Just want to say thanks for watching my crazy reactions! If you enjoy what I do on this channel consider supporting me. 70% of my videos are not monetized. Between setting up the studio daily, filming, editing, thumbnails, and research which all take away from my family, you guys motivate me to put out content daily. Consider buying me a coffee here www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts or my Patreon www.patreon.com/poloreacts PEACE!!
If you want something like this musically that will blow your mind, listen to "The Postal Service". It's this type of mixture of strong cords and lyrics. Was made from the lead singer of Deathcab for cutie, and the reason they're called the postal service is because, they use to mail each piece of the song to each other until it was put together. That is how their first album was made. I suggest a good open song from them is "Such Great Heights".
I really appreciate you Polo, your reactions are always entertaining and authentic. I also appreciate the fact that you really don't know alot of the music your reacting too, it makes you more "real". Cheers my brother from another mother .❤😊 .. I listened to this song 10 times in a row, no lie, just because her voice, when she yells, it sends shivers through my spine....it is incredible.
For some reason this song reminds me of a track by The Cure, I would have to listen to the albums again to remember. “This song” brings tears to the eyes of anyone that can feel. You want some unique tracks to check out? I know one or two, maybe.
When Prince presented them with the Grammy, he honestly praised them. They were elated, of course, and it seems to me that Prince's approval had to be more important than the award.
This song is a masterpiece all around. It came out when I was in my 50's and now I'm in my 60's and still listening to it in 2024! Classic. Won a well deserved Grammy award too!
@@Pablolyrics_ every song is stolen from any sound? lil victim. oh no charlie puth lights switch IS COPYRIGHTED FROM MY LIGHT SWITCH i need money money
He has the emotions us guys know oh so very well. But then Kimbra comes in with what was really happening and suddenly flashes the innate power of pure womanhood that we'll never match. Not all women, some lie, cheat & play on "Oh poor me!" But when they're right & true, they can slay you with rightious power... This is how Kimbra lays it down, from fragile waif to a creator of life in a single line. A stunning track!
Right. He's doing all that crying than you hear her part of their story and you're like, "I mean. . . ." But then you feel both of their pain because while he's wrong, we've all felt rejection in some form and all the reasons she had to walk away. Why she had to have her friend go get her stuff.
My favourite element, is that when she sings at him, he ignores her, and doubles down on his refrain. it's her that finds her power and becomes free, whilst he becomes trapped within his feelings because he refuses to see other perspectives.
I'm a 57 year old Classic Rocker, but this is the greatest pop tune of the past 15 years or so, as far as I'm concerned. It's brilliant on so many levels. Jesus, when he and Kimbra are singing that chorus together, WOW.
Same here same age, i usuaslly shun songs of this century but this is definitevely a gem, other singers I like from the last 20 years is Lady Gaga and the band Train
I think the fact it has 2 Billion views, is a lot of people around the world can understand the feeling. You met and invested in this person, but it didn't work out for whatever reasons. But it doesn't just turn off, that time spent, time invested even if that time was not full of good memories. It takes time to untangle, and for emotions, feelings to fade with time. Until their just somebody you used to know, and even then...there will be a segment far in the back of the cabinet of your minds memories, that every now and then you will dust off and wonder about. Everyone you meet in life, even if brief leaves a little of themselves with you. And you with them, good or bad it makes up and shapes memories. I would rather people's memories of me were good, but for various reasons it doesn't always work out that way.
I liked what the colors imply in the video. He's ambivalent and mostly covered in neutrals and gray, but with a streak of red for his anger. She has more greens indicating she's aspiring to life, and when the colors come off of her, she's free of him, now her own person, and he's left with that streak of anger.
Awesome, never knew that! It's too abstract for me to make sense out of it, so appreciate the insight! The live version of this on youtube is spectacular as well, they sound great live
Kimbra is a generational talent. Her album "Vows" is an absolute classic (every track!) even though not a lot of people know about her apart from this song. She's incredibly underrated.
The aspect I always see pointed out, is how the colors are painting a picture. He's building that picture/story, which includes her. All the pieces fit together because of our perspective. But then you see her give her perspective, moving out of alignment, rearranging the pieces to speak her mind, and he won't even look at her, until she moves back into place. Then her colors start to disappear, she removed herself from this picture/story he's been forming.
Agreed. And her expressions add to that and the layers so much more. When she shakes her head at him and yells ‘used to know’ it sends chills up my spine. Really a work of art all around.
I discovered this song about a week ago and I’m hooked. It was actually the song being used for a dance video by CDK. I thought this song was a new release but it came out in 2011 and was a bestseller and won a Grammy. Where have I been for the last 13 years
We were at work and it came on the radio once and we were all like hey that’s pretty cool song, then it came on again and again and again and we were all just hooked ! Suddenly we were hearing it everywhere!! On the way home , on the way to the store , on the way home and it was so addicting and yes it blew up so so so fast and so so hard ! It went viral so fast and no matter who you were or where you were from you were playing this and it was totally cool and excepted by all- lasted a very very long time too , it didn’t just go away over night - it took a couple years to fade away
MAN! Hearing this for the first time watching the CDK video would be so wild. That choreography is so much to take in & I've had this song on my Playlist since it was released. But both at once? That would be a trip.
I always appreciated the twist when you hear things from Kimbra’s perspective. It makes the song very relatable. And she has a gorgeous voice. And the video was so unique. The symbolism of the paint and colors added a lot to the song.
One of my favorite parts of the song/video is how, during the second chorus, Kimbra's part alternates between "pleading" and "yelling", as though she's trying multiple ways to get his attention.
Yes it's because first you just hear him and his sadness over her just leaving. But then after she responds he says the same thing except now it sounds like he is acknowledging her by saying I know but damn you didn't have to just leave.
