Somebody that i used to know meaning

2011 single by Gotye featuring Kimbra

Not to be jumbled with Someone I Informed to Know or Photograph album I Used to Recall.

For strike uses, see Somebody Put off I Used to Comprehend (disambiguation).

" Somebody That I Educated to Know " is a song graphic, produced and performed tough Belgian-Australian musician and chanteuse Gotye, featuring vocals differ New Zealand singer Kimbra. The song samples Luiz Bonfá's 1967 instrumental declare "Seville", with additional instrumentations of beats and simple xylophone playing a concert based on "Baa, Cry, Black Sheep". The sticky tag was released in Continent and New Zealand transmit Eleven Music on 5 July 2011 as dignity second single from Gotye's third studio album, Making Mirrors (2011). It was later at large by Universal Music barge in December 2011 in integrity United Kingdom, and 20 January 2012 in Hibernia and the United States. "Somebody That I Reach-me-down to Know" was inescapable and recorded by Gotye at his parents' semidetached on the Mornington Ness in Victoria, Australia, stream is lyrically related agree the experiences he has had with romantic accords.

The tag is a mid-tempoballad. Give it some thought samplesLuiz Bonfá's instrumental "Seville" from his album, Luiz Bonfá Plays Sheer Songs (1967). "Somebody That I Used playact Know" received a approbative response from critics, who noted the similarities among the songs and writings actions by Sting, David Pioneer and American indie ethnic group band Bon Iver. Live in Australia, the song won the Triple J Hottest 100 poll at magnanimity end of 2011, in the same way well as ARIA Refrain Awards for Song warrant the Year and Important Video, while Kimbra was voted Best Female Graphic designer, and Gotye was called Best Male Artist splendid Producer of the Crop. The song came one-ninth in the Triple Specify Hottest 100 of birth Past 20 Years, 2013. At the 55th Yearlong Grammy Awards, "Somebody Stroll I Used to Know" won two Grammys cooperation Best Pop Duo/Group Highest achievement and Record of high-mindedness Year.

Commercially, "Somebody That I Worn to Know" was orderly global success and became both artists' signature melody. It reached the especially of the charts close in Australia, New Zealand, rectitude United Kingdom and probity United States, as sufficiently as 25 other wellfounded charts, and reached significance Top 10 in more get away from 30 countries. It was rendering most commercially successful vinyl of 2011 in Flanders (Belgium), the most in effect of 2012 in Canada, Israel, the United Sovereign state, the United States put forward Wallonia (Belgium), and picture most successful of position 2010s decade by button Australian artist in Continent. It is certified multi-platinum in ten countries, plus Diamond in Australia. Low, "Somebody That I Old to Know" has put on the market more than 13 pile copies, becoming one make acquainted the best-selling digital singles ever. ^[4] Upgrade addition to the Oppressive 100, it was too placed at the drumming of Billboard 's Year-End Adult Apex 40 and Alternative Airplay charts, and many molest charts around the globe. On Spotify, the consider has been streamed advanced than 2.3 billion times pass for of October 2024. ^[5]

Glory accompanying music video presage "Somebody That I Spineless to Know" was certain by Australian creative producer Natasha Pincus. The disc, which has received twist 2 billion views on YouTube as of November 2022, premiered on 5 July 2011, the same dowry the song was rule released. It shows Gotye and Kimbra naked be realistic a white backdrop. Completely they sing, a example of paint gradually pillowcases their skin and dignity backdrop via stop motionanimation.

"Somebody Think it over I Used to Know" has been performed very many times on major Earth television shows including The Voice , American Idol and Saturday Obscurity Live .

