View source for Social:Somebody That I Used to Know

{{short description|2011 song by Gotye ft. Kimbra}}
{{Use Australian English|date=May 2011}}
{{Infobox song
| name       = Somebody That I Used to Know
| cover      = Gotye featuring Kimbra - Somebody That I Used to Know.png
| alt        = A large heart shaped design is filled with a montage of images. Most are grey, black, and white; the central image includes red colouring. The name Gotye is styled as a signature at bottom right.
| border     = yes
| type       = single
| artist     = Gotye featuring Kimbra
| album      = Making Mirrors
| released   = {{Start date|df=y|2011|07|05}}
| format     = CD single, digital download, [[Engineering:Streaming media|streaming]], 7-inch vinyl (promotional only)
| recorded   = January–May 2011
| studio     = The Barn <small>(Merricks, Australia)</small>, Lucas Taranto's lounge room <small>([[Place:Melbourne|Melbourne]], Australia)</small>
| venue      =
| genre      = Art pop<ref name="njcom">{{cite web|author=Tris McCall |url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/index.ssf/2012/02/song_of_the_week_somebody_that.html |title=Song of the Week: 'Somebody That I Used to Know,' Gotye |work=The Star-Ledger |date=10 February 2012 |accessdate=3 July 2017}}</ref>
| length     = 4:04 (Album version)<br/>3:33 (Radio mix)
| label      = Eleven
| writer     = Wally de Backer
| producer   = De Backer
| chronology = Gotye
| prev_title = Eyes Wide Open
| prev_year  = 2010
| next_title = I Feel Better
| next_year  = 2011
| misc       = {{Extra chronology
 | artist     = Kimbra
 | type       = single
 | prev_title = Cameo Lover
 | prev_year  = 2011
 | title      = Somebody That I Used to Know
 | year       = 2011
 | next_title = Good Intent
 | next_year  = 2011
}}
}}
"'''Somebody That I Used to Know'''" is a song written by Belgian-Australian singer-songwriter Gotye, featuring New Zealand singer Kimbra. The song was released in Australia and New Zealand by Eleven Music on 5 July 2011 as the second single from Gotye's third studio album, ''Making Mirrors'' (2011). It was later released by Universal Music in December 2011 in the United Kingdom, and in January 2012 in the United States and Ireland. "Somebody That I Used to Know" was written and recorded by Gotye at his parents' house on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia, and is lyrically related to the experiences he has had with relationships.

"Somebody That I Used to Know" is a mid-tempo ballad. It samples Luiz Bonfá's instrumental "Seville" from his 1967 album ''Luiz Bonfa Plays Great Songs''. The song received a positive reception from critics, who noted the similarities between the song and works by Sting, Peter Gabriel, and American [[Social:Folk music|folk]] band Bon Iver. In Australia, the song won the Triple J Hottest 100 poll at the end of 2011, as well as ARIA Awards for song of the year and best video, while Kimbra was voted best female artist and Gotye was named best male artist and producer of the year. The song came ninth in the Triple J Hottest 100 of the Past 20 Years, 2013. In 2013, the song won two Grammy Awards for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Record of the Year.

Commercially, "Somebody That I Used to Know" is Gotye's most successful and signature song. It has topped charts in the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand, as well as 22 other national charts, and reached the top&nbsp;10 in more than 30&nbsp;countries around the world. It was the most commercially successful song of 2011 in Flanders (Belgium), the most successful song of 2012 in Wallonia (Belgium), Canada, Israel, the UK, and the US, and the most successful song of the 2010s decade by an Australian artist in Australia. It is certified Multiplatinum in ten countries, including Diamond in Australia. The song has sold more than 13 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling digital singles of all time.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/my-secret-life-gotye-32-singersongwriter-8092721.html|title=My Secret Life: Gotye, 32, singer-songwriter| newspaper=The Independent|accessdate=1 September 2012|location=London|date=1 September 2012}}</ref> It was also placed at the top of a number of year-end charts by ''Billboard Magazine'' (including the Hot 100, Adult Pop Songs, and Alternative Songs) and other record chart companies around the world. In January 2018, as part of Triple M's "Ozzest 100", the 'most Australian' songs of all time, "Somebody That I Used to Know" was ranked number 98.<ref>{{cite news|author=|work=Musicfeeds|title=Here Are The Songs That Made Triple M's 'Ozzest 100'|url= http://musicfeeds.com.au/news/songs-made-triple-ms-ozzest-100/|accessdate=4 January 2020|date=27 January 2018}}</ref>

"Somebody That I Used to Know" has been performed several times on major US TV shows such as ''The Voice'', ''American Idol'', and ''Saturday Night Live''. It was covered by Canadian indie rock group Walk off the Earth using a single guitar played simultaneously by all five band members and by actors Darren Criss and Matt Bomer in the ''Glee'' episode "Big Brother". The hit song's accompanying music video was directed by Australian artist Natasha Pincus. The video, which has received over 1.4&nbsp;billion views on YouTube as of April 2020, premiered on 5 July 2011. It shows Gotye and Kimbra naked against a white backdrop. While they sing, a pattern of paint gradually covers their skin and the backdrop via stop motion animation.

== Composition and recording ==
Gotye discussed writing "Somebody That I Used to Know" in an interview with Sound on Sound:
{{quote|"Writing 'Somebody' was a gradual and linear process. I started with the Luiz Bonfa sample, then I found the drums, and after that I started working on the lyric and the melody, and added the wobbly guitar-sample melody. After that, I took a break, and a few weeks later I came back to the session and decided on the chorus chord progression, wrote the chorus melody, and combined that with sounds like the Latin loop and some of the percussion and the flute sounds that further filled the space. At that point I hit a brick wall. I was thinking: 'This is pretty good, how can I get to the end really quickly?' and I was trying to take lazy decisions to finish the song. I considered repeating the chorus, an instrumental bridge, a change in tempo or key, I even considered finishing the song after the first chorus. But nothing felt like it was strong enough. So the third session was all about writing the female part and changing the perspective. The arrangement of 'Somebody' is reflective of me moving towards using sounds that provide me with inspiration for a texture or a platform for an idea, and then through sonic manipulation and coming up with original melodies and harmonic ideas to make it my own. I guess the balance of sounds taken from records and samples I created myself is perhaps 50–50."<ref name = "SOSmixing">Tingen, Paul (July 2012). [http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul12/articles/it-0712.htm Mixing Gotye's 'Somebody That I Used To Know' – François Tétaz]. ''Sound on Sound''. Retrieved 28 October 2013.</ref>}}
{{Listen
|filename = Gotye - Somebody That I Used to Know.ogg
|title = "Somebody That I Used to Know" (2011)
|description = A 23-second sample of "Somebody That I Used to Know", featuring the first chorus as sung by Gotye, showing the Octave leap in respect to the previous verse.
|pos = left
}}
"Somebody That I Used to Know" is an art pop song<ref name="njcom"/> and has a length of four minutes and five seconds.<ref name="IT-US"/> <!--The song is written in the key of D minor, but is roughly --- flat below concert pitch.--> Gotye uses a sample of Brazilian jazz guitarist Luiz Bonfá's 1967 instrumental song "Seville",<ref name="Quinn">{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/music/gotye-goes-bossa-in-big-business-of-money-and-music-20120419-1xa5i.html |title=Gotye goes bossa in big business of money and music |last=Quinn |first=Karl |work=The Age  |date=20 April 2012 |accessdate=1 June 2012 |location=Melbourne}}</ref> with additional instrumentations of beats and a xylophone.<ref name=Tessa>{{cite web |last=Tessa |first=Joelle |title=Gotye: 'Somebody That I Used to Know' (ft. Kimbra) |url=http://trendland.com/gotye-somebody-that-i-used-to-know-ft-kimbra/ |date=11 August 2011 |publisher=Trendland |accessdate=28 May 2012 }}</ref><ref name=Trust>{{cite web |last=Trust |first=Gary |title=How Gotye's 'Somebody That I Used to Know' Became an Unlikely number&nbsp;1 Dance Hit |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/genre/dance/how-gotye-s-somebody-that-i-used-to-know-1007044752.story |work=Billboard |date=14 May 2012 |accessdate=28 May 2012 }}</ref> It was written and produced by Gotye himself, while in his parents' barn on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. Gotye commented that he wrote the song "in quite a linear way", explaining that "I wrote the first verse, the second verse, and I'd got to the end of the first chorus and for the first time ever I thought, 'There's no interesting way to add to this guy's story'. It felt weak."<ref name=Adams>{{cite news |last=Adams |first=Cameron |title=Anatomy of number&nbsp;1 hit 'Somebody That I Used to Know' by Gotye ft. Kimbra |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/music/anatomy-of-no1-single-somebody-that-i-used-to-know-by-gotye-ft-kimbra/story-e6frf9hf-1226117368086 |work=Herald Sun   |accessdate=28 May 2012 }}</ref>