I stopped dead in my tracks the first time I heard this song. I knew it was something I have never encountered, musically….I had my dad listen, he’s a musician and guitar builder, he has amazing taste in music. This was the first song I ever played him that really made him stop and listen as well…..it’s such a departure from the current genres of music, such an interesting, amazing piece. 💜
Yes!, it actually has a soul and real purpose, meaning and feeling. Nowadays, all you have to do is find a mic, bring a bluetooth for your music/back beat then, hand the mic over to someone with Tourette Syndrome.
The first time I heard this, somebody played it on a jukebox in a bar I was at. It was a new song at the time. My ears immediately perked up, and I remember thinking that this must have come out in the late 60's or early 70's because of the way it sounded to me, but I couldn't figure out how I could have possibly missed it all those years. I'm 56 years old, and have always been a huge music fan - especially 60's and 70's stuff. So, to say the least, I was baffled and mind-blown at the same time.
I remember the first time I heard this, I was with my ex, staying home from work watching Ellen with her. They came out and all shared the same guitar and sang this song. It was amazing. Couldn't help but feel sickened in my heart sitting next to her, hearing this and knowing the truth about our relationship. I'll never listen to this song again if I can help it, just reminds me of a love I used to know. Miss her, miss that time, but grateful for the time we had. I guess I needed to let this out...respect and love always.🙏
This was a cover by Walk off the Earth - five musicians on one guitar - on Ellen. Their cover of Somebody that I used to know surpassed 35 million views in less than 3 weeks. This song was on repeat for much of 2012 - the year my husband of 20 years and father of my 5 children left me for a 23 year old and ghosted all of us. I can't listen to it either. I'm sorry for your pain.
I love the song because it tells the story of a breakup with absolute relatable honesty, from both perspectives. It's so raw and honest that it also makes me feel happy. I guess it's because there's great relief in honesty.
Yes, I believe both perspectives are true. I know a lot of people that felt like Kimbra's part was a 'plot twist' that showed the real 'truth' of the relationship.
I love the implications of this song. "You said that you could let it go, and I wouldn't catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know." He's obsessively torn up over a previous relationship, to the point that he's ruining his CURRENT relationship with it, and now that she's fed up and leaving he's viciously repeating his destructive cycle of obsession. He's childish, he's arrogant, and he's incapable of accepting that his relationship struggles are his own fault. Absolute lyrical perfection.
Excellent analysis. I see this as a cautionary tale, in fact two: at first we hear his pain expressed and wonder at the cruelty of the woman who would do this. Then (first caution, both sides!) we hear her side: he is a manipulative gaslighter and he probably doesn't even know it. She got out! And of course she changed her number: that's just self-caring and safety. But it ends with his self-pitying whining and we realize that he has learned nothing. Hence the second caution: he is still out there and still that same guy. Beware!
I think this analysis is honestly pretty accurate, it's definitely about him not being able to get over someone else, and destroying his relationship over it, but it's also about the first relationship, he doesn't understand what he did for the first relationship to end, and that obsession ends the second relationship. However "he probably doesn't even know it" is where I disagree, I think he's fully aware of what he's doing, and while it's still valid to leave someone for that same behaviour, he turns into a tragic character, rather forced to make the same mistake again until he figures out what's wrong with him.
There is no single side that is worse than the other. This is a classic codependancy story. She needs to be loved, He loves to be needed. She needs an enless supply of care to feel good about herself. And he needs to care for someone needy to feel he has value. Its why she can walk away from it easily, while he gets hung up on a lover because it becomes his whole being to care for that person and their needs.
@@Mastadox That "she needs to be loved" sounds less like codependence to me than a standard and critical part of the human condition. I don't find support for the statement that "he needs to care for someone" in the text; perhaps I'm missing it. Instead, he needs to dominate, manipulate, and he becomes self-pitying when she refuses to accept that treatment. So, regretfully (and "regretfully" because I am enjoying the extended exchange), I must dissent on your major thesis that no single side is right: she has faults; he has faults; his do more damage to the other; women in his extended orbit: beware!
Yes!! Those are my faves from that album as well. And the videos for both are great also. I used to draw the child from Bronte from different parts of the video on my son's lunch bags. lol
he has other brilliant tracks and is still producing music but deliberately chose to withdraw from commercial industry. He has a band with a different name
You were living under a rock!!! This song was soooo huge back in the day. Also, the face you make in this video…. I still make the same face every single time I listen to it. It never gets old.
This is a song I want played at my funeral. From then on I’ll be somebody they used to know. I love this song so much, and I would like people to leave with the uplifting feeling I get from this song.
Gotye is incredible but Kimbra is a fabulous female vocalist. She is completely underrated and you should check out more of her. Power in a small package! Excellent song! Loving your channel!!
Im a painter. This is one of my favourite albums to play in the studio. So creative. It sits in there with the likes of Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush and Pink Floyd.
WTF, where was i in 2012? Seriously. I am old. But so happy to connect musically to this song, with my old ass. This is my favorite song ever.! Almost 60 years old. As Kate Bush says, "don't give up"- don't give up on your old ass aunties, mothers and grandparents. We f@ing kick ass, are fighters, and are there for you 100%.
I know this is a year old, but wanted to thank you for one of the best reviews I've seen with excellent interjections on one of the best songs you could easily wreck with too much input. Very well done.
addendum to what you said around 9:10 "The more you hear it, the more you like it." No wonder it is univerally loved. Two billion clicks don't lie. An epic sound, built around a simple children-song-like theme just made of three simple chords. Lyrics one can immediately identify with oneself, music that burns into your brain forever. This song deserves to one of the best songs human kind has ever written. Great reaction, Polo!
