Somebody That I Used to Know
Elliott Smith
The beginning of this song sounds like Dear Prudence sped up…just wanted to point that out up front. The more you pour over his songs, little traces of the Beatles show up in subtle, amusing ways. Even in ways I’m sure Elliott never realized. The way he sings a word, or plays a chord — the way a song might briefly begin or end.
This song has simmering anger living inside it. An anger that’s relentless — it just moves along like a speeding train with no chorus.
One little guitar solo bridge follows three verses. Then one final verse and the guitar bridge again. Then, a little extra guitar picking for good measure and to close it out. An ending that for some reason reminds me of the Beatles again. 😂
Feeling like you were mistreated or wronged by someone is not fun. And usually when a relationship ends — both people feel this way.
And so now I will take a few minutes this morning to recall and grieve several beautiful friendships I’ve lost in my life. One in high school, one after college and three more as an adult. For reasons unknown to me, these friendships ended and I doubt any of them will be salvaged. Male friendships haven’t been easy to sustain for me and I’m not sure exactly why.
And one of these I’m remembering will be impossible to salvage, because that friend has since passed away.
But after listening to this song several times this morning, I feel better about these old friendships. I find this song oddly comforting and empowering. Sure, there’s anger, but somehow the way Elliott sings it, you feel like those old wounds have been healing up for a long time. They don’t hurt much anymore. And some of that beautiful energy comes from Elliott’s masterful guitar playing. All in barely two minutes. ❤️
I had tender feelings that you made hard
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
You're just somebody that i used to know
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 on what you just let go
You're just somebody that I used to know