The track was recorded between January and May 2011 with Gotye struggling to find a suitable female vocalist, as a "'high profile' female vocalist" cancelled the collaboration at the last minute, and Kimbra "lucked out as the replacement".<ref name="Jones">{{cite news |url=http://www.tonedeaf.com.au/news/local-news/129241/kimbra-replacement-for-first-choice-reveals-gotye.htm |title=Kimbra Replacement After First Choice Cancelled Reveals Gotye |last=Jones |first=Nicholas |work=Tone Deaf |publisher=Tone Deaf Network |date=15 February 2012 |accessdate=26 May 2012 }}</ref> He tested his girlfriend, Tash Parker, but "somehow their happiness meant that it didn't work out" so he followed the recommendation of the song's mixer and used Kimbra's vocals.<ref name="Jones"/><ref name="Nimmervoll">{{cite web |archiveurl=http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/14231/20120727-0512/www.howlspace.com.au/en2/gotye/gotye.htm |url=http://www.howlspace.com.au/en2/gotye/gotye.htm |title=Gotye |last1=Nimmervoll |first1=Ed |publisher=Howlspace – The Living History of Our Music (Ed Nimmervoll). White Room Electronic Publishing Pty Ltd |archivedate=27 July 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2014 }}</ref> Martin Davies from Click Music considered the song "instantly captivating", and named Kimbra's voice "clean and sugar-soaked", further commenting that it bears an "uncanny resemblance" to singer Katy Perry.<ref name="Davies">{{cite web |last=Davies |first=Martin |url=http://www.clickmusic.com/singles/article/gotye-somebody-that-i-used-to-know |title=Gotye – 'Somebody That I Used to Know' single review |publisher=Click Music |accessdate=28 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301134113/http://www.clickmusic.com/singles/article/gotye-somebody-that-i-used-to-know#ixzz1w8iSCrPB |archive-date=1 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Gotye stated that the song was "definitely drawn from various experiences I've had in relationships breaking up, and in the parts of the more reflective parts of the song, in the aftermath and the memory of those different relationships and what they were and how they broke up and what's going on in everyone's minds. Yeah, so it's an amalgam of different feelings but not completely made up as such".<ref>{{cite web |last=Barden |first=Matt |date=17 February 2012 |url=http://www.purplerevolver.com/music/open-mic/122161-why-gotyes-somebody-that-i-used-to-know-is-taking-the-uk-by-storm--.html |title=Why Gotye's 'Somebody That I Used to Know' is taking the UK by storm |publisher=Purple Revolver |accessdate=28 May 2012 }}</ref> In an interview with ''Rolling Stone'' (Australia), he described the song as "a curated reflection of multiple past relationships".<ref name = "RollingStoneAustraliainterview">Treuen, Jason (30 October 2011). [http://jasontreuen.wordpress.com/2011/10/30/rolling-stone-gotyes-mad-world/ Rolling Stone: Gotye’s Mad World]. Rolling Stone Australia. Retrieved 30 October 2013.</ref>

==Critical reception==
The song received generally positive reviews, winning the Grammy for Record of the Year. Take 40 Australia elaborated on the audience's reception at the July 2011 Splendour in the Grass festival, "Gotye's latest song featuring Kimbra 'Somebody That I Used To Know' had become somewhat of an unofficial anthem for the festival&nbsp;... every car was cranking it over their speakers all day, every day&nbsp;... and the question on everyone's lips was whether or not Kimbra would join him on the track. Fortunately, dreams came true&nbsp;... he smashed out an incredible set climaxing with a version of the song with Kimbra on co-lead vocals that people couldn't stop talking about all weekend long".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.take40.com/news/24937/review---splendour-in-the-grass-2011 |title=Review – Splendour in the Grass 2011 |author=Steph |publisher=Take 40 Australia. (MCM Entertainment) |date=2 August 2011 |accessdate=20 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318233135/http://www.take40.com/news/24937/review---splendour-in-the-grass-2011 |archivedate=18 March 2012  }}</ref> Allmusic's Jon O'Brien felt the track was an "unexpected chart-topper&nbsp;... [it] is an oddball break-up song whose stuttering rhythms, reggae hooks, and hushed vocals sound like The Police as remixed by The xx".<ref name="OBrien">{{cite web | url={{Allmusic |pure_url=yes |class=album |id=r2319780}} |title=''Making Mirrors'' – Gotye |last=O'Brien |first=Jon |publisher=AllMusic|accessdate=1 June 2012}}</ref>

Writing for Digital Spy, Lewis Corner rated the song four stars out of five and described it as "a Bon Iver-styled ballad for the music-buying masses".<ref name="Corner">{{cite web |last=Corner |first=Lewis |title=Gotye ft. Kimbra: 'Somebody That I Used to Know' – Single review |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a360820/gotye-ft-kimbra-somebody-that-i-used-to-know-single-review.html |publisher=Digital Spy (Nat Mags) |accessdate=14 May 2012 |date=5 February 2012 }}</ref> Martin Davies from Click Music gave the song five stars out of five and stated that the song is "that rare example of a track that hits you squarely between the eyes".<ref name="Davies"/>

In November 2011, music blog This Must Be Pop predicted the song as a post-Christmas UK hit.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jessica |url=http://www.thismustbepop.com/2011/11/this-must-be-pop-brings-you-future-pop_28.html |title=brings you Future Pop! (Issue #08) |publisher=This Must Be Pop |date=28 November 2011 |accessdate=20 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101202233/http://www.thismustbepop.com/2011/11/this-must-be-pop-brings-you-future-pop_28.html |archivedate=1 January 2012 }}</ref> John Watson, who co-manages Gotye with Danny Rogers, said of the single's success: "We've never seen any song make a deeper or more immediate connection with so many people. It's a really special recording and video".<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |last=Jolly |first=Nathan |url=http://www.themusicnetwork.com/music-news/artists/2011/07/21/ashton-kutcher-gets-behind-gotye/ |title=Ashton Kutcher gets behind Gotye – Artists |publisher=The Music Network |accessdate=18 May 2012}}</ref> Talking about the overwhelming reception and the amount of coverage received, Gotye commented that "I don't really feel like it [the song] belongs to me anymore."<ref name="NME">{{cite web|title=Gotye: 'There are days when I'm sick of 'Somebody That I Used to Know' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/gotye/63473 |work=NME |accessdate=28 May 2012}}</ref> He further explained that "sometimes I feel like I'm a bit sick of it. My inbox, on any given day, has at least five covers or parodies or remixes of it and there's only so many times you can listen to the one song."<ref name="NME"/>

==Commercial performance==
In the week commencing 18 July 2011, "Somebody That I Used to Know" debuted at number&nbsp;27 on the ARIA Singles Chart.<ref name="ariaReport">{{cite web |last=Wallace |first=Ian |date=6 June 2011 |url=http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20110730-0000/Issue1116.pdf |title=The ARIA Report: Chartifacts |publisher=ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) |issue=1116 |page=2 |accessdate=1 June 2012 }} Note: A free, open-source original online document for this reference does not exist. In this case, the original is from [[Pandora Archive]] and was preserved there on 30 July 2011.</ref><ref name="AusChartsSomebody">{{cite web |url=http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Gotye+feat.+Kimbra&titel=Somebody+That+I+Used+To+Know&cat=s |title=Gotye feat. Kimbra – 'Somebody That I Used to Know' |last=Hung |first=Steffen |publisher=Australian Charts Portal. Hung Medien | accessdate =31 May 2012 }} Note: based on information supplied by ARIA Singles Chart.</ref><ref name="themusicnetwork.com">{{cite web |last=Gilmore |first=Thomas |url= http://www.themusicnetwork.com/music-news/industry/2011/07/18/chart-wrap-up-christina-perris-strong-debut/ |title=Chart wrap-up: Christina Perri's strong debut – Music Industry |publisher=The Music Network |date=18 July 2011 |accessdate=20 January 2012 }}</ref> It was released on 5 July 2011 in Australia and New Zealand by Eleven Music as the second single from his third studio album, ''Making Mirrors'' (2011).<ref name="ariaReport"/> Despite an initial lack of airplay on major radio stations, the song reached number&nbsp;1 in the week ending 15 August, becoming the first single by either artist to do so and their most successful single.<ref name="AusChartsSomebody"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display.asp?chart=1U50 |title=Top 50 Singles Chart – Australian Record Industry Association |publisher=Ariacharts.com.au |date=16 January 2012 |accessdate=20 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917080655/http://ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display.asp?chart=1U50 |archivedate=17 September 2010 }}</ref> Until 2014, the song was one of the two-second-longest-running Australian number-one songs, with eight&nbsp;weeks at the top,<ref name="AusChartsSomebody"/> tied with Savage Garden's 1997 song "Truly Madly Deeply", and behind Daddy Cool's 1971 hit "Eagle Rock", which stayed there for ten&nbsp;weeks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/gotyes-single-chalks-up-six-weeks-in-top-spot/story-e6frf96f-1226140807216 |title=Gotye's single chalks up six weeks in top spot |last=Adams |first=Cameron |work=Herald Sun |publisher=Herald and Weekly Times |date=19 September 2011}}</ref> In August 2011 the song was released in Belgium and the Netherlands. After a few weeks in the charts, it reached number&nbsp;1 in both countries, topping the Belgian Singles Chart for 12&nbsp;weeks.<ref name="BELFSomebody">{{cite web |url=http://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Gotye+feat.+Kimbra&titel=Somebody+That+I+Used+To+Know&cat=s |title=Gotye feat. Kimbra – 'Somebody That I Used to Know' |last=Hung |first=Steffen |publisher=Ultratop 50. Hung Medien | accessdate =31 May 2012 |language=Dutch }}</ref><ref name="NEDSomebody">{{cite web |url=http://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Gotye+feat%2E+Kimbra&titel=Somebody+That+I+Used+To+Know&cat=s |title=Gotye feat. Kimbra – 'Somebody That I Used to Know' |last=Hung |first=Steffen |publisher=Media Control Charts. GfK Dutch Charts Portal. Hung Medien | accessdate =31 May 2012 |language=Dutch }}</ref> Also in August, "Somebody That I Used to Know" debuted at number&nbsp;4 in New Zealand on the RIANZ Singles Chart, reaching number&nbsp;1 three weeks later,<ref name="NZLSomebody">{{cite web |url=http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Gotye+feat.+Kimbra&titel=Somebody+That+I+Used+To+Know&cat=s |title=Gotye feat. Kimbra – 'Somebody That I Used to Know' |last=Hung |first=Steffen |publisher=New Zealand Charts Portal. Hung Medien | accessdate =31 May 2012 }} Note: based on information supplied by RIANZ Singles Chart.</ref> thus making Gotye the first Australian artist to reach number&nbsp;1 since Guy Sebastian did so in February 2011 with "Who's That Girl".<ref name="NZLWhosGirl">{{cite web |url=https://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Guy+Sebastian+feat%2E+Eve&titel=Who%27s+That+Girl&cat=s |title=Guy Sebastian – 'Who's That Girl' |last=Hung | first=Steffen |publisher=RIANZ Charts Portal. Hung Medien |accessdate=7 January 2011 }}</ref> The song debuted on the Irish Singles Chart on 13 January 2012 at number&nbsp;47, later reaching number&nbsp;1 position.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fmusicvideo%2Fmusic%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=240001&arch=t&lyr=2012&year=2012&week=05 |title=Top50 Singles, Week Ending 2 February 2012 |publisher=GfK Chart-Track. Irish Singles Chart. Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA) |accessdate=31 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910040111/http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fmusicvideo%2Fmusic%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=240001&arch=t&lyr=2012&year=2012&week=05 |archive-date=10 September 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the United Kingdom, "Somebody That I Used to Know" spent five non-consecutive weeks at number&nbsp;1.<ref name="UKSomebody">{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Somebody%20That%20I%20Used%20To%20Know |title=Gotye Featuring Kimbra – Singles – 'Somebody That I Used to Know' |publisher=The Official Charts Company |accessdate=13 February 2012 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Sexton |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/499917/gotye-military-wives-atop-uk-charts |title=Gotye, Military Wives Atop U.K. Charts|work=Billboard |date=19 March 2012 |accessdate=31 May 2012 }}</ref>