I've listened to this song on several other youtube videos with my headphones on, but your video sounds so clear and I can literally hear all the instruments, your acoustics are firre
Everybody and their brother tried to cover this song. Wouter André "Wally" De Backer (born 21 May 1980), better known by his stage name Gotye is a Belgian-Australian multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter. He is a genius. This won a Grammy for Record of the Year. React to "Hearts a Mess", which is on the same album.
I love how the song feels like a turning point. Both the lyrics and the videography give me a sense of untangling oneself from an intertwined state of being together. I can feel a pushing and pulling of the mind - the state of moving on while the strong bonds linger but slowly fade. That feeling of catching your mind wandering back to old feelings of discomfort before snapping out of it and realizing that you are no longer intertwined and are migrating back to an independent state. The symbolism in the video is stunning. I love how the mosaic of shapes ties them together in this web of coexistence and slowly as they get closer to independence, the mosaic is disappearing...slowly setting them free of each other...becoming 'somebody that I used to know'. Brilliant!
I just discovered this song recently and I too think it is my song of the year. Going through a tough breakup but already up on the mend and this song helped keep me smiling.
I love this song because it covers how messy and human a break up can be. Two people can both do wrong by each other while still loving one another, and even if separation is the best way to go, that doesn't mean it's easy. I can relate to both Gotye and Kimbra in this song.
I regard this song as the best pop song of the 2010s. It has everything you could want. Incredibly well executed. Their vocal harmonies in the second chorus elicit an emotional response from me just from how beautiful they sound together Even as someone who has yet to be in a relationship, i've had a similar experience with girls i'd be involved with in the past. "Said we could still be friends / But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough"
Belgian-born Wally De Backer is an indie rock singer-songwriter who records under the name of Gotye. He moved with his family to Australia at the age of 2 and has been releasing music there since 2001. De Backer achieved a breakthrough with his second album Like Drawing Blood, which was voted # in the Triple J listeners poll of the Best Album of 2006. This is the second single from De Backer's third album, Making Mirrors. The LP was released in the summer of 2011 and went to #1 in Australia. The song features New Zealand singer-songwriter Kimbra, who won her country's Critics' Choice awards in 2011; the award is intended to recognize and nurture up-coming talent. Gotye didn't begin writing this song as a duet, but after he finished the first verse, he realized he had nowhere to go with the character he was writing about, and needed to introduce another voice. "Somebody" was both produced and written by Gotye in his parents' barn on the Mornington Peninsula, south-east of Melbourne. It finds Gotye addressing a past lover, reminiscing about their relationship and break-up. The song draws from the aftermath and memory of several relationships, but he told Rolling Stone Australia that one does resound louder than the others. "There is an ex-girlfriend I know." he admitted. "It was five-six years ago. It wasn't a nasty breakup, but it was messy in the sense that we hurt each other more than we needed to because it wasn't a clean break. I guess it's closest to what the chorus is about. We both realized we had to move on and we haven't seen each other since." The song samples the guitar break from Brazilian musician Luiz Bonfá's track "Seville." The classical guitarist died in 2001 but was generously given a co-writing credit by Gotye. According to Australia's Courier Mail, Bonfá also inspired the song's first few lyrics; Gotye inked an early deal awarding 45% of the song's royalties to the Brazilian's estate. "Somebody" was a commercial success, topping the charts in a number of countries including Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. It was the second best selling single of 2011 in Australia.
I would love to hear this song again for the first time because it’s such a masterpiece. Was fun to watch your first reaction 🤩 check out the clip of them getting the Grammy for this song - they’re so adorable 🥰
I remember virtually swooning when this song came out - and the video was just visually impressive. Hard to believe he had no other US hits. Really enjoyed the reaction and the semi-stank face the song brought forth from you (not an insult in any way, either)! 🙂❤
I effing LOVE this song!! Watch the CDK dance e ensemble perform to this song! It is sick!! The choreography is so amazing and unique in the best possible way!!!
this won Record of the Year that year at the Grammy's but wasn't even nominated for Song of the Year.... I have never been able to figure out what the difference is
Wow! Im an old lady, so this is my first time hearing this song. Im so stuck in the '60's, honestly. So, i didn't know anybody was making such amazing, intriguing, heartfelt, honest, artistic real music now. This is a masterpiece. ❤
This song is in the top 20 of the most commercially successful songs of all time, i'm surprised you haven't heard of it. A few months ago a national dance troupe called CDK did their own video rendition of this song. It is amazing.
This song came out on a pop station that I rarely listen to…when I heard it for the first time, besides the rare instruments used, the lyric “have your friends collect your records and then change your number” hit hard‼️ Been there and done that
Your reaction is exactly what I felt a few years ago when first came across it. I was mesmerised. So happy to see a reaction to it with this much feeling. Hugs from Sweden.
So beautiful how you resumed that this song is old… but just a masterpiece! I am a metal head but this song always touches me deeply takin me somewhere … a brilliant journey full of sadness and relief at the same time ♥️💔
Loved your reaction, this is such a beautifully crafted song. I don't mind the pauses, I enjoy hearing your thoughts. This is so relatable and sad yet so catchy with the up tempo beat. wonderful.
Can you imagine Polo I am that age I have lived all those beautiful songs coming out? And yes there is much much more you might not know about I wish you lots of joy in your discovery journey
This it is why it is so important to embrace music in other cultures and languages. So many amazing Spanish songs and artists from Reggaeton to bachata. And I know there a million more if only I had an eternity to learn and experience.
The way he is so calm saying she is somebody.. and after lost the center because its a breake up... and how at the end she get out of the picture... its just simple and beautiful...
Fun fact, unlike many artists he outright owns this song and all it's various rights, no label or lawyers he has to consult or answer to yet has never monetized the video. A video with a billion views.
