SomeBody
Cliff Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I used to be somebody but now I am somebody else
I used to be somebody but now I am somebody else
Who'm might be tomorrow is anybody's guess

What was thought to be the right way turned out the wrong way after all
What was thought to be the right way turned out the wrong way after all
what I took to be the high road was only leading to a fall
I used to be a preacher, with women, fame, and wealth
I used to be a preacher, with women, fame, and wealth
From a mighty congregation, to talking to myself

I was cleared of all the charges with money, women and my health
I was cleared of all the charges with money, women and my health
Now that I'm a brand-new man, you belong with someone else

I used to be somebody but now I am somebody else




I used to be somebody but now I am somebody else
Who I'll be tomorrow is anybody's guess

Overall Meaning

The song "Somebody" by Cliff examines the idea of personal transformation, delving into the process of change and the consequences of our choices. The opening line "I used to be somebody but now I am somebody else" immediately sets the tone for the song, suggesting that the singer has undergone a significant change or transformation. This is continued in the repeated line "Who I might be tomorrow is anybody's guess", conveying a sense of uncertainty and instability in the singer's sense of self.


The second verse delves deeper into the source of this transformation, with the singer suggesting that their previous understanding of the "right way" in life has proven to be misguided. The line "what I took to be the high road was only leading to a fall" implies that the singer's previous beliefs and values led them astray, resulting in their current state of being.


The final verse paints a picture of the singer as a former preacher, who achieved great success and fame before eventually falling from grace. However, despite being "cleared of all charges", the singer acknowledges that they have fundamentally changed, and that the person they were before no longer exists. This is particularly resonant in the final line of the song, which once again emphasizes the fluidity and unpredictability of the singer's identity.


Overall, "Somebody" is a poignant meditation on the process of personal transformation, and the ways in which our past experiences can shape and influence our sense of self over time.


Line by Line Meaning

I used to be somebody but now I am somebody else
I have changed from who I used to be


Who'm might be tomorrow is anybody's guess
There is no certainty about who I will be in the future


What was thought to be the right way turned out the wrong way after all
The path I believed was right ended up leading me astray


what I took to be the high road was only leading to a fall
The path I took, which I thought was the best, only brought me down


I used to be a preacher, with women, fame, and wealth
I previously had a position of power, with attention and riches


From a mighty congregation, to talking to myself
I lost my position and now only have myself to speak with


I was cleared of all the charges with money, women and my health
I used wealth and women to be absolved of my wrongdoings


Now that I'm a brand-new man, you belong with someone else
I have changed and you should find someone else more suitable




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: T-BONE BURNETT, TYRONE FITZGERALD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@mgerry1992

My mother told me that this song was played on the radio in the hospital when I was born - so this is the first song of my life and I'm proud of it! :D

@MrCatalysis101

Quite an entrance to the world. It's arguably Cliff's best song.

@gugapop8322

@amitnagpal8224

One of the best solo in music history,

@damienmillett5546

Woo Hoo !!!!

@majobandura5529

My moms favourite song, but she died and iam so sad😪

47 More Replies...

@berwhaletheavenger

There are a few Cliff tracks that are so good that even non fans can't ignore. This is one of those.

@j.b.9260

And it got to number 3, so we know that the non-fans bought it.

@Steve24527

Cliff is a brilliant singer and performer and has sung so many great hits! The saddest thing is they are going to make up so many lies about him when he dies this song says it all❤

@Davidhjrick

It’s a beautiful song

More Comments

More Versions