“You’re Somebody Else” is a song by the Swedish-American indie pop duo Flora Cash, initially featured on their album Nothing Lasts Forever (And It’s Fine). The song gained viral success after being used in a commercial in Mexico and reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Alternative Songs and Adult Alternative Songs charts.
The lyrics delve into themes of anxiety and feeling displaced internally, as if one is a stranger to oneself. According to the duo, the main lyric in the song, you look like yourself but you’re somebody else was “more a matter of one speaking to oneself than to another person”.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
“You’re Somebody Else” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1: Cole Randall]
I saw the part of you
That only when you’re older, you will see too
You will see too
I held the better cards
But every stroke of luck has gotta bleed through
It’s gotta bleed through
You held the balance of the time
That only blindly I could read you
But I could read you
It’s like you told me
Go forward slowly
It’s not a race to the end
The opening lines suggest a deep understanding of someone, possibly oneself, that only comes with age and experience. The metaphor of holding “better cards” but luck “bleeding through” implies that even when things seem favorable, there’s an underlying struggle. The verse also touches on the delicate balance of time and the ability to understand someone deeply, even if only subconsciously.
[Chorus: Cole Randall]
Well, you look like yourself
But you’re somebody else
Only it ain’t on the surface
Well, you talk like yourself
No, I hear someone else though
Now you’re making me nervous
The chorus is the heart of the song’s message. It describes the feeling of looking at oneself or someone else and sensing a change that’s not immediately apparent. This could represent the internal struggle with anxiety or the feeling of losing touch with one’s identity. The line “Now you’re making me nervous” emphasizes the discomfort and unease that comes with this realization.
[Verse 2: Cole Randall]
You were the better part
Of every bit of beating heart that I had
Whatever I had
I finally sat alone
Pitch black flesh and bone
Couldn’t believe that you were gone
This verse delves deeper into the emotional impact of the changes described earlier. It speaks of loss and the struggle to come to terms with someone’s absence, whether that’s the loss of a relationship or the loss of one’s former self.
[Bridge: Cole Randall – Distorted voice]
Where are we?
Where are we?
The simple, repeated question “Where are we?” in a distorted voice adds to the sense of disorientation and loss of identity that permeates the song.
[Outro: Cole Randall]
I saw the part of you
That only when you’re older, you will see too
You will see too
The song comes full circle, repeating the opening lines. This repetition reinforces the idea that self-understanding is a journey that continues throughout life.
Deeper Meaning Behind “You’re Somebody Else”
Flora Cash’s “You’re Somebody Else” is a song that delves into the complex nature of personal identity and psychological struggles. The song’s primary meaning, as explained by the duo themselves, revolves around the concept of speaking to oneself rather than addressing another person. It explores the feeling of internal displacement and alienation from one’s own self, which often occurs when dealing with psychological issues.
The recurring lyrics “Well you look like yourself, but you’re somebody else” encapsulate the essence of this internal conflict. This sentiment reflects the experience of feeling like a stranger to oneself, a common occurrence during periods of anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. The song captures the unsettling sensation of observing oneself from the outside, recognizing familiar features but sensing a fundamental change within.
Over time, the song has taken on multiple interpretations and meanings for different listeners. It has resonated with various communities, including those dealing with issues of self-image, mental health conditions, drug abuse, and even members of the LGBTQ+ community. This broad appeal stems from the song’s ability to articulate the universal experience of feeling disconnected from oneself or struggling with one’s identity.
The song’s emotional depth is further enhanced by its musical arrangement. The contrast between the soft acoustic guitar at the beginning and the later introduction of heavy bass and drum samples mirrors the internal struggle described in the lyrics. This juxtaposition of gentle and raw elements supports the song’s theme of inner conflict and transformation.
Ultimately, “You’re Somebody Else” serves as a poignant exploration of self-discovery, personal growth, and the often painful process of confronting one’s changing identity. Its ability to capture these complex emotions in a relatable way has contributed to its widespread appeal and impact on listeners.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.