Meaning of "Somebody Else" by The 1975

"Somebody Else" explores themes of heartbreak, jealousy, and the struggle to move on after a breakup. The song captures the raw emotions that can arise when witnessing an ex-partner moving on with someone new. The lyrics paint a picture of the narrator's initial disbelief upon hearing about their ex's new relationship, followed by a cascade of conflicting emotions. The line "I don't want your body, but I hate to think about you with somebody else" exemplifies the paradoxical feelings the narrator experiences. The song delves into the pain caused by the end of a relationship and the difficulty of fully letting go.

The repeated line "I'm looking through you while you're looking through your phone" suggests a sense of surveillance or stalking, symbolizing the narrator's obsession with their ex and their new connection. This obsession further intensifies their agony as they imagine their ex's physical intimacy with another person. The lyrics also hint at the narrator's denial, as they refuse to believe the ex-lover is capable of finding someone to replace them.

In the latter part of the song, the lyrics take a twist, shifting the focus away from the ex-lover and onto the idea of material success and monetary gain. The lines "Get someone you love? Get someone you need? Fuck that, get money" reflect the narrator's attempts to distract themselves from the pain by emphasizing the pursuit of wealth and success over emotional connection. This could serve as a coping mechanism or a defense mechanism to avoid confronting their lingering feelings for their ex.

Overall, "Somebody Else" encapsulates the complex emotions that accompany a breakup. It showcases the narrator's struggle to accept the end of their relationship while simultaneously grappling with feelings of jealousy, longing, and the inability to let go.