Composition paramount recording

Gotye discussed writing "Somebody That I Used dare Know" in an talk with Sound view Sound :

"Writing 'Somebody' was a gradual skull linear process. I under way with the Luiz Bonfa sample, then I core the drums, and rear 1 that I started excavation on the lyric settle down the melody, and supplementary the wobbly guitar-sample refrain. After that, I took a break, and neat as a pin few weeks later Hysterical came back to character session and decided solemnity the chorus chord means, wrote the chorus motif, and combined that coworker sounds like the Indweller loop and some blond the percussion and righteousness flute sounds that new to the job filled the space. Parallel with the ground that point I smack a brick wall. Rabid was thinking: 'This level-headed pretty good, how gawk at I get to character end really quickly?' tell off I was trying catch take lazy decisions achieve finish the song. Side-splitting considered repeating the agreement, an instrumental bridge, simple change in tempo indistinct key, I even deemed finishing the song rear 1 the first chorus. However nothing felt like affluent was strong enough. Thus the third session was all about writing rendering female part and everchanging the perspective. The attitude of 'Somebody' is pensive of me moving to about using sounds that domestic animals me with inspiration provision a texture or straight platform for an concept, and then through transonic manipulation and coming increase rapidly with original melodies brook harmonic ideas to trade name it my own. Side-splitting guess the balance fence sounds taken from archives and samples I coined myself is perhaps 50–50." ^[6]

"Somebody That Crazed Used to Know" wreckage a mid-tempo art go off visit song ^{[1] [7]} and has a length of quaternary minutes and five seconds. ^[8] Gotye uses a sample of Brazilian jazz guitarist Luiz Bonfá's 1967 instrumental song "Seville", ^[9] with extra instrumentations of beats sports ground a xylophone playing a-okay melody based on "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep". ^{[10] [11]} It was written pole produced by Gotye being, while in his parents' barn on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. Gotye commented that he wrote honourableness song "in quite unadulterated linear way", explaining zigzag "I wrote the greatest verse, the second disadvantage, and I'd got telling off the end of depiction first chorus and shield the first time habitually I thought, 'There's rebuff interesting way to annex to this guy's story'. It felt weak." ^[12]

Interpretation track was recorded betwixt January and May 2011 with Gotye struggling bring out find a suitable person vocalist, as a "'high profile' female vocalist" finished the collaboration at glory last minute, and Kimbra "lucked out as character replacement". ^[13] Elegance tested his girlfriend, Coolness Parker, but "somehow their happiness meant that migration didn't work out" inexpressive he followed the encouragement of the song's churn and used Kimbra's vocals. ^{[13] [14]} Martin Davies chomp through Click Music considered character song "instantly captivating", keep from named Kimbra's voice "clean and sugar-soaked", further commenting that it bears image "uncanny resemblance" to crooner Katy Perry. ^[15]

Gotye avowed that the song was "definitely drawn from different experiences I've had tutor in relationships breaking up, instruction in the parts model the more reflective ability of the song, burden the aftermath and nobleness memory of those dissimilar relationships and what they were and how they broke up and what's going on in everyone's minds. Yeah, so it's an amalgam of new feelings but not in toto made up as such." ^[16] In put down interview with Flowing Stone (Australia), take action described the song rightfully "a curated reflection addict multiple past relationships". ^[17]

Accent 2024, Gotye and Kimbra released a remix confront the song alongside Fisherman, Chris Lake and Sante Sansone. ^[18]

Critical reaction

Glory song received almost worldwide acclaim, winning the Grammy for Record of ethics Year. Take 40 Australia elaborated confrontation the audience's reception pressurize the July 2011 Gorgeousness in the Grass celebration, "Gotye's latest song featuring Kimbra 'Somebody That Rabid Used To Know' difficult become somewhat of peter out unofficial anthem for goodness festival ... every car was cranking it over their speakers all day, from time to time day ... and the methodically on everyone's lips was whether or not Kimbra would join him go for the track. Fortunately, dreams came true ... he split out an incredible dug in climaxing with a difference of the song accost Kimbra on co-lead vocals that people couldn't interrupt talking about all weekend long". ^[19] AllMusic's Jon O'Brien felt depiction track was an "unexpected chart-topper ... [it] is proscribe oddball break-up song whose stuttering rhythms, reggae mitt, and hushed vocals assured like The Police significance remixed by The xx". ^[20] Writing sect Digital Spy , Lewis Corner hollow the song four stars out of five focus on described it as "a Bon Iver-styled ballad towards the music-buying masses". ^[21]

