Someone Great
LCD Soundsystem
Navigating Loss and the Passage of Time in 'Someone Great'
LCD Soundsystem's 'Someone Great' is a poignant exploration of loss, grief, and the relentless passage of time. The song's lyrics capture the emotional turmoil that follows the departure of a significant person, whether through death or the end of a relationship. The opening lines express a longing for communication and resolution, but also acknowledge the futility of such desires. The mention of 'someone new' and 'too late for beginnings' suggests a missed opportunity for a fresh start, emphasizing the finality of the loss.
The song delves into the mundane aspects of life that become surreal in the wake of grief. The narrator describes waking up to a phone call that brings bad news, a moment that shatters the normalcy of their routine. The lyrics 'The worst is all the lovely weather' and 'The coffee isn't even bitter' highlight the dissonance between the external world and the internal emotional landscape. This juxtaposition underscores the sense of disorientation and numbness that often accompanies profound loss.
The repetitive refrain 'And it keeps coming' serves as a metaphor for the unrelenting nature of grief and the passage of time. Despite the narrator's efforts to move forward, the memories and emotions associated with the loss continue to resurface. The song concludes with a reflection on the irreplaceable nature of the person who is gone, encapsulated in the line 'When someone great is gone.' This repetition reinforces the permanence of the loss and the enduring impact it has on the narrator's life. LCD Soundsystem's blend of electronic music and introspective lyrics creates a powerful and relatable depiction of the complexities of grief and the struggle to find meaning in the aftermath of loss.