Somebody That I Used to Know Lyrics
I had tender feelings that you made hard
But it's your heart, not mine, that's scarred
So when I go home I'll be happy to go
[Refrain]
You're just somebody that I used to know
[Verse 2]
You don't need my help anymore
It's all now to you, there ain't no before
Now that you're big enough to run your own show
[Refrain]
You're just somebody that I used to know
[Verse 3]
I watched you deal in a dying day
And throw a living past away
So you can be sure that you're in control
[Refrain]
You're just somebody that I used to know
[Instrumental Bridge]
About
Some believe that “Somebody That I Used to Know” tells the story of a failing relationship ending in heartbreak and a break-up, while others believe it’s the story of two friends becoming distant.
Elliott has never commented on the topic of the song but explained the album to be:
More fragmented and dream-like
Three years prior to the release of the album, Elliott broke up with his girlfriend, resulting in depression and a failed suicide. Though unconfirmed, the song could be about the break-up, as Elliott realizes he doesn’t need the person anymore.
Many people saw Elliott’s music to be depressing, however, Elliott said otherwise in an interview with Barney Hoskyns in 1998:
Certain songs just feel a way that’s hard to put into words. It’s not happy and it’s also not really sad.
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
Quite possible. Listen to the melody from the Butter Building level:
- 1.Son of Sam
- 2.Somebody That I Used to Know
- 6.L.A.
- 9.Easy Way Out
- 11.Color Bars
- 13.Pretty Mary Kay
- 16.Bye
- 17.Because
- 18.Figure 8
