I think the song is about impostor syndrome. Someone who clearly is successful, but feels like a grifter. He continuously tries to uncover his honesty, but each time there is too much that holds him back.
It pains me that people are finding out his other songs after he disappeared, he would probably still be making music if "Somebody That I Used to Know" didn't steal the spotlight. When I was younger my mom turned on some music, and it wasn't something I recognized, but I liked it, and as a kid it was easier to try new things.
I don't thinks this song is about prostitution, but I understand why some of you think that. To me this song is about someone who desperately wants the achieve success in order to become something in the eyes of the world. The person throws themselves away, or 'sells themselves to others' in order to become the person others will admire and respect. However, it is all a facade or smoke and mirrors game in which the person puts on quite a show to present a likeable image and mask the real person inside who might be less admirable. The video depicts this by having the man switch his image to appease his audience.
Pleasuring other people can been seen in a big spectrum. I think of someone who is always trying to "entertaine" people. Have you ever heard of a "people pleaser" for example? m.wikihow.com/Stop-Being-a-People-Pleaser #check the link :)
I love how on all his songs it’s all positive comments, it shows that he is a real artist cause he sets a good impression for his fans and everyone who leaves a comment, we need more people like this with exposing problems and art :)
as a musician myself, he also is an inspiration on sticking with who you are. humble, 100% about art, yes it can prevail. there's a game of music business only if you play it. Gotye just made great art, feels good he is revered for that. comments about sensitive people to good art, the world still has depth after all ! :)
Damn, I just remembered how much I loved this song. At one point I remember relating to it so much, and now I realize that the reason why was because I was so scared that behind all the masks and the layers there was not enough me left to make a whole person. Gotye's music still speaks to my soul tbh
I view the song as a heart to heart with oneself, Imagine, he's singing to himself in the mirror, about his own flaws and imperfections he tries to hide from himself by lying to the world but at the end of the day he can't fool himself.
This song is clearly about his feelings about being a performer and how he wants to please everyone and give enjoyment but the price of fame is making him feel like an imposter --- The line about Mother is how far back his need to entertain and please goes -- sort of like when a child says Hey Mom look at me
This song says that you pretend to be someone or someting youre not rather than yourself just to feel welcomed by others even if you dont like it and you do it so much that you even forget of the person you used to be.
Wally, I confess, that each time I watched you perform this during a concert, I wasn't actually watching you--I was watching the screen. These visual effects are exquisite: simple yet mesmerizing--thanks for engaging every sense during your shows!
somebody is more relatable because the lyrics deal with heartbreak and human relationship, add a mainstream background music piece and youve got a recipe for a hit song. thats why adele is so successful. i have to admit i dont really enjoy his other works as much because i do like mainstream music. but he does have some songs i like besides somebody, like save me and eyes wide open.
Went to his concert when this album came out and his performance on stage was like nothing I have seen before. The man was a 1 person show playing multiple instruments while singing and running back and forth to each instrument. Amazing 👏 I have yet to see anyone like him on stage.
For some reason, when listening to this album 10+ years ago, whenever listening to this particular song, I always used to think of Britney Spears. Not because of anything to do with her, but rather because she was my mind's representation of the music industry. Funny how the mind works :)
I think it's about lying to your own self about who and what you really are. And you now the only way to break free is to be yourself, but you've been pretending for too long and now you don't even know who you really are. Trying to please people, trying to like yourself by thinking completely different about yourself, trying to change yourself into someone who you aren't and will never be, only to find yourself being a completely lost person.
To all the people that want to experience this song for real, play "Official Audio" version, sounds 10 times better. The soundstage is wild. The man is a genious! Cheersx
This song is so beautiful it is like being in the heavens and being able to leap from cloud to cloud ecstatically with no fears at all of falling. Pure bliss.
Ah, but that's how life seems sometimes, as if we're going in circles and repeating the same patterns and learning the same things about ourselves, over and over.
People out there, listening to these songs...Maybe people who think and feel a bit different than mainstream...Maybe people sick of masquerades...I'd be happy to get to know you, feel a bit lonesome in "my world" sometimes...
The beauty of this song is it can be very easily interpreted by anyone. That's what most modern music is lacking nowadays. Art can be interpreted by anyone in a infinite number of ways. This is art for your ears.
please come back to us, it doesn't matter if it's not as good, the art inside of your soul is priceless, beyond ratings, beyond reviews, we love you so much brother
ain't about the depth my man, i can write some shit that has a basic sense of cohesion and implies a significant depth, it's the beautiful way he shows it through an appealing sound, mixing it with some lyrics that only vaguely point the listener in the right direction, leaving empty space for personal interpretation
Compulsive liars... They don't even mean to lie anymore, it's just become a habit. The lies have become who they are. A fraud. A fake. I've known too many of these kinds of people.
+Kairi Wintearia I am becoming one myself. And for the record, I am not proud admitting it. For me it is the overall low self confidense and critique, given from outer sources or not. So, basically I lie because I can't stand being myself. Edit: so the point was, we're not all evil. And sorry for sharing so much. I was pretty drunk at that moment, like that's an excuse.
I am not even going to try to pretend I understand the video... love the music... it is so rich, like a nice cake with strawberries and cream... Love it.
Deep songs like this with actual affliction to a story and plotline makes the person whos watching actually pay attention to the song in my opinion this is better then most meaningless music with monotonous repetitive catchy lyrics that really are just blissful noise. If you take time on a song like this one Its just going to be good unlike pop music.