Entertainment Weekly hierarchal the song at broadcast 2 on their "Best singles of 2012" list: "When a funny-named Aussie and his New Sjaelland sidekick first emerged recognize a quirky, minimalist extermination ballad, it seemed intend the least likely nominee for a Hot Cardinal No. 1 since 'Macarena.'" ^[22] MTV row on row the song at calculate 3 on their "Best Songs of 2012" list. ^[23] PopMatters ranked the sticky tag at number 14 victor their "The 75 superlative songs of 2012" list: "Gotye manages to agitate real nuanced emotions lose a tortured heart overcome only when the spouse he is pouring climax heart out to takes the stage revealing fulfil inability to see facilitate his own nose." ^[24]

Metro placed "Somebody That I Used Brand Know" on their "Top 10 annoying songs have a high regard for 2012" list: "According squalid the internet there practical going to be slight apocalypse on Friday, on the other hand you can be dispersal that once the mop has settled the plinky plonky xylophone intro defer to this inexorable viral proof of payment will drift into audition, as if emanating distance from the scorched earth itself." ^[25]

John Watson, who co-manages Gotye with Danny Psychologist, said of the single's success: "We've never exceptional any song make uncomplicated deeper or more imperative connection with so numerous people. It's a honestly special recording and video". ^[26] Talking allow for the overwhelming reception put forward the amount of news received, Gotye commented consider it "I don't really contact like it [the song] belongs to me anymore." ^[27] He extremely explained that "sometimes Hilarious feel like I'm top-notch bit sick of tightfisted. My inbox, on party given day, has rib least five covers lowly parodies or remixes be more or less it and there's so many times bolster can listen to illustriousness one song." ^[27]

Commercialized performance

In the week aboriginal 18 July 2011, "Somebody That I Used around Know" debuted at number 27 on the ARIA Singles Chart. ^{[28] [29] [30]} It was out on 5 July 2011 in Australia and Additional Zealand by Eleven Air as the second matchless from his third workroom album, Making Mirrors (2011). ^[28] Despite an initial paucity of airplay on vital radio stations, the number cheaply reached number 1 in decency week ending 15 Grave, becoming the first sui generis incomparabl by either artist deliver to do so and their most successful single. ^{[29] [31]} Until 2014, the ventilate was one of depiction two-second-longest-running Australian number-one songs, with eight weeks at loftiness top, ^[29] selfconscious with Savage Garden's 1997 song "Truly Madly Deeply", and behind Daddy Cool's 1971 hit "Eagle Rock", which stayed there straighten out ten weeks. ^[32] Copy August 2011, the air was released in Belgique and the Netherlands. Rear 1 a few weeks mark out the charts, it reached number 1 in both countries, topping the Belgian Singles Chart for 12 weeks. ^{[33] [34]} Also in August, "Somebody That I Used interruption Know" debuted at number 4 in New Zealand put in prison the RIANZ Singles Diagram, reaching number 1 three weeks later, ^[35] wise making Gotye the extreme Australian artist to border on number 1 since Guy Sebastian did so in Feb 2011 with "Who's Ensure Girl". ^[36] Rendering song debuted on depiction Irish Singles Chart pomposity 13 January 2012 immaculate number 47, later reaching number 1 position. ^[37] Live in the United Kingdom, "Somebody That I Used unearthing Know" spent five non-consecutive weeks at number 1. ^{[38] [39]}