In the last 20 years I have become a prospector...a prospector of music. Looking for that gold amongst the dirt. I had to become a prospector, because everytime I discovered a truly great song years after it came out it would kind of piss me off that I was late to the party- that gift the song represents. I listen to every genre, every era (gospel music from 1910s is a trip) and when I find gold I find joy. Keep searching my brother! Maybe I will hit you with some of the nuggets I have found for your listening pleasure. Peace.
Definitely listen to all the album. When my daughter was on her learners and she drove to work and I drove her car back home and back again… she had this in her CD player. As well as some others that were very good. I heard this album over and over. Gotye can resonate with deep emotions, you feel his music, I would get goose bumps. “Heart’s a Mess” has some notes in it I used to think her car was broken the first few times 😅. Bronte will make you cry if you ever owned a dog. Edgy and masterful artist. She has great musical taste, a favourite memory is when she rang me at 2am screaming she was at the Cavern Club. And when her and her sister got upgraded to front row at Paul McCartney here.🎉
Thank you for reacting to this beautiful song. Yes it’s sad but it’s so beautiful it makes you happy. ❤️ I’ve had it on my playlist for years and every time it comes on after a minute I start it over because I don’t feel I gave it my full attention.😉
i ALWAYS listen to this gem when i see it on any feed...it just captures and celebrates the transition of love to moving-on and the hurt and sadness that goes with it...
I remember the first time I heard this song. I was in Toronto in the backseat of my sister’s friend’s car. After the first couple of notes, I told her to turn it up. Loved it! Hadn’t had a song grab me like that for a long time! I’m like you, I know it’s sad, but it doesn’t make me feel sad. Very cool song. Great reaction!
![FIRST TIME REACTION - Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/l7baF3Lz0-E/mqdefault.jpg)
Just want to say thanks for watching my crazy reactions! If you enjoy what I do on this channel consider supporting me. 70% of my videos are not monetized. Between setting up the studio daily, filming, editing, thumbnails, and research which all take away from my family, you guys motivate me to put out content daily. Consider buying me a coffee here www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts or my Patreon www.patreon.com/poloreacts PEACE!!
If you want something like this musically that will blow your mind, listen to "The Postal Service". It's this type of mixture of strong cords and lyrics. Was made from the lead singer of Deathcab for cutie, and the reason they're called the postal service is because, they use to mail each piece of the song to each other until it was put together. That is how their first album was made. I suggest a good open song from them is "Such Great Heights".
I really appreciate you Polo, your reactions are always entertaining and authentic. I also appreciate the fact that you really don't know alot of the music your reacting too, it makes you more "real".
Cheers my brother from another mother .❤😊 .. I listened to this song 10 times in a row, no lie, just because her voice, when she yells, it sends shivers through my spine....it is incredible.
Fix You by ColdPlay 👍🏼
For some reason this song reminds me of a track by The Cure, I would have to listen to the albums again to remember.
“This song” brings tears to the eyes of anyone that can feel.
You want some unique tracks to check out? I know one or two, maybe.
@@Sigma1_969yeah she nails that with feeling for sure
That, "you can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness" always hit me so hard.
how about you pipe down and not make stupid ass comments like this buddy.@@neekfenwick
Right on
Yep
When Prince presented them with the Grammy, he honestly praised them. They were elated, of course, and it seems to me that Prince's approval had to be more important than the award.
Gotye is like pop D'angelo so that makes sense.
Prince wasnt someone who would openly say he liked or hate just anything. "Scribe? Scribe!? Record this!".
"I love this song!!!" were his words when he announced the winners....
This song is a masterpiece all around. It came out when I was in my 50's and now I'm in my 60's and still listening to it in 2024! Classic. Won a well deserved Grammy award too!
I hear you.
Two Grammys! Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Record of the Year.
This song is the perfect example that shows a song does not have to be over-produced to sound great and hit hard.
It's built entirely of samples. The levels of production are off the chain, but nobody notices that. This is production done right :-)
they literally stole this melody from a brazilian artist
@@Pablolyrics_ every song is stolen from any sound? lil victim. oh no charlie puth lights switch IS COPYRIGHTED FROM MY LIGHT SWITCH i need money money
@@geniusofstupidity470 I need money too....
He has the emotions us guys know oh so very well.
But then Kimbra comes in with what was really happening and suddenly flashes the innate power of pure womanhood that we'll never match.
Not all women, some lie, cheat & play on "Oh poor me!"
But when they're right & true, they can slay you with rightious power...
This is how Kimbra lays it down, from fragile waif to a creator of life in a single line.
A stunning track!
Oh wow I love your words beautifully and truthfully written
What really happened from her perspective. They might be both telling the truth each unaware of what they were doing to damage the relationship.
Yes mam❤
Right. He's doing all that crying than you hear her part of their story and you're like, "I mean. . . ." But then you feel both of their pain because while he's wrong, we've all felt rejection in some form and all the reasons she had to walk away. Why she had to have her friend go get her stuff.
THIS SONG NEVER GETS OLD !!!!
True!!!
Facts
100
My favourite element, is that when she sings at him, he ignores her, and doubles down on his refrain. it's her that finds her power and becomes free, whilst he becomes trapped within his feelings because he refuses to see other perspectives.
I'm a 57 year old Classic Rocker, but this is the greatest pop tune of the past 15 years or so, as far as I'm concerned. It's brilliant on so many levels. Jesus, when he and Kimbra are singing that chorus together, WOW.
Same here same age, i usuaslly shun songs of this century but this is definitevely a gem, other singers I like from the last 20 years is Lady Gaga and the band Train
I live near Wally (Gotye) in Australia. He is a quiet kind lovely bloke.. and I am a wildly proud Aussie every time someone reacts to it xxx
@@mariosiaven2965Train is very catchy!