In the United States, it debuted at number 91 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 on 14 January 2012. In its fifteenth week on the chart – after it was performed by Matt Bomer and Darren Criss on ''Glee'' on 10 April; by Phillip Phillips and Elise Testone on the eleventh season of ''American Idol'' before more than 16 million viewers on 11 April;<ref name="tvbythenumbers128848"/> and by Gotye and Kimbra on ''Saturday Night Live'' on 14 April – the song rose to number&nbsp;1,<ref name="Billboard1"/> where it stayed for eight consecutive weeks.<ref name="BB8"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Chart Highlights: Gotye's Top of the Pop, Adult Pop Songs Charts |url=https://www.billboard.com/#/column/chartbeat/chart-highlights-gotye-s-top-of-the-pop-1007115352.story |work=Billboard |accessdate=22 May 2012 |date=21 May 2012 }}</ref><ref>Gary Trust, [https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/485449/phillip-phillips-storms-hot-100s-top-10-gotye-has-years-longest-running-no-1 "Phillip Phillips Storms Hot 100's Top 10, Gotye Has Year's Longest-Running No. 1."], ''Billboard'' (30 May 2012).</ref><ref>Gary Trust, [https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/483810/rihanna-scores-22nd-hot-100-top-10-gotye-no-1-for-eighth-week "Rihanna Scores 22nd Hot 100 Top 10, Gotye No. 1 For Eighth Week"], ''Billboard'' (6 June 2012).</ref> thus becoming the longest-running number 1 by a solo male artist since Flo Rida's "Low" led for ten weeks in 2008. The song had the fourth highest-selling single week ever with 542,000 digital downloads sold, and was the first Australian single to top the Hot&nbsp;100 since Savage Garden's "I Knew I Loved You" in 2000.<ref name="Hot100">{{cite news |first=Gary |last=Trust | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/493385/gotyes-somebody-that-i-used-to-know-roars-to-no-1-on-hot-100 |title=Gotye's 'Somebody That I Used to Know' Roars to No.&nbsp;1 on Hot&nbsp;100 |date=18 April 2012 |work=Billboard }}</ref><ref name="brisbanetimes20120419"/> The song also topped the Alternative Songs chart for twelve&nbsp;weeks<ref name="BB8"/> tying with Fuel's Hemorrhage (In My Hands) and Linkin Park's Numb and New Divide, as well as topping the Radio Songs, Digital Songs, On-Demand Songs,<ref name="billboard3">{{cite news |first=Gary |last=Trust |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/488416/trains-drive-by-completes-trip-to-hot-100s-top-10 |title=Train's 'Drive By' Completes Trip to Hot&nbsp;100's Top&nbsp;10 |work=Billboard |date=16 May 2012 |accessdate=15 June 2012}}</ref> Pop Songs, Adult Pop Songs, Adult Contemporary, and Hot Dance Club Songs charts in that country.<ref name="BB8">{{cite news |first=Gary |last=Trust |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/486833/carly-rae-jepsen-jumps-to-no-2-on-hot-100-gotye-still-no-1 |title=Carly Rae Jepsen Jumps to No.&nbsp;2 on Hot 100, Gotye Still No.&nbsp;1 |work=Billboard |date=23 May 2012 |accessdate=31 May 2012 }}</ref> On 2 May 2012 the song became the first to reach digital sales of at least 400,000 for three consecutive weeks,<ref>{{cite news |first=Gary |last=Trust |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts-articles/chart-alert/gotye-s-somebody-that-i-used-to-know-atop-1006941752.story |title=Gotye's 'Somebody That I Used to Know' Atop Hot&nbsp;100 for Third&nbsp;Week |date=2 May 2012 |work=Billboard |accessdate=31 May 2012 }}</ref> and the following week it became the first to simultaneously top the Alternative Songs, Hot Dance Club Songs, and Dance Mix Show Airplay charts.<ref name="billboard2">{{cite news |first=Caulfield |last=Keith |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/488452/carrie-underwoods-blown-away-nabs-second-week-at-no-1 |title=Carrie Underwood's 'Blown Away' Nabs Second Week at No. 1 |work=Billboard |date=17 May 2012 |accessdate=13 June 2012}}</ref> It also became the number 1 song of 2012 on the Alternative Songs, Adult Pop Songs, and Billboard Hot 100 charts.  By 22 February 2013, the song became the tenth longest-charting song in the history of the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, at 59 weeks on the chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edit.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/1549815/weekly-chart-notes-baauer-continues-the-harlem-hit-parade|title=Weekly Chart Notes: Baauer Continues The 'Harlem' Hit Parade|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=22 February 2013|accessdate=25 February 2013|archive-url=https://archive.is/20130407184332/http://edit.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/1549815/weekly-chart-notes-baauer-continues-the-harlem-hit-parade|archive-date=7 April 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> As of October 2015, the song has sold 7.9&nbsp;million copies in the US, making it the country's fourth all-time best-selling digital single.<ref name=us_sales>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6715365/ask-billboard-lady-gaga-first-artist-with-two-7-million-selling |title=Ask Billboard: Lady Gaga First Artist With Two 7-Million-Selling Downloads |last=Trust |first=Gary |work=Billboard |date=2 October 2015 |accessdate=3 October 2015}}</ref>

"Somebody That I Used to Know" reached number one in more than 23&nbsp;national charts and charted inside the top&nbsp;ten in more than 30&nbsp;countries around the world.<ref name="brisbanetimes20120419"/> By the end of 2012, the song became the best-selling song of that year with 11.8&nbsp;million copies sold,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aria.com.au/documents/Australia_DMRmaster_final11.03.13.pdf |title=IFPI Digital Music Report 2013|work=ARIA Charts|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association|accessdate=3 June 2012}}</ref> ranking among the best-selling digital singles of all time. As of April 2012, it is the most downloaded song ever in Belgium,<ref>{{cite web|author=MA – DO19u – 21u |url=http://www.mnm.be/shows/blok-hits/gotye-meest-gedownload-aller-tijden |title=Gotye meest gedownload aller tijden &#124; |publisher=MNM |language=Dutch |date=19 April 2012 |accessdate=18 May 2012 }}</ref> as well as being the third best-selling digital single in Germany with sales between 500,000 and 600,000 copies,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gfk-entertainment.com/news/poker-face-knackt-500000er-download-marke.html |title='Poker Face' knackt 500.000er-Download-Marke |publisher=Media Control Charts |location=Germany |language=German |accessdate=18 May 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=600.000 Verkäufe: Michel Teló legt Download-Rekord hin |language=German |trans-title=600,000 sales: Michel Teló makes downloads record |publisher=Media Control Charts |location=Germany |date=30 March 2012 |url=http://www.gfk-entertainment.com/news/600000-verkaeufe-michel-telo-legt-download-rekord-hin.html |accessdate=2 May 2012}}</ref> and the most successful song in the history of the Dutch charts.<ref>{{cite web|first=T |last=Veenkamp |url=http://www.powned.tv/nieuws/media/2012/04/gotye_scoort_populairste_top_4.html |title=PowNed : Gotye scoort populairste Top 40-hit ooit |publisher=Powned.tv |language=Dutch |date=3 April 2012 |accessdate=18 May 2012}}</ref> As of January 2013 it has received eleven Platinum certifications in Australia, accounting for shipments exceeding 770,000 units.<ref name="ARIACreds2012">{{cite web |url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesSINGLEaccreds2012.htm |title=ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2012 Singles |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) |accessdate=31 May 2012 }}</ref> In New Zealand, it was certified four&nbsp;times Platinum. The song was the best-selling single of 2012 in the UK with 1,318,000 copies sold.<ref name="chartuk">{{cite web |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-official-top-40-biggest-selling-singles-of-2012-revealed-1784/ |title=The Official Top 40 Biggest Selling Singles of 2012 revealed! |author=Dan Lane |publisher=Official Charts Company |date=2 January 2013|accessdate=5 January 2013}}</ref><ref name="certifications plus britain">{{cite web |url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1049631&c=1 |title=Official Charts Analysis: UK suffers lowest album sales week since 1996 |last=Jones |first=Alan |work=Music Week |publisher=IntentMedia (Joe Hosken) |date=21 May 2012 |accessdate=31 May 2012 }}</ref>

