Meaning of "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox

"Somebody That I Used to Know" reveals the deep emotional impact of a failed relationship and the difficulty of letting go. The lyrics convey a sense of nostalgia and regret as the narrator reflects on the time when they were together and believed in the love they shared. The line "But that was love and it's an ache I still remember" encapsulates the lingering pain and longing that remains even after the relationship has ended. The mention of addiction to sadness suggests that the narrator has become accustomed to the heartache and has difficulty moving on.

The second part of the song illustrates the bitterness and betrayal the narrator feels towards their former partner. The lyrics express the ex-partner's cold and callous behavior, cutting off all ties and treating the narrator as a stranger. This rejection intensifies the narrator's pain and reinforces their feelings of being used and discarded. The line "No you didn't have to stoop so low, have your friends collect your records and then change your number" emphasizes the ex-partner's lack of empathy and extreme actions to erase the narrator from their life.

Overall, "Somebody That I Used to Know" captures the complexity of emotions experienced after a break-up. It highlights the universal struggle of moving on and the difficulty of accepting that someone you once deeply cared for has become a stranger. The song resonates with anyone who has felt the ache of lost love and experienced the intense emotions that come with it.