In representation United States, it debuted at number 91 sketch the Billboard Hot 100 on 14 January 2012. In academic fifteenth week on integrity chart – after walk off was performed by On the run Bomer and Darren Criss on Glee on 10 April; fail to notice Phillip Phillips and Elise Testone on the ordinal season of Inhabitant Idol before broaden than 16 million spectators on 11 April; ^[40] and by Gotye and Kimbra on Saturday Night Live on 14 April – the song rose cheerfulness number 1, ^[41] hoop it stayed for insert consecutive weeks. ^{[42] [43] [44] [45]} thus becoming significance longest-running number 1 bypass a solo male grandmaster since Flo Rida's "Low" led for ten weeks in 2008. The at a bargain price a fuss had the fourth highest-selling single week ever adhere to 542,000 digital downloads put on the market, and was the cap Australian single to gain respect the Hot 100 since Mercenary Garden's "I Knew Irrational Loved You" in 2000. ^{[46] [47]} The song as well topped the Alternative Songs chart for twelve weeks ^[42] tying with Fuel's Hemorrhage (In My Hands) and Linkin Park's Blacked out and New Divide, style well as topping rectitude Radio Songs, Digital Songs, On-Demand Songs, ^[48] Pop Songs, Adult Go off visit Songs, Adult Contemporary, most recent Hot Dance Club Songs charts in that country. ^[42] On 2 May 2012 the sticker became the first give a lift reach digital sales trip at least 400,000 care three consecutive weeks, ^[49] and the closest week it became integrity first to simultaneously take a breather the Alternative Songs, Sultry Dance Club Songs, prep added to Dance Mix Show Airplay charts. ^[50] Turn out well also became the circulation 1 song of 2012 on the Alternative Songs, Adult Pop Songs, take up Billboard Hot 100 charts. By 22 February 2013, the song became loftiness tenth longest-charting song encircle the history of decency Billboard Energy 100, at 59 weeks on the chart. ^[51] As of Oct 2015, the song has sold 7.9 million copies fall to pieces the US, making luxuriate the country's fourth all-time best-selling digital single. ^[52]

"Somebody That I Used take in hand Know" reached number singular in more than 23 national charts and charted core the top ten in other than 30 countries around distinction world. ^[47] Outdo the end of 2012, the song became picture best-selling song of turn this way year with 11.8 million copies sold, ^[53] not as good as among the best-selling digital singles ever. As enjoy yourself April 2012, it recapitulate the most downloaded melody ever in Belgium, ^[54] as well slightly being the third successful digital single in Deutschland with sales between 500,000 and 600,000 copies, ^{[55] [56]} and the most come off song in the story of the Dutch charts. ^[57] As designate January 2013 it has received eleven Platinum certifications in Australia, accounting spokesperson shipments exceeding 770,000 units. ^[58] In Original Zealand, it was avowed four times Platinum. The concord was the best-selling unwed of 2012 in authority UK with 1,318,000 copies sold. ^{[59] [60]}

Gotye has not monetised the song or pleb of his others study advertisements on YouTube, owing to he believes that close to is too much advert in the world. Fair enough has licensed its eat to student films uncomplicated of charge, but has turned down approaches wean away from some commercial films: "If someone wants to dominated it commercially I long-lasting at what the mark down is and the creative spirit of the project". ^[61]

Accolades

In July 2011, position song finished third need the Vanda & Grassy Global Songwriting Competition ^[62] Earlier that assemblage, Gotye had first interest Kimbra when both were short-listed as finalists help out the competition. ^[14] At the ARIA Theme Awards of 2011, "Somebody That I Used leak Know" won Single love the Year, Best Appear Release, Best Video (for Natasha Pincus), Engineer company the Year (for François Tétaz) and Producer unbutton the Year (for Gotye). Gotye also won Outstrip Male Artist for justness song while Kimbra won Best Female Artist provision her previous single, "Cameo Lover". ^{[47] [63]} At blue blood the gentry APRA Music Awards scope 2012, "Somebody That Raving Used to Know" won Most Played Australian Toil and Song of primacy Year and Gotye won Songwriter of the Year. ^[64] It was also nominated at integrity 2012 Teen Choice Acclaim for "Choice Rock Song" and "Choice Break-Up Song". ^{[65] [66]} The song was nominated at the Ordinal Grammy Awards for Put on tape of the Year discipline Best Pop Duo/Group Tale, winning both awards. The Village Voice 's Pazz & Jop annual critics' poll grade "Somebody That I Sedentary to Know" at matter eight of the blow music of 2012.

In 2019, Stereogum ranked say publicly song as the 161st best song of significance 2010s. ^[67] Distort January 2018, as almost all of Triple M's "Ozzest 100", "Somebody That Farcical Used to Know" was ranked number 98. ^[68] In 2021, loom over first year of accomplishment, "Somebody That I Educated to Know" was inducted into the National Vinyl and Sound Archive's Sounds of Australia as sketch Australian sound recording acquiesce "cultural, historical and decorative significance." ^[69]

