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Somebody That I Used to Know Lyrics
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
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
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
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
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
Song Info
Submitted by
enjoy Incubus On Jan 19, 2002
More Elliott Smith
Between the Bars
Needle in the Hay
King's Crossing
Twilight (Somebody's Baby)
A Fond Farewell
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personally, i think the phrase "you're just somebody that i used to know" is the greatest "f@#$ you and goodbye forever" type insult ever. it says so much with so little. like "you're nothing to me now". i think it's less "aww, it's too bad" and more "it's over and good riddance"
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.
I can't put my finger on why, but this song has a Cat Stevens feel to it.
this song is so beautiful, i think everyone can relate to it too. it makes me sad in the way that i love.
I can totally relate! My boyfriend and I have just split up, this song couldn't descibe my feelings better.
I can totally relate! My boyfriend and I have just split up, this song couldn't descibe my feelings better.
I DID have tender feelings that he made hard (by cheating on me with his ex) But it IS his heart that is scarred, because he felt so bad for messing me about!
I DID have tender feelings that he made hard (by cheating on me with his ex) But it IS his heart that is scarred, because he felt so bad for messing me about!
He was always such a pushover, but I think (in a twisted kind of way) I have helped him become more assertive and stand up for himself!
He was always such a pushover, but I think (in a twisted kind of way) I have helped him become more assertive and stand up for himself!
The part about dealing in a dying day, well, I could twist that to my situation in a odd way; I...
The part about dealing in a dying day, well, I could twist that to my situation in a odd way; I watched him have too many dealings with his ex in a 'dying' day, dying because it was over, but he wouldn't let it die.
I know now that he didn't do me wrong, we had only just got together, I should have taken control and finished it, but I let him continue to be punished by me. I really can't stay this mad for long, it is upsetting. He was, for ages now, been trying to keep ahold of what he just can't let go (me), but now, he is just somebody that I used to know.
Elliott Smith is my favourite musician, because, as narcissistic as it is to twist a song by someone else to your own feelings, that's what it does!
Thank you Elliott XO
it cuts like a knife when used against you.
it cuts like a knife when used against you.
it captivated me from the first riff, then cut me down like a lone standing tree in a prarie of evils.
it captivated me from the first riff, then cut me down like a lone standing tree in a prarie of evils.
This song is disgustingly beautiful. When you listen to it and its guitar and his gorgeous voice it feels like some secret, somehow situations are put right within those two minutes, and then afterwards, you are left with a feeling of loss, but it's satisfying. At least that's how i feel. Plus, couplets have never seemed so tragic. i almost don't want to share it with anyone for fear that they would not understand and undermine its meaning to me. And i agree with "onemoregetupkid," that line is final, there is no indecision in this song.
i think that this song is telling the story of someone who has been there for someone through their times of trouble, but has been pushed away as soon as the person gets better, they stop talking to that person. it really gives me the feeling that whoever the song is meant to be portraying is left feeling used. i can really relate to this because i've been on both sides of that kind of thing, and it's not a good feeling either way.
I think everyone has someone in their life that is somebody they used to know and it is a beautiful song
agrees with everything that's been said
This song is so perfect in every way. There's not more I can say. I think everyone can I identify with this in some way. I just rhymed.
this is such a beautiful song to be telling someone that all they are to you is somebody that you used to know