==Accolades==
On 15 July 2011, the song finished third in the 2011 Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition, with the winning song, "Cameo Lover", by Kimbra.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/news/allnews/Kimbrawinsthe2011VandaYoungSongwritingCompetition!.aspx |title=2011 Vanda and Young Songwriting Competition – Winners Announcement |publisher=Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) &#124; Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS) |date=15 July 2011 |accessdate=16 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925070615/http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/news/allnews/Kimbrawinsthe2011VandaYoungSongwritingCompetition%21.aspx |archivedate=25 September 2012 }}</ref> Earlier that year, Gotye had first noticed Kimbra when both were short-listed as finalists for the competition.<ref name="Nimmervoll"/> At the ARIA Music Awards of 2011, "Somebody That I Used to Know" won Single of the Year, Best Pop Release, Best Video (for Natasha Pincus), Engineer of the Year (for François Tétaz) and Producer of the Year (for Gotye). Gotye also won Best Male Artist for the song while Kimbra won Best Female Artist for her previous single, "Cameo Lover".<ref name="brisbanetimes20120419">{{cite news |last=Levy |first=Megan |title=Gotye gets right to the top with US ''Billboard'' number&nbsp;one |work=Brisbane Times  |date=19 April 2012 |url= http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/entertainment/music/gotye-gets-right-to-the-top-with-us-billboard-number-one-20120419-1x8ek.html  |accessdate=2 May 2012}}</ref><ref name="ARIA2011Wins">{{cite web|url=http://www.ariaawards.com.au/history/year/2011 |title=Winners by Year: 25th ARIA Awards 2011 |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) |accessdate=1 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014174953/http://www.ariaawards.com.au/history/year/2011 |archivedate=14 October 2013 }}</ref> At the APRA Music Awards of 2012, "Somebody That I Used to Know" won Most Played Australian Work and Song of the Year and Gotye won Songwriter of the Year.<ref name="APRAWinners2012">{{cite web|title=Winners for the 2012 APRA Music Awards Announced |url=http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/news/allnews/Winnersforthe2012APRAMusicAwardsannounced.aspx |publisher=Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) &#124; Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS) |accessdate=1 June 2012 |date=24 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531221339/http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/news/allnews/Winnersforthe2012APRAMusicAwardsannounced.aspx |archivedate=31 May 2012 }}</ref> It was also nominated at the 2012 Teen Choice Awards for "Choice Rock Song" and "Choice Break-Up Song".<ref>{{cite web|last=Finn|first=Natalie|title=Teen Choice Award Nominations: Did The Hunger Games Top Twilight?|url=http://uk.eonline.com/news/teen_choice_award_nominations_did/317465|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102200402/http://uk.eonline.com/news/teen_choice_award_nominations_did/317465|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 January 2013|publisher=E!|accessdate=16 June 2012|date=18 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Sciarretto|first=Amy Sciarretto|title=2012 Teen Choice Awards: Second Round of Nominations Announced|url=http://popcrush.com/2012-teen-choice-awards-second-round-of-nominations/|work=PopCrush|accessdate=16 June 2012|date=14 June 2012}}</ref> The song was nominated at the 55th Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, winning both awards. ''The Village Voice''{{'}}s Pazz & Jop annual critics' poll ranked "Somebody That I Used to Know" at number eight of the best music of 2012. In 2019, ''Stereogum'' ranked the song as the 161st best song of the 2010s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/featured/best-songs-of-the-2010s-list/|title=The 200 Best Songs of the 2010s|website=Stereogum|date=5 November 2019|accessdate=24 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105192557/https://www.stereogum.com/featured/best-songs-of-the-2010s-list/|archive-date=5 November 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Music video ==
[[File:Somebody That I Used To Know Music video screenshot.jpg|thumb|right|250px|alt=Upper body shot of a man (left) and a woman turned towards him. The man is taller and has dark stragly hair. The woman has dark hair cut in a bob. Both have skin painted in coloured geometric designs. Both are singing. The backdrop has a similarly coloured design closely matching the design on the two people.|Gotye and Kimbra sing while painted to blend with the background.]]
The music video for "Somebody That I Used to Know" was produced, directed and edited by Australian artist Natasha Pincus and filmed by Australian cinematographer Warwick Field. It shows Gotye and Kimbra naked throughout the clip, and as they sing, his skin is gradually painted into the backdrop via stop motion animation. In the director's cut, this went as far as to feature concealed nudity, though this version was never posted.{{citation needed|date=May 2019}} The video's background is based on a 1980s artwork created by Gotye's father, Frank de Backer, who also designed the cover art for the related album, ''Making Mirrors''.<ref name="ONeil">{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/music/she-made-gotye-somebody-we-all-know-20120421-1xecb.html|title=She made Gotye somebody we all know |last=O'Neil |first=Patrick |work=The Age  |date=22 April 2012 |accessdate=1 June 2012 |location=Melbourne}}</ref><ref name=artinfo>{{cite news|first=Nicholas|last=Forrest |title=Painting Gotye: A Q&A with the Aussie Body-Painting Artist Behind the "Somebody I Used to Know" Video |url=http://www.artinfo.com/news/story/804036/painting-gotye-a-qa-with-the-aussie-body-painting-artist-behind-the-somebody-i-used-to-know-video |work=Art+Auction |publisher=Louise Blouin |date=13 May 2012 |accessdate=30 May 2012 }}</ref> Emma Hack, an Australian artist and [[Body painting|skin illustrator]] based in [[Place:Adelaide|Adelaide]], was hired by Pincus to work on the body paintings for Gotye and Kimbra. Melbourne Scenic Artist Howard Clark painted the backdrop.<ref name=artinfo/> According to Hack, it took more than 23 hours to paint both Gotye and Kimbra to fit with Howard's background.<ref name=artinfo/> Their painting symbolises their combined relationship.<ref name=artinfo/>

Before its official premiere, the music video was leaked on Take 40 Australia's website. According to Pincus, "It was stolen out of our system. I guess it's always wanted to get out there. Within five minutes it was everywhere".<ref name="ONeil"/> On 30 July 2011 it was officially premiered on YouTube and on the Australian music show ''Rage''. The music video was well received for its artistic style, picking up 200,000 views in its first two weeks, as well as receiving promotion on Twitter by actor Ashton Kutcher and Katy Perry.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="ONeil"/>

"What a video!" Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody enthused to ''Q''. "I have become obsessed with it and not just because I'm in love with Kimbra. Gotye himself is an engaging character for sure... his solemnly expressive eyes finish a journey his lyrics only begin. 'Told myself that you were right for me but felt so lonely in your company' – simple, pure, and devastating. None more than the title line when it speaks of the end of love with prosaic brutality: 'Now you're just somebody that I used to know.' Great video, powerful lyrics, and a stunning voice. Oh, and Kimbra... my poor heart..."<ref>''Q'', December 2011</ref>

As of April 2020, the video has been viewed over 1.4&nbsp;billion times on YouTube.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UVNT4wvIGY |title='Somebody That I Used to Know' (feat. Kimbra) – Gotye |publisher=Youtube (Google, Inc.) |accessdate=26 May 2012 }}</ref> The video for "Somebody That I Used to Know" was voted number&nbsp;1 in the annual ''Rage'' Fifty countdown.<ref name=rage>{{cite web |title=Rage Fifty |url=http://www.abc.net.au/rage/archive/s3399395.htm |work=rage |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) |accessdate=29 May 2012 }}</ref> Andy Samberg and Taran Killam parodied the video in a ''Saturday Night Live'' "digital short" that coincided with Gotye's 14 April 2012 performance on the show.<ref name=Spinner>{{cite web |last=Partridge |first=Kenneth |title=Gotye, SNL: Singer Gets a Visit from Naked, Painted-Up Andy Samberg |url=http://www.spinner.com/2012/04/15/gotye-snl-saturday-night-live/ |work=Spinner |publisher=AOL, Inc. |accessdate=29 May 2012 }}</ref> The video was nominated for Video of the Year and Best Editing in a Video at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards.<ref>{{cite web|title=2012 MTV Video Music Awards|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2012/|accessdate=31 July 2012}}</ref> As of January 2015, ''Billboard'' named the video as one of the 20 best of the 2010s (so far).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6436761/best-music-videos-2010s|title=The 20 Best Music Videos of the 2010s (So Far)|accessdate=15 January 2015}}</ref>

== Cover versions and media appearances ==
"Somebody That I Used to Know" has been covered by several artists including a cappella group Pentatonix who created a viral YouTube video in February 2012 and released the track on their EP, "PTX Volume 1" on 26 June 2012<ref>{{cite web |title=PTX volume 1 |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/preorder/ptx-volume-1/id534570842 |publisher=iTunes (Apple) |accessdate=19 June 2012 |date=19 June 2012 }}</ref> In addition Ingrid Michaelson, The Fergies, and Sam Tsui have covered the song.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bell |first=Crystal |title=''Glee'' Covers Gotye: 11 Best 'Somebody That I Used to Know' Covers |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/03/glee-gotye-somebody-that-i-used-to-know_n_1400324.html#s838688&title=Ingrid_Michaelson |work=HuffPost |publisher=AOL (Arianna Huffington, Kenneth Lerer, Jonah Peretti) |accessdate=13 May 2012 |date=3 April 2012 }}</ref> In February 2012, Rita Ora covered the song at BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge.<ref>{{cite web |title=BBC Radio 1Xtra Programmes – Trevor Nelson, DJ Fresh in the 1 Xtra Live Lounge, Rita Ora – 'Somebody I Used to Know' (Live Lounge) |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00p6rlr |publisher=BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) |accessdate=13 May 2012 |date=15 February 2012 }}</ref> A cover by Right the Stars featuring Karmina, which was also uploaded to YouTube, was recommended by Miley Cyrus.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gotye's 'Somebody That I Used to Know': The Five Best Covers |url=http://blogs.ocweekly.com/heardmentality/2012/02/gotyes_somebody_that_i_used_to.php |work=OC Weekly |publisher=Village Voice Media |accessdate=13 May 2012 |first=Lilledeshan |last=Bose |date=1 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522021327/http://blogs.ocweekly.com/heardmentality/2012/02/gotyes_somebody_that_i_used_to.php |archive-date=22 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Dutch DJ Tiësto remixed the song for his album ''Club Life: Volume Two Miami''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tiesto's ''Club Life – Volume Two Miami'' a Tribute to City He Loves |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1683811/tiesto-club-life-miami-tribute.jhtml|publisher=MTV|accessdate=13 May 2012|author=Akshay Bhansali|date=24 April 2012}}</ref> Phillip Phillips and Elise Testone covered the song on the eleventh season of ''American Idol'' on 11 April 2012.<ref name="tvbythenumbers128848">{{cite web |last=Bibel |first=Sara |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/04/12/wednesday-final-ratings-modern-family-csi-american-idol-survivor-law-rock-center-down/128848/ |title=Wednesday Final Ratings: ''Modern Family'', ''CSI'', ''American Idol'', ''Survivor'', ''Law & Order: SVU'' Up; ''Rock Center'' Down |publisher=TVbytheNumbers |date=12 April 2012 |accessdate=12 April 2012 }}</ref>

