Somebody That I Used to Know
Seth Avett Jessica Lea Mayfield Lyrics
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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
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
Keeping a hold of what you just let go
You're just somebody that I used to know
In Seth Avett and Jessica Lea Mayfield's song "Somebody That I Used to Know," the lyrics depict a relationship that has fallen apart. The first verse touches on the emotional pain that the singer has experienced due to the other person's actions. The singer feels hurt because the other person caused them pain despite their tender feelings towards them. However, the singer also acknowledges that it is the other person's heart that is scarred, not theirs. This displays the singer attempting to empathize with the other person's struggles while simultaneously moving on from the situation.
The second verse reflects the singer's acceptance that the other person no longer needs their help. The singer may have been a voice of support for the other person, but now that the other person has found their footing, they no longer require it. The singer acknowledges that the other person has become independent and is capable of running their own show. The singer uses the phrase "somebody that I used to know" to emphasize how the other person has become a stranger to them, and they no longer play a significant role in their life.
The last verse explores the singer's perspective on the other person's actions. Despite feeling a loss due to the relationship's end, the singer acknowledges that they cannot change the past. The singer recognizes that the other person is in control of their life and the decision to leave, and the singer must accept and move on. The phrase "keeping a hold of what you just let go" highlights how the singer is attempting to reconcile their feelings of loss and gain an understanding of the situation.
Line by Line Meaning
I had tender feelings that you made hard
I had loving emotions that you made difficult to feel
But it's your heart, not mine, that's scarred
You've caused damage to yourself, not to me
So when I go home, I'll be happy to go
I'll feel joyous leaving you behind when I go home
You're just somebody that I used to know
You're just a person I knew in the past and have moved on from
You don't need my help anymore
You are able to handle things on your own without my assistance
It's all now to you, there ain't no before
Everything is now in your hands, there is no going back
Now that you're big enough to run your own show
You are now capable of being in charge of your life
I watched you deal in a dying day
I observed you manage your life during a time of decline
And throw a living past away
You let go of a past life that was once thriving
So you can be sure that you're in control
You discarded the past to ensure that you are now in charge of your life
I know you don't think you did me wrong
I am aware that you believe you haven't hurt me
And I can't stay this mad for long
I won't be angry with you for much longer
Keeping a hold of what you just let go
I am holding onto something that has been discarded by you
You're just somebody that I used to know
You're just a person from my past that I have moved on from
Contributed by Joshua F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
JayDudeman
Love how much these guys are covering elliott
Robert Burch
I’m confused, he was mad because Gotee used the same title as Elliot Smith, but then writes a song with also the same name?
Evan Saunders
This was a cover of the original Elliot Smith song, not one of their songs