Somebody I Used To Know: Lyrics & Translation

Hey guys! Ever heard that song "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye and thought, "Man, I wish I knew what this was all about in my own language?" Well, you're in luck because we're diving deep into the lyrics and breaking down the translation of this absolute banger. This song, released in 2011, took the world by storm, and honestly, it's no surprise. The raw emotion, the haunting melody, and that iconic flute solo? Chef's kiss! But what really makes it stick is the story it tells – a story of a breakup that's so real, it hits you right in the feels. We're going to unpack the English lyrics, word for word, and then give you a clear, easy-to-understand translation. Whether you're a die-hard fan, just curious, or trying to understand the deeper meaning behind those powerful vocals, stick around. We'll even touch on some of the cultural nuances and why this song resonated with so many people across the globe. So grab your headphones, get comfy, and let's get started on unraveling the magic of "Somebody That I Used to Know."

The Original Lyrics: A Story of Betrayal and Loss

Alright, let's get right into it. The original lyrics of "Somebody That I Used to Know" are sung by Gotye, with a powerful duet featuring Kimbra. The song kicks off with Gotye's perspective, painting a picture of a relationship that has crumbled. He starts with the famous lines: "Now and then I think of when we were together / Like when you said 'If you only knew'/'The things I did for you'/'But I wronged you''." This immediately sets a tone of regret and unfinished business. He’s recalling memories, but they’re tainted by a sense of betrayal. The relationship seems to have ended abruptly, leaving him confused and hurt. He continues, "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/." This part is crucial, guys. It highlights the suddenness and harshness of the breakup. It wasn't a mutual parting of ways; it feels like he was discarded, with his entire history with this person erased. The lines, "And I don't even need your love/," feel like a defense mechanism, a way to cope with the pain by asserting independence, even if he doesn't truly feel it.

The song then delves into the feeling of being replaced and forgotten. Gotye sings, "But you treat me like a stranger/And that feels so rough/You know, I thought I knew you so well/I thought I knew you so well/." This is where the title really hits home. The person he thought he knew inside and out has become a stranger. The pain isn't just about the breakup itself, but about the complete annihilation of their shared past. It's the realization that the connection they had was perhaps not as deep or genuine as he believed. The repetition of "I thought I knew you so well" emphasizes his shock and disbelief. The second verse continues this theme, with Gotye reflecting on their shared experiences: "You said you made the plans/But I ended up with you/And I was so shocked when I saw you at the store/And you didn't even look me in the eye/." This encounter, likely a chance meeting after the breakup, is a stark reminder of their new reality. The simple act of avoiding eye contact speaks volumes about the distance and animosity that now exists between them. It’s a powerful image of how quickly people can become strangers.

The chorus is where the emotional core of the song lies: "Somebody that I used to know/Somebody that I used to know/Somebody that I used to know/Somebody that I used to know/." This refrain is incredibly potent because it encapsulates the entire narrative. It’s not just about a lost love; it’s about the loss of identity within the relationship and the painful realization that the person who was once so integral to his life is now just a memory, someone he used to know. The repetition hammers home the disbelief and the profound sense of isolation. It's the feeling of being erased from someone's life, of your shared history becoming irrelevant. The song masterfully captures the universal pain of a breakup, particularly when it feels one-sided or when the other person moves on too quickly, leaving you behind to grapple with the aftermath. This is why the song resonated so deeply; it tapped into a common human experience of heartbreak and disillusionment. The lyrical content, combined with the minimalistic yet powerful instrumentation, creates an atmosphere of profound sadness and introspection, making it a truly unforgettable track.

Kimbra's Perspective: A Different Side of the Story

Now, let's talk about Kimbra's contribution, which adds a whole new layer to the song. Her verse offers a counterpoint to Gotye's narrative, giving us a glimpse into her side of the story. She starts with: "Now and then I think of when we were together/Like when you said 'If you only knew'/'The things I did for you'/'But I wronged you''." This echoes Gotye's opening, but from her perspective, it might carry a different weight. She acknowledges doing wrong, hinting at the reasons behind the breakup that Gotye might not fully grasp or articulate. Then she drops this bomb: "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/." This mirrors his lines, but it suggests that his interpretation of the breakup might be one-sided. She might feel just as justified in her actions or her need to move on, even if it appears harsh to him. It’s a classic he-said, she-said situation, and Kimbra isn't afraid to voice her own feelings of being wronged or misunderstood.

Kimbra continues, shifting the focus to her own feelings of entrapment and the need for escape: "But you treat me like a stranger /And that feels so rough/You know, I thought I knew you so well/I thought I knew you so well/." This is fascinating because it implies that Gotye's perception of her actions might be misconstrued. She might not be treating him like a stranger out of spite, but perhaps out of a desperate need to create distance. Her line, "You know, I thought I knew you so well/," is delivered with a certain weariness, suggesting that perhaps she discovered things about him that made her re-evaluate their entire relationship. The shared sentiment of "I thought I knew you so well" from both perspectives highlights the deep-seated miscommunication and disillusionment that plagued their relationship. It’s a tragic irony that two people who thought they knew each other so well ended up feeling like strangers.

Her verse gets even more pointed when she sings, "And when did you stop being a lover / And I stopped being your lover/ / You know, I (I) thought I knew you so well/I thought I knew you so well/." This is a direct confrontation of the shift in their dynamic. She's questioning the exact moment their roles changed, when the intimacy dissolved and they became something else entirely. It’s a cry of confusion and pain, seeking an answer to a question that likely has no easy solution. The repetition of I thought I knew you so well here is delivered with a heavy sigh, as if to say, "How could I have been so wrong?" This emotional vulnerability from Kimbra makes her character more complex and relatable. She's not just the one who