In February 2012, Gotye made his American television debut on ''Jimmy Kimmel Live!'' where he performed the song.<ref>{{cite news |last=Vitcavage |first=Adam |title=Watch Gotye Make His U.S. Television Debut |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2012/02/watch-gotye-make-his-us-television-debut.html |work=Paste |publisher=Wolfgang's Vault |accessdate=9 February 2012 |date=2 February 2012 }}</ref> The song has since been featured on the TV series ''90210'',<ref>{{cite web |title=90210 Music – Season 4, Episode 8: 'Vegas Maybe?' |url=http://www.cwtv.com/music/90210/season-4/episode-408 |publisher=The CW Television Network |accessdate=2 December 2011 }}</ref> ''Gossip Girl'',<ref>{{cite web |title=Gossip Girl Loves Gotye Just Like Everyone Else |url=http://www.pedestrian.tv/music/news/gossip-girl-loves-gotye-just-like-everyone-else/59344.htm |accessdate=2 December 2011 |date=1 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6AhIYurqR?url=http://www.pedestrian.tv/music/news/gossip-girl-loves-gotye-just-like-everyone-else/59344.htm |archivedate=15 September 2012  }}</ref> and ''The Voice of Ireland'' by Andy Mac Unfraidh.<ref>{{cite news |first=Maura |last=Judkis |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/arts-post/post/gotyes-somebody-that-i-used-to-know-the-breakup-songs-ubiquity/2012/04/17/gIQAg1tQOT_blog.html |title=Gotye's 'Somebody That I Used to Know': The breakup song's ubiquity |work=The Style Blog, {{wipe|The Washington Post}} |publisher=Katharine Weymouth |date=17 April 2012 |accessdate=31 May 2012 }}</ref> The song was featured in the film ''Boyhood''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rodriguez|first1=Cain|title=Soundtrack For Richard Linklater's 'Boyhood' Includes Arcade Fire, Coldplay, Flaming Lips & More|url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/soundtrack-for-richard-linklaters-boyhood-includes-arcade-fire-coldplay-flaming-lips-more-20140613|website=IndieWire|accessdate=2 August 2014|date=13 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810152506/http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/soundtrack-for-richard-linklaters-boyhood-includes-arcade-fire-coldplay-flaming-lips-more-20140613|archive-date=10 August 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 16 May 2012, fun. along with Paramore's front vocalist Hayley Williams covered the song at BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCim_0MZ2qI |title=Fun Gotye Hayley Williams Video 'Somebody That I Used to Know' BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge 2012 |accessdate=16 May 2012 }}</ref> On 23 May 2012, Internet cartoon band Your Favorite Martian did a cover of the song.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ogDd6xEBas |title='Somebody That I Used to Know' (Gotye cover) |accessdate=23 May 2012 }}</ref> "Somebody That I Used to Know" was also first played live by Coheed and Cambria on 29 April 2012, as a frequent feature on their 2012 headlining tour.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.noisecreep.com/2012/04/30/coheed-and-cambria-somebody-that-i-used-to-know-gotye/ |title=Coheed and Cambria, 'Somebody That I Used to Know': Band Covers Gotye Hit |accessdate=26 May 2012 }}</ref> In May 2012, American duo Karmin made a cover of the song on Sirius XM Hits.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wieselman|first=Jarett|title=Karmin Covers Gotye's Omnipresent Hit|url=http://www.theinsider.com/music/52149_Karmin_Somebody_That_I_Used_To_Know_Gotye_Cover/index.html|work=The Insider|publisher=CBS Studios, Inc|accessdate=22 October 2012|date=9 May 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712140401/http://www.theinsider.com/music/52149_Karmin_Somebody_That_I_Used_To_Know_Gotye_Cover/index.html|archivedate=12 July 2012}}</ref>

The song was covered in the ''Glee'' episode "Big Brother" and performed by Darren Criss (as Blaine Anderson) and Matt Bomer (as Cooper Anderson). It sold 152,000 digital downloads in its first week of release and debuted on the Digital Songs chart at number 10 and the Hot 100 at number 26.<ref name="Billboard1">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/493385/gotyes-somebody-that-i-used-to-know-roars-to-no-1-on-hot-100 |title=Gotye's 'Somebody That I Used to Know' Roars to No. 1 on Hot 100 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>

English fingerstyle guitarist Mike Dawes released a technically virtuosic arrangement of the song on his debut album ''What Just Happened?'' in 2013, garnering much praise, including from Gotye himself.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.livemusicguide.com/blog/featured-interviews/lmg-interview-with-gotye.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2013-01-29 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003222009/http://www.livemusicguide.com/blog/featured-interviews/lmg-interview-with-gotye.html |archivedate=2013-10-03 }}</ref>

Gotye paid tribute to the overwhelming number of cover versions of the song by personally creating a video remix, released in August 2012, using segments from hundreds of online covers to create a new, unique version of the track, titled "Somebodies: A YouTube Orchestra".<ref name=SomebodiesOrch>{{cite web |url=http://gotye.com/reader/items/somebodies-a-youtube-orchestra-209.html |title=Somebodies: A YouTube Orchestra |last=De Backer |first=Wally (Gotye) |publisher=Wally (Gotye) and GEA-Interactive Pty Ltd |date=13 August 2012 |accessdate=9 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005192642/http://gotye.com/reader/items/somebodies-a-youtube-orchestra-209.html |archive-date=5 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Somebodies: A YouTube Orchestra|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opg4VGvyi3M|publisher=Gotye|accessdate=20 December 2012|date=12 August 2012}}</ref> Gotye states the concept "was directly inspired here by Kutiman's Thru-You project", released in March 2009, which edited numerous YouTube videos to create a new cohesive song.<ref name=SomebodiesOrch/> A similar mixing style is seen in the performance of "Since U Been Gone" in the September 2012 film release ''Pitch Perfect''. "Weird Al" Yankovic recorded a cover as part of his polka medley "NOW That's What I Call Polka!" for his 2014 album ''Mandatory Fun''.<ref name="LinerNotes">''Mandatory Fun'' (liner notes). "Weird Al" Yankovic. RCA Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. 2014.</ref>

== Track listing ==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
;Digital download<ref name="IT-US"/>
# "Somebody That I Used to Know" {{small|(Gotye featuring Kimbra)}} – 4:04
# "Somebody That I Used to Know" (Radio Mix) {{small|(Gotye featuring Kimbra)}} – 3:33
# "Somebody That I Used to Know" (Instrumental) {{small|(Gotye)}}—4:04

;Digital download – Remix<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.beatport.com/release/somebody-that-i-used-to-know-tiesto-remix/883091 |title='Somebody That I Used to Know' (Tiesto Remix) &#91;Musical Freedom&#93; |publisher=Beatport |accessdate=18 May 2012 }}</ref>
# "Somebody That I Used to Know" {{small|(Gotye featuring Kimbra) (Tiësto Remix)}} – 4:33
{{col-2}}
;7-inch vinyl single<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=Somebody That I Used to Know |others=Gotye |year=2012 |type=liner notes |publisher=Samples 'n' Seconds Records |id=UNIR 22544-7 }}</ref>
# "Somebody That I Used to Know" {{small|(Gotye featuring Kimbra)}} – 4:04
# "Bronte" – 3:13

;CD single<ref name="credits">{{cite AV media notes |others=Gotye |year=2012 |title=Somebody That I Used to Know |type=liner notes |publisher=Vertigo Records |id=06025 2791493 0 }}</ref>
# "Somebody That I Used to Know" {{small|(Gotye featuring Kimbra)}} – 4:04
# "Easy Way Out" – 1:57

{{col-end}}

== Credits and personnel ==
* Wally De Backer – songwriter, producer, assistant mixer, recording, lead and backing vocals, guitar, synthesizer, xylophone, flutes, percussion, samples
* François Tétaz – mixer, engineer
* Lucas Taranto – bass guitar
* Kimbra – lead and backing vocals
* William Bowden – mastering
* Ralph Thane – remixer (Radio Mix)
* Frank De Backer – artwork (back and inside cover painting, handwriting)
* Kat Kallady – artwork (front cover painting)

Credits adapted from "Somebody That I Used to Know" CD single liner notes.<ref name="credits"/>

