I had tender feelings that you made hard
But it's your heart, not mine, that's scarred
So when I go home, I'll be happy to go
You're just somebody that I used to know

You don't need my help anymore
It's all now to you, there ain't no before
Now that you're big enough to run your own show
You're just somebody that I used to know

I watched you deal in a dying day
And throw a living past away
So you can be sure that you're in control
You're just somebody that I used to know

I know you don't think you did me wrong
And I can't stay this mad for long
Keepin' a hold of what you just let go
You're just somebody that I used to know


Lyrics submitted by EnjOy IncUbus, edited by sofiso

Somebody That I Used to Know Lyrics as written by Steven Paul Smith

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid

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Somebody That I Used to Know song meanings
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  • +6
    General Comment

    A seemingly simple song, both lyrically and musically, but it packs a terrific punch. Elliott is, on the surface, giving the brush-off to the subject of the song, but his internal pain is evident. The line "you don't need my help any more" reminds me of Twain's quote that if you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you, and this is the principle difference between dog and man. So many times, we make a person prosperous, in an emotional sense, and that person moves on as soon as s/he feels better and stronger, and no longer has any need for that person who was so helpful. It doesn't feel very good. God, how I can relate to this song, right now--it precisely sums up my feelings about a recently deceased relationship.

    msleahon December 23, 2010   Link

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