I can feel her voice in my mind when she sings
I agree!!!
I'm an old dude. This song always hits me in the feels. Memories upon memories even as I write.
I’ve stayed longer in relationships than I should have because I didn’t want the other person to be **just somebody that I used to know**.
I think the fact it has 2 Billion views, is a lot of people around the world can understand the feeling. You met and invested in this person, but it didn't work out for whatever reasons. But it doesn't just turn off, that time spent, time invested even if that time was not full of good memories. It takes time to untangle, and for emotions, feelings to fade with time. Until their just somebody you used to know, and even then...there will be a segment far in the back of the cabinet of your minds memories, that every now and then you will dust off and wonder about. Everyone you meet in life, even if brief leaves a little of themselves with you. And you with them, good or bad it makes up and shapes memories. I would rather people's memories of me were good, but for various reasons it doesn't always work out that way.
They're... just somebody (please)
I liked what the colors imply in the video. He's ambivalent and mostly covered in neutrals and gray, but with a streak of red for his anger. She has more greens indicating she's aspiring to life, and when the colors come off of her, she's free of him, now her own person, and he's left with that streak of anger.
wow great perspective!
Hadn't thought of it that way before, thanks for pointing that out. I had just thought that he was fading into the background.
Awesome, never knew that! It's too abstract for me to make sense out of it, so appreciate the insight!
The live version of this on youtube is spectacular as well, they sound great live
I took it as she is no longer apart of his life and he's saddened but relived.
As I watched the colors dissappear off of Kimbre I was seeing her no longer.." being in the picture" anymore
Kimbra is a generational talent. Her album "Vows" is an absolute classic (every track!) even though not a lot of people know about her apart from this song. She's incredibly underrated.
Kimbra’s voice gives me goosebumps is so gorgeous.
The aspect I always see pointed out, is how the colors are painting a picture. He's building that picture/story, which includes her. All the pieces fit together because of our perspective. But then you see her give her perspective, moving out of alignment, rearranging the pieces to speak her mind, and he won't even look at her, until she moves back into place. Then her colors start to disappear, she removed herself from this picture/story he's been forming.
Interesting
Yesss! And when she is singing "at" him, it's more like a fog horn. He's not listening to her, we lose her perspective too.
This is exactly how I see it too
I love the expressions on his face. The sadness at first, then anger, and finally longing as he watched her leave his influence. Very well done video.
Agreed. And her expressions add to that and the layers so much more. When she shakes her head at him and yells ‘used to know’ it sends chills up my spine. Really a work of art all around.
I discovered this song about a week ago and I’m hooked. It was actually the song being used for a dance video by CDK. I thought this song was a new release but it came out in 2011 and was a bestseller and won a Grammy. Where have I been for the last 13 years
We were at work and it came on the radio once and we were all like hey that’s pretty cool song, then it came on again and again and again and we were all just hooked ! Suddenly we were hearing it everywhere!! On the way home , on the way to the store , on the way home and it was so addicting and yes it blew up so so so fast and so so hard ! It went viral so fast and no matter who you were or where you were from you were playing this and it was totally cool and excepted by all- lasted a very very long time too , it didn’t just go away over night - it took a couple years to fade away
MAN! Hearing this for the first time watching the CDK video would be so wild. That choreography is so much to take in & I've had this song on my Playlist since it was released. But both at once? That would be a trip.
I always appreciated the twist when you hear things from Kimbra’s perspective. It makes the song very relatable. And she has a gorgeous voice.
And the video was so unique. The symbolism of the paint and colors added a lot to the song.
One of my favorite parts of the song/video is how, during the second chorus, Kimbra's part alternates between "pleading" and "yelling", as though she's trying multiple ways to get his attention.
Yes it's because first you just hear him and his sadness over her just leaving.
But then after she responds he says the same thing except now it sounds like he is acknowledging her by saying I know but damn you didn't have to just leave.
@@asdfghjkllkjhgfdsa8725 shes the rebound talking about how hes hung up on the previous girl, shes not the original girl hes singing about
I stopped dead in my tracks the first time I heard this song. I knew it was something I have never encountered, musically….I had my dad listen, he’s a musician and guitar builder, he has amazing taste in music. This was the first song I ever played him that really made him stop and listen as well…..it’s such a departure from the current genres of music, such an interesting, amazing piece. 💜
Yes!, it actually has a soul and real purpose, meaning and feeling. Nowadays, all you have to do is find a mic, bring a bluetooth for your music/back beat then, hand the mic over to someone with Tourette Syndrome.
The first time I heard this, somebody played it on a jukebox in a bar I was at. It was a new song at the time. My ears immediately perked up, and I remember thinking that this must have come out in the late 60's or early 70's because of the way it sounded to me, but I couldn't figure out how I could have possibly missed it all those years. I'm 56 years old, and have always been a huge music fan - especially 60's and 70's stuff. So, to say the least, I was baffled and mind-blown at the same time.
me to, get’s me every time
This Song Is Epic ❤ Kimbra’s Voice Is Soft Sultry & Powerful, She Is A FABULOUS VOCALIST
This Australian singer/songwriter is a musical genius who can evoke strong emotions in the listener. Love his music.
My non verbal autistic son who's 8 loves this song, he first heard it here, thanks 🙏👍
I agree it is such a beautiful song, their voices compliment each other so well 💗
I remember the first time I heard this, I was with my ex, staying home from work watching Ellen with her. They came out and all shared the same guitar and sang this song. It was amazing. Couldn't help but feel sickened in my heart sitting next to her, hearing this and knowing the truth about our relationship. I'll never listen to this song again if I can help it, just reminds me of a love I used to know. Miss her, miss that time, but grateful for the time we had. I guess I needed to let this out...respect and love always.🙏
This was a cover by Walk off the Earth - five musicians on one guitar - on Ellen. Their cover of Somebody that I used to know surpassed 35 million views in less than 3 weeks.