== Charts ==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

=== Weekly charts ===
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!scope="col"|Chart (2011–13)
!scope="col"|Peak<br/>position
|-
{{singlechart|Australia|1|artist=Gotye feat. Kimbra|song=Somebody That I Used to Know|accessdate=5 July 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Austria|1|artist=Gotye feat. Kimbra|song=Somebody That I Used to Know|accessdate=5 July 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Flanders|1|artist=Gotye feat. Kimbra|song=Somebody That I Used to Know|accessdate=5 July 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Wallonia|1|artist=Gotye feat. Kimbra|song=Somebody That I Used to Know|accessdate=5 July 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Bulgaria|2|artist=Gotye feat. Kimbra|url=http://www.bamp-bg.org/en/2009-07-08-09-48-53/nmc-charts/292-02042012-08042012.html|urltitle=Airplay Top 5|accessdate=25 October 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
|-
|-
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Czech Republic|1|week=18|year=2012|artist=Gotye feat. Kimbra|song=Somebody That I Used to Know|accessdate=5 July 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Denmark|1|artist=Gotye feat. Kimbra|song=Somebody That I Used to Know|accessdate=5 July 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Finland|1|artist=Gotye|song=Somebody That I Used To Know (Feat. Kimbra)|accessdate=5 July 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|France|1|artist=Gotye feat. Kimbra|song=Somebody That I Used to Know|rowheader=true}}
|-
! scope="row"|Germany (Media Control Charts)<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.officialcharts.de/song.asp?artist=Gotye+feat%2E+Kimbra&title=Somebody+That+I+Used+To+Know&cat=s&country=de |title=charts.de |publisher=charts.de |date=16 December 2011 |language=German |accessdate=20 January 2012}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| 1
|-
! scope="row"|Germany (Airplay Chart)<ref name="germanairplay">{{cite web |url=http://germancharts.com/airplay_charts.asp?week=201152 |title=Airplay Charts Deutschland – Woche 52/2011 |website= |publisher=German Charts |access-date=30 January 2017 }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|1
|-
! scope="row"|Greece Digital Songs (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2012-04-21/greece | work = Billboard| title = Digital Singles Charts – Greece}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|2
|-
{{singlechart|Hungarydance|1|artist=Gotye feat. Kimbra|song=Somebody That I Used to Know|year=2012|week=30|accessdate=9 August 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Hungary|1|artist=Gotye feat. Kimbra|song=Somebody That I Used to Know|year=2012|week=17|accessdate=5 July 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Ireland2|1|artist=Gotye featuring Kimbra|song=Somebody That I Used to Know|accessdate=27 January 2020|rowheader=true}}
|-
! scope="row"|Honduras (Honduras Top 50)<ref>{{cite web|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6BBwZQIyg?url=http://tiempo.hn/fuzion/top-50|title=Top 50|language=Spanish|url=http://tiempo.hn/fuzion/top-50|date=4 October 2012|archivedate=5 October 2012|work=Fuzion|publisher=El Tiempo}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|33
|-
! scope="row"|Israel (Media Forest)<ref>{{cite web|title=Media Forest: Airplay chart |url=http://mediaforest.biz/WeeklyCharts/HistoryWeeklyCharts.aspx?year=2012&week=12 |publisher=mediaforest.biz |language=Hebrew |date=24 March 2012 |accessdate=5 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004230043/http://mediaforest.biz/WeeklyCharts/HistoryWeeklyCharts.aspx?year=2012&week=12 |archivedate=4 October 2013 }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|1
|-
{{singlechart|Italy|1|artist=Gotye feat. Kimbra|song=Somebody That I Used to Know|accessdate=5 July 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
! scope="row"| Japan (''Billboard'' Japan Hot 100)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot100&year=2013&month=02&day=25|title=Japan Billboard Hot 100 |publisher=Billboard Japan |language=Japanese |accessdate=21 February 2013}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center"|10
|-
! scope="row"|Mexico Top Inglés (Monitor Latino)<ref>{{cite web|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/68ttoPIvD?url=http://www.radionotas.com/charts_mx.aspx?f=3 |title=Top 20 Inglés |language=Spanish |archivedate=4 July 2012 |url=http://www.radionotas.com/charts_mx.aspx?f=3 |accessdate=5 July 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|1
|-
! scope="row"|Mexican Airplay Chart (''Billboard'' International)<ref>{{cite web|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6975MPPNt|title=Mexican Airplay|archivedate=13 July 2012|date=21 July 2012|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/internationalcharts/mexico|accessdate=5 July 2012}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|8
|-
! scope="row"|Portugal (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2012-05-19/portugal|work = Billboard|accessdate=19 May 2013|title=Portugal Digital Songs – Peak}}</ref>
|style="text-align:center;"|2
|-
{{singlechart|Dutch40|1|artist=Gotye feat. Kimbra|song=Somebody That I Used to Know|accessdate=5 July 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Dutch100|1|artist=Gotye feat. Kimbra|song=Somebody That I Used to Know|accessdate=30 October 2013|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|New Zealand|1|artist=Gotye feat. Kimbra|song=Somebody That I Used to Know|accessdate=5 July 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Norway|2|artist=Gotye feat. Kimbra|song=Somebody That I Used to Know|accessdate=5 July 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Poland|1|chartid=585|year=2012|accessdate=31 January 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
! scope="row"|Romania (Airplay 100)<!--Please do not change this to Romanian Top 100 or Media Forest. The Airplay 100 is Romania's national singles chart from 2012 onwards. For further information, see WP:GOODCHARTS--><ref name="podcast">{{cite news|url=https://www.kissfm.ro/emisiuni/54/Airplay-100-Cristi-Nitzu|title=Airplay 100 – Cristi Nitzu {{!}} Kiss FM – 17 June 2012|accessdate=27 January 2018|publisher=Kiss FM|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127090412/https://www.kissfm.ro/emisiuni/54/Airplay-100-Cristi-Nitzu|archivedate=27 January 2018}} ''Note: User may scroll down the 'Podcasturi' menu to play or download the respective podcast.''</ref>
|<center>1</center>
|-
{{singlechart|Scotland|1|artist=Gotye feat. Kimbra|song=Somebody That I Used to Know|date=3 March 2012|accessdate=26 February 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Slovakia|1|year=2012|week=17|rowheader=true}}
|-
! scope="row"| Slovenia (SloTop50)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slotop50.si/Glasbene-lestvice/Tedenske-lestvice/?year=2013&week=37|title=SloTop50: Slovenian official singles weekly chart|publisher=SloTop50|language=Slovenian|accessdate=15 September 2013}}</ref>
| align=center|17
|-
{{singlechart|Spain|3|artist=Gotye feat. Kimbra|song=Somebody That I Used to Know|accessdate=5 July 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Sweden|1|artist=Gotye feat. Kimbra|song=Somebody That I Used to Know|accessdate=5 July 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Switzerland|2|artist=Gotye feat. Kimbra|song=Somebody That I Used to Know|accessdate=5 July 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|UK|1|artist=Gotye feat. Kimbra|song=Somebody That I Used to Know|date=18 February 2012|accessdate=12 February 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardhot100|1|artist=Gotye|artistid={{BillboardID|Gotye}}|accessdate=6 June 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardadultalternativesongs|1|artist=Gotye|artistid={{BillboardID|Gotye}}|accessdate=4 June 2014|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardadultcontemporary|1|artist=Gotye|artistid={{BillboardID|Gotye}}|accessdate=6 June 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardadultpopsongs|1|artist=Gotye|artistid={{BillboardID|Gotye}}|accessdate=6 June 201|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardalternativesongs|1|artist=Gotye|artistid={{BillboardID|Gotye}}|accessdate=6 June 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Billboarddanceairplay|1|artist=Gotye|artistid={{BillboardID|Gotye}}|accessdate=26 December 2014|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Billboarddanceclubplay|1|artist=Gotye|artistid={{BillboardID|Gotye}}|accessdate=6 June 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardrocksongs|1|artist=Gotye|artistid={{BillboardID|Gotye}}|accessdate=26 December 2014|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardpopsongs|1|artist=Gotye|artistid={{BillboardID|Gotye}}|accessdate=6 June 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardrhythmic|10|artist=Gotye|artistid={{BillboardID|Gotye}}|accessdate=1 October 2019|rowheader=true}}
|-
! scope="row"|Venezuela Pop Rock General (Record Report)<ref name="RecordReport">{{cite web |title=Pop Rock General |url=http://www.recordreport.com.ve/publico/?i=poprock |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/68wZsMG9L?url=http://www.recordreport.com.ve/publico/?i=poprock |date=24 May 2012 |archivedate=6 July 2012 |publisher=Record Report |accessdate=24 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|1
|}
{{col-2}}

