Some songs stay with you for years, and “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye is one of them.
Released in 2011, this breakup ballad became the best-selling song of 2012, topping charts in over 26 countries and selling more than 13 million copies worldwide.
Featuring New Zealand singer Kimbra, the song captures the emotional turmoil of a relationship ending, with lyrics that resonate with many.
This gut-punch of a track still hits hard, making it a timeless anthem of heartbreak.
If it ever gave you chills, you are not alone.
About the Song
“Somebody That I Used to Know” is a mid-tempo breakup ballad by Gotye featuring Kimbra, showcasing two perspectives on a failed relationship.
Gotye recorded it in his parents’ barn in Australia, starting with a sample from Luiz Bonfa’s 1967 track “Seville.”
The writing and recording took about five months, with the search for the right female voice being the longest part of the process. Kimbra was ultimately recommended as a perfect fit.
The song, inspired by a real breakup, is described by Gotye as “messy” but not nasty.
The music video, directed by Natasha Pincus, features body painting and was inspired by Frank De Backer’s original 1980s artwork.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | July 5, 2011 |
| Album | Making Mirrors (2011) |
| Writer | Wally De Backer (Gotye) |
| Featuring | Kimbra |
| Sample | “Seville” by Luiz Bonfa (1967) |
| Genre | Indie Pop / Art Pop |
| Label | Eleven Music / Universal |
| Spotify streams | 2.39 billion+ |
Somebody That I Used to Know Lyrics
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
Post-Chorus: Gotye
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 (Ohh)
But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough (Ah)
No, you didn’t have to stoop so low (Ohh)
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number (Ah)
I guess that I don’t need that, though (Ohh)
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
Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The lyrics of “Somebody That I Used to Know” convey deep emotions that resonate with listeners.
Gotye reflects on his breakup with brutal honesty, expressing feelings of loneliness even during the relationship and a sense of relief when it ended.
The chorus captures his frustration and pain at being treated like a stranger after such a deep connection.
Kimbra’s verse then challenges Gotye’s perspective, highlighting how he made her feel responsible for their issues.
This back-and-forth structure emphasizes that both individuals can feel hurt and justified after a breakup. This raw honesty is why the song continues to connect with new audiences each year.
About the Artists
Gotye, born Wouter “Wally” De Backer on May 21, 1980, is a Belgian-born Australian singer and songwriter.
His family moved to Melbourne, Australia, when he was 2. He learned drums and piano and later explored electronic music.
His stage name “Gotye” is derived from the French version of his name, Gauthier.
Before going solo in 2001, De Backer was part of an indie band called Downstares. He co-founded the indie-pop trio The Basics in 2002.
His solo career gained momentum with the 2011 album Making Mirrors, which won 3 Grammy Awards in 2013, including Record of the Year for “Somebody That I Used to Know,” featuring Kimbra.
Interestingly, Gotye chose not to run ads on his YouTube videos, giving up millions in potential revenue.
Kimbra, born on March 27, 1990, in New Zealand, gained fame through the same song and has released 5 studio albums, with her latest, Idols & Vices (Vol. 1), arriving in September 2024.
Similar Songs Like Somebody That I Used to Know
If the Somebody That I Used to Know lyrics hit close to home, the following tracks share a similar emotional tone and storytelling approach.
- Skinny Love by Bon Iver: A raw, stripped-down breakup track filled with vulnerability and pain. Its acoustic production gives it a similar indie feel.
- Somebody Else by The 1975: This song deals with the sting of watching an ex move on. It blends synth-pop with deeply personal lyrics about emotional detachment.
- Dancing On My Own by Robyn: A dance-pop anthem about watching someone you love with another person. Despite its upbeat tempo, the lyrics carry heavy heartbreak.
- Video Games by Lana Del Rey: A dreamy, slow-burning track about a one-sided relationship where one person gives more love than the other.
- Take Me to Church by Hozier: Not a typical breakup song, but it shares the same emotional intensity and raw vocal delivery that made Gotye’s track stand out.
Similar Artists Like Gotye
- Bon Iver
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Alternative
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Progressive Pop
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Electronic
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R&B, Jazz Fusion
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Awards Did the Song Win?
The track won 3 Grammy Awards at the 55th ceremony in 2013: Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Its parent album, Making Mirrors, also won the Best Alternative Music Album award. Kimbra also received credits for the song wins.
Why Did Gotye Stop Making Music?
Gotye felt burned out by fame and the pressure to follow up on his hit breakup song, which made him uncomfortable. After 2014, he focused on other projects, stayed active with his band “The Basics”, and launched the label “Spirit Level”.
What is the Story Behind the Song “Somebody That I Used to Know”?
The song reflects a past breakup, capturing emotional distance, miscommunication, and contrasting perspectives, showing how two people can remember the same relationship very differently after it ends.