This song was on repeat for much of 2012 - the year my husband of 20 years and father of my 5 children left me for a 23 year old and ghosted all of us. I can't listen to it either. I'm sorry for your pain.
We’ve all been there bro and can relate
@@gdo3510 yo aún no, espero no pasar por eso tan pronto 🤧
I love the song because it tells the story of a breakup with absolute relatable honesty, from both perspectives. It's so raw and honest that it also makes me feel happy.
I guess it's because there's great relief in honesty.
Yes, I believe both perspectives are true. I know a lot of people that felt like Kimbra's part was a 'plot twist' that showed the real 'truth' of the relationship.
I love the implications of this song. "You said that you could let it go, and I wouldn't catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know." He's obsessively torn up over a previous relationship, to the point that he's ruining his CURRENT relationship with it, and now that she's fed up and leaving he's viciously repeating his destructive cycle of obsession. He's childish, he's arrogant, and he's incapable of accepting that his relationship struggles are his own fault. Absolute lyrical perfection.
Excellent analysis. I see this as a cautionary tale, in fact two: at first we hear his pain expressed and wonder at the cruelty of the woman who would do this. Then (first caution, both sides!) we hear her side: he is a manipulative gaslighter and he probably doesn't even know it. She got out! And of course she changed her number: that's just self-caring and safety. But it ends with his self-pitying whining and we realize that he has learned nothing. Hence the second caution: he is still out there and still that same guy. Beware!
I think this analysis is honestly pretty accurate, it's definitely about him not being able to get over someone else, and destroying his relationship over it, but it's also about the first relationship, he doesn't understand what he did for the first relationship to end, and that obsession ends the second relationship. However "he probably doesn't even know it" is where I disagree, I think he's fully aware of what he's doing, and while it's still valid to leave someone for that same behaviour, he turns into a tragic character, rather forced to make the same mistake again until he figures out what's wrong with him.
Love the analysis and the comments in response. What a deep song! I'm 60 and I LOVE it!
There is no single side that is worse than the other. This is a classic codependancy story. She needs to be loved, He loves to be needed. She needs an enless supply of care to feel good about herself. And he needs to care for someone needy to feel he has value. Its why she can walk away from it easily, while he gets hung up on a lover because it becomes his whole being to care for that person and their needs.
@@Mastadox That "she needs to be loved" sounds less like codependence to me than a standard and critical part of the human condition. I don't find support for the statement that "he needs to care for someone" in the text; perhaps I'm missing it. Instead, he needs to dominate, manipulate, and he becomes self-pitying when she refuses to accept that treatment. So, regretfully (and "regretfully" because I am enjoying the extended exchange), I must dissent on your major thesis that no single side is right: she has faults; he has faults; his do more damage to the other; women in his extended orbit: beware!
This is a powerful song and a lot of people think Gotye is a one hit wonder. I strongly recommend Bronte and State of the Art by him
I like Easy Way Out and Eyes Wide Open
Yes!! Those are my faves from that album as well. And the videos for both are great also. I used to draw the child from Bronte from different parts of the video on my son's lunch bags. lol
Hearts a mess is a beautiful song of his too
state of the art is absolutely fantastic and I WISH more people knew about it
He IS a one hit wonder. That does not mean that he is a “one SONG wonder”, but no other song by Gotye has reached top tens around the world.
Agree that this is a masterpiece of songwriting, production, and performance.
Kembra's voice is REALLY something special. Rare, even.
She's definitely got a unique instrument at her disposal in her voice.
One of the best one hit wonders of all time
yes and best sample beat of all time ;) ua-cam.com/users/shortsKpg9IByZsDY
he has other brilliant tracks and is still producing music but deliberately chose to withdraw from commercial industry. He has a band with a different name
That's right, didn't they use his song " Hearts a mess " in The Great Gatsby, with Leonardo Di Caprio ?
You were living under a rock!!! This song was soooo huge back in the day. Also, the face you make in this video…. I still make the same face every single time I listen to it. It never gets old.
I was under a rock, as polo says" i gotta listen to this some more times" right on
This is a song I want played at my funeral. From then on I’ll be somebody they used to know.
I love this song so much, and I would like people to leave with the uplifting feeling I get from this song.
Gotye is incredible but Kimbra is a fabulous female vocalist. She is completely underrated and you should check out more of her. Power in a small package! Excellent song! Loving your channel!!
Kimbra is great.
Came here to say the same. Criminally underrated.
Gotye has the most masterful lyrics and melodies. "Heart's A Mess" and "Bronte" are not to be missed.
Im a painter. This is one of my favourite albums to play in the studio. So creative. It sits in there with the likes of Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush and Pink Floyd.
It's crazy this was released in 2011! It feels like yesterday and is just still to amazing, current.
I refuse to believe anyone lived through 2012 and never heard this song. Its impossible
WTF, where was i in 2012? Seriously. I am old. But so happy to connect musically to this song, with my old ass. This is my favorite song ever.! Almost 60 years old. As Kate Bush says, "don't give up"- don't give up on your old ass aunties, mothers and grandparents. We f@ing kick ass, are fighters, and are there for you 100%.
It's an incredibly well crafted piece of musical art.
I know this is a year old, but wanted to thank you for one of the best reviews I've seen with excellent interjections on one of the best songs you could easily wreck with too much input. Very well done.