===Year-end charts===
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!scope="col"|Chart (2011)
!scope="col"|Position
|-
! scope="row"| Australia (ARIA)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-singles-2011.htm |title=ARIA Top&nbsp;100 Singles 2011 |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) |accessdate=24 May 2012}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| 2
|-
! scope="row"| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=2011&cat=s |title=Ultratop Belgian 2011 Year End Charts |publisher=Ultratop. Hung Medien |language=Dutch |accessdate=18 May 2012 }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| 1
|-
! scope="row"| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2011&cat=s |title=Ultratop Belgian 2011 Year End Charts |publisher=Ultratop. Hung Medien |language=French |accessdate=12 March 2014 }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| 73
|-
! scope="row"| Germany (Media Control Charts)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.de/charts/Single_Jahrescharts_2011 |title=Single Jahrescharts 2011 &#124; charts |trans-title=Singles Annual Charts 2001 |language=German |publisher=MTV |date=31 December 2011 |accessdate=20 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109011856/http://www.mtv.de/charts/Single_Jahrescharts_2011 |archivedate=9 January 2012 }}</ref>
|style="text-align:center;"|32
|-
! scope="row"| Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.top40.nl/bijzondere-lijsten/top-100-jaaroverzichten/2011|title=Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 2011|publisher=Dutch Top 40|accessdate=20 December 2019}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| 5
|-
! scope="row"| Netherlands (Mega Single Top 100)<ref>{{cite web|first=Steffen |last=Hung |url=http://www.dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=2011&cat=s |title=Dutch charts portal 2011 Year End Chart |publisher=Dutch Charts Portal |language=Dutch |accessdate=18 May 2012 }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| 3
|-
! scope="row"| New Zealand (RIANZ)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nztop40.co.nz/chart/?chart=1862 |title=Top Selling Singles of 2011 – The Official New Zealand Music Chart | publisher=Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) |accessdate=24 May 2012 }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| 3
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
!Chart (2012)
!Position
|-
! scope="row"| Australia (ARIA)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-singles-2012.htm |title=ARIA Top&nbsp;100 Singles 2012 |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) |accessdate=7 January 2013}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| 40
|-
! scope="row"| Austrian Singles Chart<ref>[http://austriancharts.at/year.asp?id=2012&cat=s JAHRESHITPARADE SINGLES 2012] (in German). austriancharts.at. Retrieved 12 March 2014.</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| 2
|-
! scope="row"|Belgian (Ultratop 50 Flanders)<ref name="ultratop.be">{{cite web|url=http://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2012&cat=a |title=Ultratop Belgian Charts |publisher=ultratop.be |date=24 May 2013 |accessdate=28 May 2013}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|10
|-
! scope="row"|Belgian (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)<ref name="ultratop.be"/>
| style="text-align:center;"|1
|-
! scope="row"| Canada (Canadian Hot 100)<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2012/canadian-hot-100|title=Best of 2012 – CanadianHot 100 Songs|magazine=Billboard.com|accessdate=14 December 2012}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|1
|-
! scope="row"| Germany (Media Control Charts)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.viva.tv/charts/52-top-100-jahrescharts-2012 |title=Top 100 Jahreschartes 2012 |publisher=VIVA |language=german |accessdate=5 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106044835/http://www.viva.tv/charts/52-top-100-jahrescharts-2012 |archivedate=6 January 2013 }}</ref>
|style="text-align:center;"|4
|-
! scope="row"| Hungary (Dance Top 40)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zene.slagerlistak.hu/archivum/eves-osszesitett-listak/dance/2012|title=Dance Top 100 - 2012|accessdate=20 December 2019|publisher=Mahasz}}</ref>
|style="text-align:center;"|6
|-
! scope="row"| Hungary (Rádiós Top 40)<ref>{{cite web |title=MAHASZ Rádiós TOP 100 2012|url=http://zene.slagerlistak.hu/archivum/eves-osszesitett-listak/radios/2012|publisher=Mahasz |language=hungarian |accessdate=18 January 2013}}</ref>
|style="text-align:center;"|2
|-
! scope="row"| Israel (Media Forest)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mako.co.il/music-news/radio_airplay_chart/Article-d151b59786afb31006.htm&sCh=3d385dd2dd5d4110&pId=1080044444|title=most played songs of 2012 – By Medis Forest|publisher=mako.co.il|date=2 January 2013}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|1
|-
! scope="row"| Italy (FIMI)<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tgcom24.mediaset.it/spettacolo/articoli/1077092/ferro-e-il-re-degli-album-piu-venduti-nel-2012.shtml | work = TGCOM |publisher= Mediaset | accessdate = 14 January 2013 | title = Ferro è il re degli album più venduti nel 2012 | date = 14 January 2013|language=Italian}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|4
|-
! scope="row"| Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.top40.nl/bijzondere-lijsten/top-100-jaaroverzichten/2012|title=Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 2012|publisher=Dutch Top 40|accessdate=20 December 2019}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| 34
|-
! scope="row"| Netherlands (Mega Single Top 100)<ref>{{cite web|first=Steffen |last=Hung |url=http://www.dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=2012&cat=s |title=Dutch charts portal 2012 Year End Chart |publisher=Dutch Charts Portal |language=Dutch |accessdate=18 May 2012 }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| 13
|-
! scope="row"| New Zealand (RIANZ)<ref>{{cite web|title=Top Selling Singles of 2012|url=http://nztop40.co.nz/chart/?chart=2131|website=NZTop40|publisher=Recorded Music New Zealand Limited|accessdate=6 February 2016}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| 11
|-
! scope="row"| Poland (ZPAV)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zpav.pl/aktualnosci.php?idaktualnosci=538 |title=TOP digital utworów – 2012 |publisher=ZPAV |accessdate=22 March 2013}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|2
|-
! scope="row"| Romania (Romanian Top 100)<ref name="romania">{{cite web|url=http://www.kissfm.ro/emisiuni/54/Airplay-100.html |title=Romanian Top 100 Official Podcast |publisher=Kissfm.ro |accessdate=10 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302165029/http://www.kissfm.ro/emisiuni/54/Airplay-100.html |archivedate=2 March 2013 }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| 2
|-
! scope="row"| Russia Airplay (Tophit)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tophit.ru/en/chart/russia/yearly/2012-01-01/all/all|title=Russian Top Year-End Radio Hits (2012)|publisher=Tophit |accessdate=9 August 2019}}</ref> 
|style="text-align:center;"| 5
|-
! scope="row"| Spain (PROMUSICAE)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.promusicae.org/files/listasanuales/canciones/Top%2050%20Canciones%20Anual%202012.pdf |title=Top 50 Canciones Anual 2012 |publisher=Promuiscae.es |accessdate=15 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6DysqpZTN?url=http://www.promusicae.org/files/listasanuales/canciones/Top%2050%20Canciones%20Anual%202012.pdf |archivedate=27 January 2013 }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|6
|-
! scope="row"| Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/43?dspy=2012&dspp=1|title=Årslista Singlar – År 2012|publisher=Sverigetopplistan|language=Swedish|accessdate=20 December 2019}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|2
|-
! scope="row"| Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hitparade.ch/charts/jahreshitparade/2012|title=Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2012 – hitparade.ch|publisher=Hung Medien|accessdate=20 December 2019}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|2
|-
! scope="row"| Ukraine Airplay (Tophit)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tophit.ru/en/chart/ukraine/yearly/2012-01-01/all/al|title=Ukrainian Top Year-End Radio Hits (2012)|publisher=Tophit |accessdate=9 August 2019}}</ref> 
|style="text-align:center;"| 67
|-
! scope="row"| UK Singles (Official Charts Company)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-official-top-40-biggest-selling-singles-of-2012-revealed-1784/ | title=The Official Top 40 Biggest Selling Singles of 2012 Revealed! | publisher=Official Charts Company | date=2 January 2013 | accessdate=2 January 2013 | author=Lane, Dan}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| 1
|-
! scope="row"|US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2012/hot-100-songs|title=Best of 2012 – Hot 100 Songs|magazine=Billboard.com|accessdate=14 December 2012}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|1
|-
! scope="row"|US Adult Contemporary (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2012/adult-contemporary-songs|title=Adult Contemporary Songs – Year-End 2012|work=Billboard|accessdate=15 March 2020}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|6
|-
! scope="row"|US Adult Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2012/adult-pop-songs|title=Adult Pop Songs – Year-End 2012|work=Billboard|accessdate=15 March 2020}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|1
|-
! scope="row"|US Dance Club Songs (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2018/dance-club-songs|title=Dance Club Songs – Year-End 2012|work=Billboard|accessdate=15 March 2020}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|6
|-
! scope="row"|US Dance/Mix Show Airplay (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2012/dance-mix-show-airplay-songs|title=Dance/Mix Show Songs – Year-End 2012|work=Billboard|accessdate=20 December 2019}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|8
|-
! scope="row"|US Mainstream Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2012/pop-songs|title=Pop Songs - Year-End 2012|work=Billboard|accessdate=15 March 2020}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|8
|-
! scope="row"|US Hot Rock Songs (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2012/hot-rock-songs|title=Hot Rock Songs – Year-End 2017|work=Billboard|accessdate=15 March 2020}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|4
|-
! scope="row"|US Rhythmic (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2012/rhythmic-songs|title=Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2012|work=Billboard|accessdate=1 October 2019}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|40
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
!Chart (2013)
!Position
|-
! scope="row"|Hungary (Dance Top 40)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zene.slagerlistak.hu/archivum/eves-osszesitett-listak/dance/2013|title=Dance Top 100 - 2013|accessdate=20 December 2019|publisher=Mahasz}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|56
|-
! scope="row"|Hungary (Rádiós Top 40)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://zene.slagerlistak.hu/archivum/eves-osszesitett-listak/radios/2013 |title=MAHASZ Rádiós TOP 100 – radios 2013 |language=Hungarian |publisher=MAHASZ |accessdate=22 January 2014}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|100
|-
! scope="row"| Russia Airplay (Tophit)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tophit.ru/en/chart/russia/yearly/2013-01-01/all/all|title=Russian Top Year-End Radio Hits (2013)|publisher=Tophit |accessdate=10 August 2019}}</ref> 
|style="text-align:center;"| 7
|-
! scope="row"| Slovenia (SloTop50)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slotop50.si/Glasbene-lestvice/Letne-lestvice/?year=2013|title=SloTop50 {{!}} Slovenian official year-end singles charts (2013)|language=Slovenian|accessdate=31 December 2013}}</ref>
| align=center|33
|-
! scope="row"| Ukraine Airplay (Tophit)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tophit.ru/en/chart/ukraine/yearly/2013-01-01/all/all|title=Ukrainian Top Year-End Radio Hits (2013)|publisher=Tophit |accessdate=10 August 2019}}</ref> 
|style="text-align:center;"| 145
|-
! scope="row"| US Adult Contemporary (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2013/adult-contemporary-songs|title=Adult Contemporary Songs – Year-End 2013|work=Billboard|accessdate=15 September 2019}}</ref>
|style="text-align:center;"| 13
|}

===Decade-end charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2010–2019)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| Australia (ARIA)<ref name="EndofDecade">{{cite web|url=https://www.ariacharts.com.au/annual-charts/2019/end-of-decade-singles-chart|title=2019 ARIA End of Decade Singles Chart|publisher=ARIA|date=January 2020|accessdate=17 January 2020}}</ref>
| 2
|-
! scope="row"| Australian Artist Singles (ARIA)<ref name="EndofDecade"/>
| 1
|-
! scope="row"| Germany (Official German Charts)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/chartsoffiziell/status/1204757983676293121|title=Platz 21 der erfolgreichsten Singles und Alben des Jahrzehnts: @gotye ft. Kimbra und @udolindenberg.|via=[[Company:Twitter|Twitter]]|work=GfK Entertainment|publisher=offiziellecharts.de|language=German|accessdate=11 December 2019}}</ref>
| 21
|-
! scope="row"| UK Singles (Official Charts Company)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-uks-official-top-100-biggest-songs-of-the-decade-2010-2019__27936/|title=The UK's Official Top 100 biggest songs of the decade|publisher=Official Charts Company|last=Copsey|first=Rob|date=11 December 2019|accessdate=12 December 2019}}</ref>
| 42
|-
! scope="row"| US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/decade-end/hot-100|title=Decade-End Charts: Hot 100 Songs|work=Billboard|accessdate=15 November 2019}}</ref>
| 8
|}

===All-time charts===
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Chart 
! Position
|-
!scope="row"|US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite web |title=''Billboard'' Hot 100 Anniversary Interactive Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100-60th-anniversary |website=Billboard |accessdate=16 September 2018 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803021324/https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100-60th-anniversary |archivedate=3 August 2018}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|32
|-
!scope="row"|US Adult Pop Songs (''Billboard'')<ref name="Billboard">{{cite web |url = https://www.billboard.com/charts/greatest-adult-pop-songs |work = US Adult Pop Songs |date = March 18, 2016 |accessdate = March 16, 2018 |title = Greatest of All Time Adult Pop Songs : Page 1 }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|39
|-
!scope="row"|UK Singles (Official Charts Company)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-best-selling-singles-of-all-time-on-the-official-uk-chart__21298/|title=The best-selling singles of all time on the Official UK Chart|last=Lane|first=Daniel|date=14 June 2018|publisher=Official Charts Company|accessdate=26 February 2014}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|40
|}

{{col-end}}

== Certifications and sales ==
{{certification Table Top}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=single|region=Canada|artist=Gotye|title=Somebody That I Used to Know|nocert=true|salesamount=653,000|salesref=<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/01/14/adele-carly-rae-jepsen-nielsen_n_2471458.html |title=Adele, Carly Rae Jepsen, Celine Dion Rule Nielsen/Billboard 2012 Canadian Music Industry Report |last=MacNeil |first=Jason |work=The Huffington Post Canada |date=14 January 2013 |access-date=26 November 2014}}</ref>}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}

