Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Gotye)

Kimbra's collaboration with Gotye in 'Somebody That I Used To Know' delves deep into the emotional aftermath of a broken relationship. The song captures the essence of nostalgia and the pain of remembering a love that once was. The opening lines reflect on the initial happiness and the subsequent loneliness that crept into the relationship. The lyrics, 'I told myself that you were right for me, but felt so lonely in your company,' highlight the paradox of being with someone yet feeling utterly alone. This sentiment is a common experience in relationships that have lost their spark but still linger on due to emotional attachment.

The song also explores the concept of emotional addiction, particularly to sadness. The line, 'You can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness,' suggests that sometimes people become accustomed to the pain and resignation that comes with the end of a relationship. This addiction can make it difficult to move on, even when the relationship is clearly over. The chorus, with its poignant lines, 'But you didn't have to cut me off, make out like it never happened and that we were nothing,' expresses the deep hurt and betrayal felt when an ex-partner completely erases the shared history, treating the other person like a stranger.

The latter part of the song shifts to a more accusatory tone, reflecting on the blame and manipulation that often occur in breakups. The lyrics, '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,' reveal the emotional manipulation and gaslighting that can leave lasting scars. The repeated refrain, 'Now you're just somebody that I used to know,' underscores the finality and the painful acceptance that the person who once meant everything is now just a distant memory. This song resonates with anyone who has experienced the complexities of love and loss, making it a timeless anthem for broken hearts.