The thing about sad songs, I think they make us happy because we realize someone else has felt the pain we have felt… sorta like misery loves company
Love this song to pieces. They definitely deserved their Grammy
Kimbra's voice is absolutely powerful here 5:57 ... gives me goosebumps EVERYTIME 😊
Gotye is brilliant too, of course 🙂
addendum to what you said around 9:10 "The more you hear it, the more you like it." No wonder it is univerally loved. Two billion clicks don't lie. An epic sound, built around a simple children-song-like theme just made of three simple chords. Lyrics one can immediately identify with oneself, music that burns into your brain forever. This song deserves to one of the best songs human kind has ever written. Great reaction, Polo!
So funny how serious the lyrics are, but how fun to sing it at the top of your lungs while driving.
I swear, I thought it was just me! This song is so 🔥🔥🔥
Absolutely one of my favorite songs of all time! I could listen over and over and never get sick of it! ❤
You know what, this song is sad but its so relatable and melodic that it actually makes you feel good (in a weird way) when listening to it.
I've listened to this song on several other youtube videos with my headphones on, but your video sounds so clear and I can literally hear all the instruments, your acoustics are firre
Everybody and their brother tried to cover this song. Wouter André "Wally" De Backer (born 21 May 1980), better known by his stage name Gotye is a Belgian-Australian multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter. He is a genius. This won a Grammy for Record of the Year. React to "Hearts a Mess", which is on the same album.
I love how the song feels like a turning point. Both the lyrics and the videography give me a sense of untangling oneself from an intertwined state of being together. I can feel a pushing and pulling of the mind - the state of moving on while the strong bonds linger but slowly fade. That feeling of catching your mind wandering back to old feelings of discomfort before snapping out of it and realizing that you are no longer intertwined and are migrating back to an independent state. The symbolism in the video is stunning. I love how the mosaic of shapes ties them together in this web of coexistence and slowly as they get closer to independence, the mosaic is disappearing...slowly setting them free of each other...becoming 'somebody that I used to know'. Brilliant!
I wish you could review/breakdown everything I go thru daily...ur perspective is greater than mine and I feel like I'd learn from it.
I just discovered this song recently and I too think it is my song of the year. Going through a tough breakup but already up on the mend and this song helped keep me smiling.
This record was so universally loved that even our alternative rock station played it.
I love this song because it covers how messy and human a break up can be. Two people can both do wrong by each other while still loving one another, and even if separation is the best way to go, that doesn't mean it's easy.
I can relate to both Gotye and Kimbra in this song.
This is so true
OH SH**
sorry for ya man
I regard this song as the best pop song of the 2010s. It has everything you could want. Incredibly well executed. Their vocal harmonies in the second chorus elicit an emotional response from me just from how beautiful they sound together
Even as someone who has yet to be in a relationship, i've had a similar experience with girls i'd be involved with in the past. "Said we could still be friends / But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough"
Love this song .Australian artist and apprantly made in the guys garage.
Were you living under a rock brother? I couldn't go anywhere without hearing this at least a dozen times when this dropped 😁
Belgian-born Wally De Backer is an indie rock singer-songwriter who records under the name of Gotye. He moved with his family to Australia at the age of 2 and has been releasing music there since 2001. De Backer achieved a breakthrough with his second album Like Drawing Blood, which was voted # in the Triple J listeners poll of the Best Album of 2006. This is the second single from De Backer's third album, Making Mirrors. The LP was released in the summer of 2011 and went to #1 in Australia.
The song features New Zealand singer-songwriter Kimbra, who won her country's Critics' Choice awards in 2011; the award is intended to recognize and nurture up-coming talent. Gotye didn't begin writing this song as a duet, but after he finished the first verse, he realized he had nowhere to go with the character he was writing about, and needed to introduce another voice.
"Somebody" was both produced and written by Gotye in his parents' barn on the Mornington Peninsula, south-east of Melbourne. It finds Gotye addressing a past lover, reminiscing about their relationship and break-up. The song draws from the aftermath and memory of several relationships, but he told Rolling Stone Australia that one does resound louder than the others. "There is an ex-girlfriend I know." he admitted. "It was five-six years ago. It wasn't a nasty breakup, but it was messy in the sense that we hurt each other more than we needed to because it wasn't a clean break. I guess it's closest to what the chorus is about. We both realized we had to move on and we haven't seen each other since."
The song samples the guitar break from Brazilian musician Luiz Bonfá's track "Seville." The classical guitarist died in 2001 but was generously given a co-writing credit by Gotye. According to Australia's Courier Mail, Bonfá also inspired the song's first few lyrics; Gotye inked an early deal awarding 45% of the song's royalties to the Brazilian's estate.
"Somebody" was a commercial success, topping the charts in a number of countries including Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. It was the second best selling single of 2011 in Australia.
thanks chatgpt!
I would love to hear this song again for the first time because it’s such a masterpiece. Was fun to watch your first reaction 🤩 check out the clip of them getting the Grammy for this song - they’re so adorable 🥰
I remember virtually swooning when this song came out - and the video was just visually impressive. Hard to believe he had no other US hits. Really enjoyed the reaction and the semi-stank face the song brought forth from you (not an insult in any way, either)! 🙂❤
Well, in the metal community a stank face is high praise lol 👍🏻
THIS WAS AND STILL IS MY JOINT!!! The video, the harmony, the build up to the chorus, the lyrics...EVERYTHING👏🏾🥰💪🏾🎶💃🏾 still on rotation👍🏾
When you indicated you loved it before the chorus even kicked in I though oh man, he is going to freak out when Kimbra comes in. Great reaction
I effing LOVE this song!! Watch the CDK dance e ensemble perform to this song! It is sick!! The choreography is so amazing and unique in the best possible way!!!
I had this on repeat, repeat, repeat when it came out. Could NOT get enough.