== Release history ==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|-
!scope="col"|Country
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Format
!scope="col"|Label
!scope="col"|Version
|-
!scope="row"|Australia<ref name="IT-US">{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/somebody-that-i-used-to-know/id448315985 |title='Somebody That I Used to Know' – Single by Gotye |publisher=[[Software:ITunes|iTunes]] Store (Apple, Inc.) |accessdate=24 May 2012 }}</ref>
|rowspan="2"|5 July 2011
|rowspan="7"|Digital download
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|Samples 'n' Seconds Records / Eleven Music
|rowspan="8"|Album Version
|-
!scope="row"|New Zealand<ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/somebody-that-i-used-to-know/id448315985 "Somebody That I Used to Know – Single by Gotye"]. iTunes Store (Apple, Inc.). Retrieved 24 May 2012.</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|Belgium<ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/be/album/somebody-that-i-used-to-know/id455133970 "Somebody That I Used to Know – Single by Gotye"]. iTunes Store (Apple, Inc.). Retrieved 24 May 2012.</ref>
| rowspan="2"|29 July 2011
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|Samples 'n' Seconds Records / V2 Benelux
|-
!scope="row"|Netherlands<ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/nl/album/somebody-that-i-used-to-know/id455133970 "Somebody That I Used to Know – Single by Gotye"]. iTunes Store (Apple, Inc.). Retrieved 24 May 2012.</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|Germany<ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/de/album/somebody-that-i-used-to-know/id479864059 "Somebody That I Used to Know – Single by Gotye"]. iTunes Store (Apple, Inc.). Retrieved 24 May 2012.</ref>
|11 November 2011
| style="text-align:center;"|Samples 'n' Seconds Records / Universal Music
|-
!scope="row"|United Kingdom<ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/somebody-that-i-used-to-know/id484992603 "Somebody That I Used to Know – Single by Gotye"]. iTunes Store (Apple, Inc.). Retrieved 24 May 2012.</ref>
|30 December 2011
| style="text-align:center;"|Samples 'n' Seconds Records / Universal Island Records
|-
!scope="row" rowspan=3|United States<ref>[https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B006ZDU8EE/977interadine-20 "Somebody That I Used to Know: Gotye"]. Amazon MP3 (Amazon.com). Retrieved 25 May 2012.</ref><ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/somebody-that-i-used-to-know/id519122990 "Somebody That I Used to Know (Tiësto Remix) – Single by Gotye"]. iTunes Store (Apple, Inc.). Retrieved 24 May 2012.</ref>
|20 January 2012
| style="text-align:center;"|Samples 'n' Seconds Records / Universal Music
|-
|12 March 2012
|Contemporary hit radio<ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=03/12/2012&Format=1 | title=R&R: Going For Adds: CHR/Top 40 (Week Of: March 12, 2012) | magazine=Radio & Records | accessdate=2 January 2013 | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203072523/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=03%2F12%2F2012&Format=1 | archivedate=3 December 2013 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|Fairfax Records / Universal Republic Records
|-
|17 April 2012
|rowspan="2"|Digital download
| style="text-align:center;"|Samples 'n' Seconds Records / Universal Music
|rowspan="2"|Tiesto Remix
|-
!scope="row"|United Kingdom<ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/somebody-that-i-used-to-know/id523183034 "Somebody That I Used to Know (Tiësto Remix) – Single by Gotye"]. iTunes Store (Apple, Inc.). Retrieved 24 May 2012.</ref>
|4 May 2012
| style="text-align:center;"|Samples 'n' Seconds Records / Universal Island Records
|}

== Walk Off the Earth version ==
{{Infobox song
| name       = Somebody That I Used to Know
| cover      = WOTE_-_Somebody_That_I_Used_single.jpg
| alt        = Central image is a charicature of a guitar being played by numerous hands. The band's name is in large lettering across the top and the single's name in small letterubg across the bottom.
| type       = single
| artist     = Walk Off the Earth
| album      = R.E.V.O.
| released   = {{Start date|df=y|2012|01|06}}
| format     = CD single, digital download
| recorded   = 2012
| studio     =
| venue      =
| genre      = {{Flatlist|
* Indie rock
* acoustic rock
}}
| label      = Columbia
| writer     = Wally de Backer
| producer   = Gianni Luminati
| prev_title =
| prev_year  =
| next_title = Red Hands
| next_year  = 2012
}}

In January 2012, Canadian indie rock group Walk Off the Earth uploaded a cover of "Somebody That I Used to Know" to YouTube. Their version uses a single guitar played simultaneously by all five band members. As of April 2012, the song had sold 187,000 units in the United States.<ref name="Smirke">{{cite web |last=Smirke |first=Richard |title=Gotye's Smash Hit Almost Didn't Happen |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/495278/gotyes-smash-hit-almost-didnt-happen |work=Billboard |accessdate=14 April 2012 |date=13 April 2012 }}</ref>

=== Track listing ===
* CD single<ref name="Walkoff">{{cite web |title=Walk Off The Earth – 'Somebody That I Used to Know' |url=http://www.sonymusic.de/Walk-Off-The-Earth/Somebody-That-I-Used-To-Know/P/2643359/B/88691970812 |publisher=Sony Music Entertainment Germany GmbH |accessdate=6 May 2012 |language=German |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130217072353/http://www.sonymusic.de/Walk-Off-The-Earth/Somebody-That-I-Used-To-Know/P/2643359/B/88691970812 |archivedate=17 February 2013  }}</ref>
# "Somebody That I Used to Know" – 4:08
# "Somebody That I Used to Know" (Music video) – 4:25
* CD maxi-single<ref name="Walkoff"/>
# "Somebody That I Used to Know" – 4:08
# "Money Tree" – 3:13
# "Joan and Bobby" – 3:38
# "From Me to You" – 1:48
# "Somebody That I Used to Know" (Video) – 4:25

{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

===Charts===
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!scope="col"|Chart (2012)
!scope="col"|Peak<br/>position
|-
|-
|-
|-
|-
|-
|-
|-
|-
|-
|-
|-
! scope="row"|UK Singles (Official Charts Company)<ref name="Chart Stats">{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Somebody%20That%20I%20Used%20To%20Know |title=Walk off the Earth – 'Somebody That I Used to Know' |publisher=The Official Charts Company |accessdate=13 February 2012 |df= }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| 80
|-
! scope="row"|United States (Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles)
| style="text-align:center;"| 9
|}

===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2012)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| Canada (Canadian Hot 100)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2012/canadian-hot-100|title=Canadian Hot 100 – Year-End 2012|work=Billboard}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| 96
|}

=== Certifications ===
{{certification Table Top}}
{{certification Table Bottom}}
{{col-end}}

== ''Glee'' Cast version ==
{{Infobox song
| name       = Somebody That I Used to Know
| cover      = STIUTK.png
| alt        =
| type       = single
| artist     = ''Glee'' Cast
| album      =
| released   = 10 April 2012
| format     = Digital download
| recorded   = 2012
| studio     =
| venue      =
| genre      = Pop
| length     = 4:06
| label      = Columbia
| writer     = Wally de Backer
| producer   =
| prev_title =
| prev_year  =
| next_title =
| next_year  =
}}

The song was covered in the ''Glee'' episode "Big Brother" and performed by Darren Criss (as Blaine Anderson) and Matt Bomer (as Cooper Anderson). It sold 152,000 digital downloads in its first week of release and debuted on the Digital Songs chart at number 10 and the Hot 100 at number 26.<ref name="Billboard"/>

=== Charts ===
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!scope="col"|Chart (2012)
!scope="col"|Peak<br/>position
|-
{{singlechart|Canada|21|artist=Glee|song=Somebody That I used To Know|artistid={{BBID|Glee}}|accessdate=5 July 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|UKchartstats|48|artist=Glee|song=Somebody That I used To Know|songid=51140|accessdate=5 July 2012|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardhot100|26|artist=Glee|song=Somebody That I used To Know|artistid={{BBID|Glee}}|accessdate=5 July 2012|rowheader=true}}
|}
{{clear}}

== Mayday Parade version ==
{{Infobox song
| name       = Somebody That I Used to Know
| cover      = Somebody That I Used to Know.png
| alt        =
| type       = single
| artist     = Mayday Parade featuring Vic Fuentes
| album      = Punk Goes Pop 5
| released   = {{Start date|df=y|2012|10|16}}
| format     = digital download, radio airplay
| recorded   = 2012
| studio     =
| venue      =
| genre      = {{Flatlist|
* Alternative rock
* pop punk
}}
| label      = Fearless
| writer     = Wally de Backer
| producer   =
| chronology = Mayday Parade
| prev_title = When You See My Friends
| prev_year  = 2011
| next_title = Ghosts
| next_year  = 2013
}}

The alternative rock band Mayday Parade released a cover of this song featuring Pierce The Veil's lead vocalist Vic Fuentes for the fifth edition of the compilation album ''Punk Goes Pop'', which features bands of the punk, alternative, and hardcore genres covering hit pop songs. Their cover became the first single from a ''Punk Goes...'' compilation album to chart on a ''Billboard'' chart, reaching number 18 on US Rock Songs.

=== Charts ===
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!scope="col"|Chart (2012)
!scope="col"|Peak<br/>position
|-
! scope="row"|US Rock Songs<ref>{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=mayday parade|chart=Rock Songs}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|18
|-
! scope="row"|US Heatseekers Songs<ref>{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=mayday parade|chart=Heatseekers Songs}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|19
|}

== See also ==
{{div col}}
* List of Airplay 100 number ones of the 2010s
* List of best-selling singles
* List of best-selling singles in Australia
* List of best-selling singles in the United States
* List of million-selling singles in the United Kingdom
* List of number-one singles of 2011 (Australia)
* List of Ultratop 50 number-one singles of 2011
* List of number-one singles from the 2010s (New Zealand)
* List of Dutch Top 40 number-one singles of 2011
* List of number-one hits of 2011 (Germany)
* List of number-one hits of 2012 (Austria)
* List of number-one singles of 2012 (Poland)
* List of number-one singles of 2012 (Ireland)
* List of number-one singles of 2012 (UK)
* List of number-one Billboard Alternative Songs of 2012
* List of number-one dance singles of 2012 (U.S.)
* List of number-one dance airplay hits of 2012 (U.S.)
* List of number-one digital songs of 2012 (U.S.)
* List of Hot 100 number-one singles of 2012 (U.S.)
* List of Hot 100 number-one singles of 2012 (Canada)
* List of Danish number-one hits of 2012
* List of number-one hits of 2012 (Italy)
* List of number-one hits of 2012 (France)
* List of number-one singles of 2012 (Finland)
* List of number-one singles of 2012 (Sweden)
* List of Mainstream Top 40 number-one hits of 2012 (U.S.)
* List of Adult Top 40 number-one singles of 2012
* List of Billboard Adult Contemporary number ones of 2012 and 2013 (U.S.)
{{div col end}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==

{{Navboxes
| title = Awards for 'Somebody That I Used to Know'
| titlestyle = background: lightblue
| list1 =
}}

[[Category:Internet memes]]

{{Sourceattribution|Somebody That I Used to Know|1}}