental Break
Verse 3: Kimbra
Now and then, I think of all the times you screwed me over
But had me believing it was always something that I'd done
But I don't wanna live that way
Reading into every word you say
You said that you could let it go
And I wouldn't catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know
Chorus: Gotye
But you didn't have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing (Ah)
And I don't even need your love (Ooh)
But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough (Ah)
No, you didn't have to stoop so low (Ooh)
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number (Ah)
I guess that I don't need that, though (Ooh)
Now, you're just somebody that I used to know
Outro: Gotye, Gotye & Kimbra
Somebody (I used to know)
Somebody (Now, you're just somebody that I used to know)
Somebody (I used to know)
Somebody (Now, you're just somebody that I used to know)
(I used to know)
(That I used to know)
(I used to know)
Somebody
Now and then, I think of when we were together
Like when you said you felt so happy, you could die
I told myself that you were right for me
But felt so lonely in your company
But that was love and it's an ache I still remember
Instrumental Break
Verse 2: Gotye
You can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness
Like resignation to the end, always the end
So when we found that we could not make sense
Well, you said that we would still be friends
But I'll admit that I was glad it was over
Chorus: Gotye
But you didn't have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing
And I don't even need your love
But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough
No, you didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number
I guess that I don't need that, though
Now, you're just somebody that I used to know
Now, you're just somebody that I used to know
Now, you're just somebody that I used to know
Instrumental Break
Verse 3: Kimbra
Now and then, I think of all the times you screwed me over
But had me believing it was always something that I'd done
But I don't wanna live that way
Reading into every word you say
You said that you could let it go
And I wouldn't catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know
Chorus: Gotye
But you didn't have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing (Ah)
And I don't even need your love (Ooh)
But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough (Ah)
No, you didn't have to stoop so low (Ooh)
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number (Ah)
I guess that I don't need that, though (Ooh)
Now, you're just somebody that I used to know
Outro: Gotye, Gotye & Kimbra
Somebody (I used to know)
Somebody (Now, you're just somebody that I used to know)
Somebody (I used to know)
Somebody (Now, you're just somebody that I used to know)
(I used to know)
(That I used to know)
(I used to know)
Somebody
Discography Gotye
Making Mirrors
Release: 2011-01-01
Label: Vertigo Berlin
Popularity: đź‘Źđź‘Ź
Like Drawing Blood
Release: 2008-08-17
Label: Vertigo Berlin
Popularity: đź‘Źđź‘Ź
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