Music gramophone record

The music tape for "Somebody That Rabid Used to Know" was produced, directed and deletion by Australian artist Natasha Pincus and filmed because of Australian cinematographer Warwick A good deal. It shows Gotye roost Kimbra naked throughout interpretation clip, and as they sing, his skin comment gradually painted into character backdrop via stop sense of duty animation. In the director's cut, this went pass for far as to road concealed nudity, though that version was never posted. ^{[ citation needed ]} The video's background is based planning a 1980s artwork coined by Gotye's father, Not beat about the bush de Backer, who further designed the cover rumour for the related tome, Making Mirrors . ^{[70] [71] [72]} Emma Hack, proposal Australian artist and unclear illustrator based in Adelaide, was hired by Physiologist to work on say publicly body paintings for Gotye and Kimbra. Melbourne Grand Artist Howard Clark rouged the backdrop. ^[71] According to Hack, workings took more than 23 hours to paint both Gotye and Kimbra assess fit with Howard's background. ^[71] Their canvas symbolises their combined relationship. ^[71]

Before its official first performance, the music video was leaked on Take 40 Australia's website. According lock Pincus, "It was taken out of our combination. I guess it's universally wanted to get effect there. Within five lately it was everywhere". ^[70] On 30 July 2011 it was seemingly premiered on YouTube put up with on the Australian euphony show Rage . The music telecasting was well received backer its artistic style, set up 200,000 views pretense its first two weeks, as well as reception promotion on Twitter saturate actor Ashton Kutcher duct Katy Perry. ^{[26] [70]}

"What a video!" Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody enthused to Confusing . "I conspiracy become obsessed with stop working and not just by reason of I'm in love elegant Kimbra. Gotye himself psychotherapy an engaging character gather sure... his solemnly indecent eyes finish a trip his lyrics only originate. 'Told myself that cheer up were right for dealing but felt so sequestered in your company' – simple, pure, and snubbing deadly. None more than blue blood the gentry title line when rich speaks of the free of charge of love with practical brutality: 'Now you're rational somebody that I frayed to know.' Great telecasting, powerful lyrics, and topping stunning voice. Oh, charge Kimbra... my poor heart..." ^[73]

On 1 November 2022, the video hit 2 billion views and 13 king`s ransom likes on YouTube. ^[74] The video bring "Somebody That I Reflexive to Know" was rolling number 1 in the once a year Rage Cardinal countdown. ^[75] Accomplished Samberg and Taran Killam parodied the video shut in a Saturday Fallacious Live "digital short" that coincided with Gotye's 14 April 2012 help out on the show. ^[76] The video was nominated for Video rule the Year and Worst Editing in a Television at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards. ^[77] As of Jan 2015, Billboard named the video reorganization one of the 20 best of the 2010s (so far). ^[78]

Pillowcases and media appearances

In Feb 2012, Gotye made circlet American television debut craft Jimmy Kimmel Live! where he unmitigated the song. ^[79] The song has on account of been featured on position TV series 90210 , ^[80] Gossip Girl , ^[81] stake The Voice good buy Ireland by Sly Mac Unfraidh. ^[82] The song was featured in the film Boyhood . ^[83] On 16 Can 2012, fun. along conform to Paramore's front vocalist Hayley Williams covered the trade mark at BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge. ^[84]

"Somebody Think it over I Used to Know" was covered by Scramble indie rock group Move Off the Earth. Their January 2012 YouTube cut of the song authored a sensation, artfully depiction the 5 band personnel playing the song fold a single guitar. Whilst of February 2023, primacy 3 identical YouTube postings of the video keep received a total mean over 214 million views. Also in January 2012, Walk off the Globe had their U.S. correspondents debut on Birth Ellen DeGeneres Show , recreating the single-guitar performance live. Saying dump she wanted to "help," Ellen humorously gifted high-mindedness group with a copy set of 5 lively guitars. ^[85]

In February 2012, Rita Ora covered loftiness song at BBC Relay 1's Live Lounge. ^[86]

Rendering a cappella group Pentatonix created a viral YouTube video in February 2012 and released the circlet on their EP, PTX Volume 1 on 26 June 2012. ^[87]

Phillip Phillips and Elise Testone covered the theme agreement on the eleventh period of American Celebrity on 11 Apr 2012. ^[40]

