Now and then I think of when we were together
Like when you said you felt so happy you could die
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

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

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

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

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
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


Lyrics submitted by 60_miles_an_hour, edited by PoonKnows, Nemo123

Somebody That I Used to Know Lyrics as written by Walter Andre De Backer Luiz Bonfa

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Somebody That I Used To Know song meanings
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  • +3
    General Comment

    I actually interpreted Kimbra's verse, in fact, being about herself. Not even with the addition of a third party (Gotye's other ex?/current lover).

    Gotye is explaining that Kimba is someone he used to know - Kimba's rebuttal is basically saying it's a two way road. He is blasting her about changing, being someone totally different, and leaving him out to dry. That aftermath will break the strongest of men. By singing this song and speaking towards all his discontent, he is actually proving he is still hung up on her, or some part of their relationship.

    I imagine Kimba, facetiously - air quotes and all - singing "you said that you could let it go (MOVE ON..."said that we could still be friends") and I wouldn't catch you hung up on 'somebody that you used to know'" In this case, I feel she is actually talking about herself. She wanted to be friends and move on, but Gotye can't seem to let it go and be civil.

    ontheinsideon February 03, 2012   Link

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