Somebody That I Used to Know

Kimbra, Gotye

About Somebody That I Used to Know

"Somebody That I Used to Know" is a song written by Belgian-Australian singer-songwriter Gotye, featuring New Zealand singer Kimbra. The song was released in Australia and New Zealand by Eleven Music on 5 July 2011 as the second single from Gotye's third studio album, Making Mirrors (2011). It was later released by Universal Music in December 2011 in the United Kingdom, and in January 2012 in the United States and Ireland. "Somebody That I Used to Know" was written and recorded by Gotye at his parents' house on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia, and is lyrically related to the experiences he has had with relationships. "Somebody That I Used to Know" is a mid-tempo ballad. It samples Luiz Bonfá's instrumental "Seville" from his 1967 album Luiz Bonfa Plays Great Songs. The song received a positive reception from critics, who noted the similarities between the song and works by Sting, Peter Gabriel, and American folk band Bon Iver. In Australia, the song won the Triple J Hottest 100 poll at the end of 2011, as well as ARIA Awards for song of the year and best video, while Kimbra was voted best female artist and Gotye was named best male artist and producer of the year. The song came ninth in the Triple J Hottest 100 of the Past 20 Years, 2013. In 2013, the song won two Grammy Awards for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Record of the Year. 


Year:
2011
4:04
22,828 
#76

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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

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Gotye

Wouter "Wally" De Backer (born 21 May 1980), also known professionally by his stage name Gotye (pronounced /ˈɡɔːti.ɛə/), is a Belgian-Australian multi-instrumental musician and singer-songwriter. The name "Gotye" is derived from "Gauthier", the French equivalent of "Walter" or "Wouter". His voice has been compared to those of Peter Gabriel and Sting. more »

2 fans

Written by: Luiz Bonfa, Walter Andre De Backer

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


5 facts about this song

Original Version by Gotye
"Somebody That I Used To Know" was originally released by Belgian-Australian singer-songwriter Gotye in July 2011 as the second single from his third studio album, "Making Mirrors". - The song features New Zealand artist Kimbra who shared vocal duties with Gotye. - The song was a massive international success, hitting number one in more than 20 countries including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. - It won two Grammy Awards in 2013 for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Record of the Year.
Glee Version
The song was covered by the cast of the television show "Glee" during the third season in an episode titled "Big Brother" which originally aired in April 2012. - This version of the song was performed by the characters Blaine and his older brother Cooper, played by Darren Criss and Matt Bomer respectively. - It reached number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 10 on the Billboard Digital Songs chart in the United States.
Walk Off the Earth Version
The Canadian band Walk Off the Earth posted a cover of the song on YouTube in January 2012 which quickly went viral. - Their version is notable for its video where all five band members are playing the same guitar simultaneously. - The video reached over 175 million views within four months of being posted online. - The success of this cover led to the band signing with Columbia Records.
Music and Lyrics
The song is about the breakdown of a romantic relationship, with both Gotye and Kimbra providing their perspectives in the verses. - The song samples a guitar riff from the 1967 Luiz Bonfá song "Seville". - The song has been critically praised for its heartfelt lyrics and catchy melody.
Impact and Legacy
"Somebody That I Used to Know" is Gotye's signature song and played a major role in his breakthrough as an international artist. - The Glee version contributed to the song's popularity and the episode it appeared in received better ratings than usual. - Walk Off the Earth's version helped demonstrate the power of social media and viral videos in propelling music to a large audience.

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    Somebody That I Used to Know

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 2012

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