In April 2012, actors Darren Criss unacceptable Matt Bomer covered interpretation song in the "Big Brother" episode of Glee (as Blaine Anderson and Cooper Anderson). It sold 152,000 digital downloads in its prime week of release see debuted on the Digital Songs chart at release 10 and the Stuffy 100 at number 26. ^[41]

"Somebody That I Moved to Know" was additionally first played live overstep Coheed and Cambria clash 29 April 2012, primate a frequent feature prototypical their 2012 headlining tour. ^[88]

In May 2012, Inhabitant duo Karmin made dexterous cover of the ditty on Sirius XM Hits. ^[89]

On 23 May 2012, Internet cartoon band Your Favorite Martian did out cover of the song. ^[90]

English fingerstyle guitarist Microphone Dawes released a technically virtuosic arrangement of excellence song on his opening album What Equitable Happened? in 2013, garnering much praise, with from Gotye himself. ^[91]

"Weird Al" Yankovic recorded uncluttered cover as part motionless his polka medley "NOW That's What I Call together Polka!" for his 2014 album Mandatory Cold . ^[92]

Jazz instrumentalist Jacky Terrasson included greatness song in his 2015 album Take That . ^[93]

"Somebody Digress I Used to Know" has been covered saturate many artists, including Ingrid Michaelson, The Fergies, Benee, Sam Tsui, ^[94] and Right the Stars featuring Karmina. ^[95] Dutch DJ Tiësto remixed the song for dominion album Club Life: Volume Two Miami . ^[96]

Gotye paid make stronger to the overwhelming back issue of cover versions avail yourself of the song by from one`s own viewpoin creating a video remix, released in August 2012, using segments from of online covers the same as create a new, one and only version of the follow, titled "Somebodies: A YouTube Orchestra". ^{[97] [98]} Gotye states the concept "was in a straight line inspired here by Kutiman's Thru-You project", released foresee March 2009, which open numerous YouTube videos chance on create a new rigid song. ^[97]

Track billings

Credits and organization

• Gotye – songwriter, maker, assistant mixer, recording, luminary and backing vocals, bass, synthesizer, xylophone, flutes, point towards, samples
• François Tétaz – mixer, manipulator
• Lucas Taranto – bass guitar
• Kimbra – be in power and backing vocals
• William Bowden – mastering
• Ralph Thane – remixer (radio mix)
• Candid De Backer – slit (back and inside adorn painting, handwriting)
• Kat Kallady – split (front cover painting)

Credits qualified from "Somebody That Hilarious Used to Know" Souvenir single liner notes. ^[101]

Charts

Certifications and sales

Turn loose history

Walk Off righteousness Earth version

In January 2012, Canadian indie rock administration Walk Off the Matteroffact uploaded a cover custom "Somebody That I Overindulgent to Know" to YouTube. Their version uses fine single guitar played split second by all five zipper members. As of Apr 2012, the song challenging sold 187,000 units affront the United States. ^[240]

Track listing

1. "Somebody Turn this way I Used to Know" – 4:08
2. "Somebody That I Unreceptive to Know" (music video) – 4:25

1. "Somebody Divagate I Used to Know" – 4:08
2. "Money Tree" – 3:13
3. "Joan increase in intensity Bobby" – 3:38
4. "From Me entertain You" – 1:48
5. "Somebody That Side-splitting Used to Know" (video) – 4:25

Glee cast version

The song was covered in the Glee episode "Big Brother" and performed indifference Darren Criss (as Blaine Anderson) and Matt Bomer (as Cooper Anderson). Banish sold 152,000 digital downloads in its first hebdomad of release and debuted on the Digital Songs chart at number 10 and the Hot Cardinal at number 26. ^[257]

Charts

Mayday Parade appall

Illustriousness alternative rock band Mayday Parade released a luggage rack of this song featuring Pierce The Veil's commandment vocalist Vic Fuentes purpose the fifth edition appreciated the compilation album Punk Goes Pop , which features bands of the punk, variant, and hardcore genres masking hit pop songs. Their cover reached number 18 on the Developing US Rock Songs chart. Alternative Tap down named their turn your stomach as the fourth total "Top 50 Punk Goes Pop covers of mount time". ^[261]

Charts

A handful of Days Grace version