Gotye aka Wally de Backer… grew up near me and went to the same school as my hubby. Good Aussie boy!
From memory this was nominated for a grammy. Best song. Lost out to “Call me maybe”. I can’t believe it. Check out Kimbra’s “Settle Down”.
Ugh! Figures
this won Record of the Year that year at the Grammy's but wasn't even nominated for Song of the Year.... I have never been able to figure out what the difference is
@@photobombchamp ah, my mistake. It was the Billboard Awards.
Incredible song. One of my favorites of all-time
Wow! Im an old lady, so this is my first time hearing this song. Im so stuck in the '60's, honestly. So, i didn't know anybody was making such amazing, intriguing, heartfelt, honest, artistic real music now. This is a masterpiece. ❤
This song is in the top 20 of the most commercially successful songs of all time, i'm surprised you haven't heard of it. A few months ago a national dance troupe called CDK did their own video rendition of this song. It is amazing.
This song came out on a pop station that I rarely listen to…when I heard it for the first time, besides the rare instruments used, the lyric “have your friends collect your records and then change your number” hit hard‼️ Been there and done that
Kimbra when she belts and the two of them harmonising together gives me literal chills. Such a dope song.
Love artist like Gotye, so unique in sound and style. Thanx so much, Be well, Peace
Your reaction is exactly what I felt a few years ago when first came across it. I was mesmerised. So happy to see a reaction to it with this much feeling. Hugs from Sweden.
Tears for Fears, Woman in Chains 💚
"Well I feel hopelessly weighed down by your eyes of steel..." ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Love how beautifully paced this song is, so you really feel evey word thats sung with these beautiful voices ❤
Walk of the Earth does this song where all 5 members play a single guitar. Amazing, how they coordinate it all.
Very nice reaction.
I was 9 or 10 when it came out and I heard it baxk then. Now I'm 21 and the nostalgia I'm feeling is crazy 😂
So beautiful how you resumed that this song is old… but just a masterpiece! I am a metal head but this song always touches me deeply takin me somewhere … a brilliant journey full of sadness and relief at the same time ♥️💔
It makes you feel good because it's fun to sing along to, even if you're only doing so in your head. I also loved it the very first time I heard it.
The artistry in this video has something that I didn't even know my soul craved?!? It is satisfying in every way. Every single way.
Loved your reaction, this is such a beautifully crafted song. I don't mind the pauses, I enjoy hearing your thoughts. This is so relatable and sad yet so catchy with the up tempo beat. wonderful.
Can you imagine Polo
I am that age I have lived all those beautiful songs coming out?
And yes there is much much more you might not know about
I wish you lots of joy in your discovery journey
I love it that it hits so hard that I can almost hear your voice break from @5:04 and you what, I totally agree!
I’m a metalhead but this is one of those songs I always have to listen to multiple times lol
This it is why it is so important to embrace music in other cultures and languages. So many amazing Spanish songs and artists from Reggaeton to bachata. And I know there a million more if only I had an eternity to learn and experience.
The way he is so calm saying she is somebody.. and after lost the center because its a breake up... and how at the end she get out of the picture... its just simple and beautiful...
Typifies the pain of life, so real. Bravo! It used to be materiel or ostensibly so. So many of life's travail is in our heads.
Fun fact, unlike many artists he outright owns this song and all it's various rights, no label or lawyers he has to consult or answer to yet has never monetized the video. A video with a billion views.
Its funny how we always know a song is going on to our play list right away. Good reaction
I can' even believe that i'm just hearing this now. Literally, my favorite song EVER!
For.me it expresses the pain and rejection of failure while musically bringing forth the joy of a a rebirth, a renewed hope of the new day.
In the last 20 years I have become a prospector...a prospector of music. Looking for that gold amongst the dirt. I had to become a prospector, because everytime I discovered a truly great song years after it came out it would kind of piss me off that I was late to the party- that gift the song represents. I listen to every genre, every era (gospel music from 1910s is a trip) and when I find gold I find joy. Keep searching my brother! Maybe I will hit you with some of the nuggets I have found for your listening pleasure. Peace.
I'm so happy for you to discover this music and these artists and experience them for the first time. Kimbra rules.
Absolutely love this song! Enjoyed your reaction and comments.
Epic, magnificent, moving, unique and I adored your reaction to it ❤
Definitely listen to all the album.
When my daughter was on her learners and she drove to work and I drove her car back home and back again… she had this in her CD player. As well as some others that were very good. I heard this album over and over. Gotye can resonate with deep emotions, you feel his music, I would get goose bumps. “Heart’s a Mess” has some notes in it I used to think her car was broken the first few times 😅. Bronte will make you cry if you ever owned a dog. Edgy and masterful artist.
She has great musical taste, a favourite memory is when she rang me at 2am screaming she was at the Cavern Club. And when her and her sister got upgraded to front row at Paul McCartney here.🎉
I love the beat & I think we all have felt this way at some point in our lives! 1 of my favorite 🎵 songs!!❤❤❤
Thank you for reacting to this beautiful song. Yes it’s sad but it’s so beautiful it makes you happy. ❤️
I’ve had it on my playlist for years and every time it comes on after a minute I start it over because I don’t feel I gave it my full attention.😉
The older I get new artists to me are new artists. Thanks for the journey!
Coffee sent
i ALWAYS listen to this gem when i see it on any feed...it just captures and celebrates the transition of love to moving-on and the hurt and sadness that goes with it...
I remember the first time I heard this song. I was in Toronto in the backseat of my sister’s friend’s car. After the first couple of notes, I told her to turn it up. Loved it! Hadn’t had a song grab me like that for a long time! I’m like you, I know it’s sad, but it doesn’t make me feel sad. Very cool song. Great reaction!
Man, just can’t get enough of this song!