They Never Got You
Spoon Lyrics

You
The song begins with a direct address to the listener, asking whether they ever felt like no one understood them.

When you were coming up
The first line of the first verse is questioning whether the listener felt like an outsider while growing up, seeing a world that didn't make sense to them.

Did you think everyone knew
The second line of the first verse is asking whether the listener thought that they were missing some important information, something that everyone else seemed to know.

Something unclear to you
The third line of the first verse is questioning whether the listener struggled to make sense of the world around them, feeling lost and confused.

And when you were thrown in a crowd
The fourth line of the first verse describes a situation where the listener was surrounded by people, perhaps at a party or social gathering.

Could you believe yourself
The fifth line of the first verse is asking whether the listener felt confident in themselves, even in a crowd where they didn't feel like they belonged.

Did you repeat yourself
The sixth line of the first verse is questioning whether the listener had to keep repeating themselves, because no one seemed to be listening or understanding them.

'Cause no one would hear
The seventh line of the first verse highlights the isolation and frustration that the listener might have felt, since no one was paying attention to them.

And just say it again
The eighth line of the first verse is a recognition that the listener might have had to keep trying to communicate their ideas repeatedly, in the hopes that someone would finally understand them.

'Cause they never got you and you never got them
The ninth and final line of the first verse confirms that the listener felt isolated and disconnected from the people around them - they never seemed to understand each other.

Don't let it break
The first line of the second verse is offering some advice - the listener should try to keep their sense of self intact, even when it feels like the world is against them.

Don't let it start
The second line of the second verse is warning the listener not to let things spiral out of control - they should avoid letting their frustration or disappointment turn into something more damaging.

Don't let em in
The third line of the second verse is urging the listener to be wary of people who might want to take advantage of them or hurt them.

Don't go too far
The fourth line of the second verse is encouraging the listener to keep their actions and emotions in check, rather than letting them get out of hand.

And cover your tracks
The fifth line of the second verse is advising the listener to be careful with what they say and do, perhaps to avoid attracting unwanted attention or criticism.

Cover the path to the heart
The sixth line of the second verse is extending the metaphor of 'covering tracks' to suggest that the listener should be careful with their emotions and relationships, not letting anyone get too close unless they're sure they can trust them.

Don't let those footholds start
The seventh line of the second verse is warning the listener to be careful with who they let into their life, as even small footholds or openings can lead to bigger problems down the line.

And don't let no one in
The eighth line of the second verse is echoing the earlier advice to be cautious and careful with who the listener allows into their life and heart.

'Cause they never got you and you never got them
The ninth and final line of the second verse is a repeat of the first verse, but with a slightly different emphasis - the singer is suggesting that the listener should be cautious because they and the people around them might never truly understand each other.

You
The beginning of the final verse is once again addressing the listener directly, asking a different question this time.

When you were breaking up
The second line of the final verse is referencing a moment in the listener's past when they might have experienced a difficult or painful breakup with someone they cared about.

They was just waking up
The third line of the final verse is highlighting the idea that the other person involved in the breakup might not have been as invested in the relationship as the listener, only just starting to realize their feelings when it was already too late.

And back in that place where you come from
The fourth line of the final verse is referencing the listener's childhood or formative years, suggesting that their experiences now are linked to their upbringing and background.

Did it pay to play along
The fifth line of the final verse is asking whether the listener feels like they made sacrifices or compromises in order to fit in or be accepted.

That's where I'm coming from
The sixth line of the final verse is the singer's acknowledgement that they might not know exactly what the listener is going through, but that they can relate to the feeling of being misunderstood or different.

I'll roll it myself or just let it be
The seventh line of the final verse is a declaration of independence - the listener will make their own decisions and actions, whether that means taking matters into their own hands or letting things play out as they will.

'Cause I never got them and they never got me
The final line of the song is the singer's own confession that they too have felt isolated and misunderstood, emphasizing the theme of connection and disconnect throughout the entire song.