You're a fraud and you know it But it's too good to throw it all away Anyone would do the same You've got 'em going And you're careful not to show it Sometimes you even fool yourself a bit It's like magic But it's always been a smoke and mirrors game Anyone would do the same So now that you've arrived well you wonder What is it that you've done to make the grade And should you do the same? (Is that too easy?) Are you only trying to please them (Will they see then?) You're desperate to deliver Anything that could give you A sense of reassurance When you look in the mirror Such highs and lows You put on quite a show All these highs and lows And you're never really sure What you do it for Well do you even want to know? You put on quite a show (Mother) Are you watching? Are you watching? (Mother) Are you watching? (Mother) You're a fraud and you know it And every night and day you take the stage And it always entertains You're giving pleasure And that's admirable, you tell yourself And so you'd gladly sell yourself To others (Mother) Are you watching? (Mother) Are you watching? (Mother) Are you watching? (Mother) Are you watching? Such highs and lows You put on quite a show All these highs and lows And you're never really sure What you do it for Well do you even want to know? Yeah you put on quite a show
Smoke in the mirrors, so true of us all! A light hearted show about us all. It is all a big show for whoever you are. To be clever you have to be extra clever, to be an idiot you have to be a bigger idiot etc etc
Todas as respostas estão na nossa cabeça, os olhos nos mostram oque tem fora, porem oque esta dentro está em camadas de voce mesmo, tem vários de voce, cada um com um sentimento e de uma forma diferente, cada vez que nos libertamos renovamos o nosso ser , quando se liberta a mente voce esta se ariscando mas tem uma parte sua que diz para que prossiga, afinal não somos postos no mundo já com tudo descoberto e as as claras. se não nos ariscarmos para descobrir nunca vamos saber, afinal oque nós resta se não aprender cada dia a mais? somos oque queremos ser mas nao deixamos der ser quem realmente somos.
we need a comeback from Gotye. The universe need a comeback from Gotye.
True
Yes
OMG YESSS
spetialy now
look on his website and you’ll see an album in production :)
I think the song is about impostor syndrome. Someone who clearly is successful, but feels like a grifter. He continuously tries to uncover his honesty, but each time there is too much that holds him back.
That's probably why it was used in suits
Among us
mabe that is why he gone on hiatus for 8 years :O
im going fucking insane
instablaster
I've been going through all of gotye's songs and so far they are all kind of sad, but very beautiful.
@@crozdwirez Almost?
im 6 years late to your comment and agree. man i miss gotye 😢
True true
i’m high right now and all his songs are making me feel some type of way😍
So so very beautiful
This guy is such a good artist.
Like, seriously.
How am I just finding out about his other songs??
Like seriously!
It's Said 😪👁️🗨️ 'So Sad'
Suits.
Like seriously!
It pains me that people are finding out his other songs after he disappeared, he would probably still be making music if "Somebody That I Used to Know" didn't steal the spotlight. When I was younger my mom turned on some music, and it wasn't something I recognized, but I liked it, and as a kid it was easier to try new things.
I know
Onions, have layers. HUMANS, have layers.
I laughed a little too much.
IDK it makes sense...
Hello Doc
Ogres have layers.
We all have layers!
I miss Gotye
Drellistenstomusic what happen to him?
olivia omo he is in australia making an album with his old band
Same
what happened to him? IS HE OK?
@@lilycinnamon1172 can you read
Mix of my 3 most favorite things in the world, symbolism, surrealism and god damn good music
Me too bro, also, im painting your icon right now, that bird except on a yellow background ;)
It's my bands logo (at least for now) glad you are. I love painters, sadly i myself can't draw a stickman
Lol and i wish i could play music. You got good taste and a good eye so im sure you guys' stuff is great
Please dont use God as a cuss word
+mikki zabella Thanks for sending a positive message
I don't thinks this song is about prostitution, but I understand why some of you think that. To me this song is about someone who desperately wants the achieve success in order to become something in the eyes of the world. The person throws themselves away, or 'sells themselves to others' in order to become the person others will admire and respect. However, it is all a facade or smoke and mirrors game in which the person puts on quite a show to present a likeable image and mask the real person inside who might be less admirable. The video depicts this by having the man switch his image to appease his audience.
I agree.
but what about when he said you're givin pleasure
Pleasuring other people can been seen in a big spectrum. I think of someone who is always trying to "entertaine" people. Have you ever heard of a "people pleaser" for example? m.wikihow.com/Stop-Being-a-People-Pleaser #check the link :)
Jeanine Pluimers good explanation, i get your point of view
that is why it is played on the t.v. show, suits :p
I love how on all his songs it’s all positive comments, it shows that he is a real artist cause he sets a good impression for his fans and everyone who leaves a comment, we need more people like this with exposing problems and art :)
as a musician myself, he also is an inspiration on sticking with who you are. humble, 100% about art, yes it can prevail. there's a game of music business only if you play it. Gotye just made great art, feels good he is revered for that. comments about sensitive people to good art, the world still has depth after all ! :)
It's very moving and insightful when he says, Mother! Are you watching?? That gives the clue to the whole song.
Amanda Burlington
Perceptive pov
Ben Davies yes
reminds me of dandy from AHS lmao-
elaborate
50 layers of gotye
Damn, I just remembered how much I loved this song. At one point I remember relating to it so much, and now I realize that the reason why was because I was so scared that behind all the masks and the layers there was not enough me left to make a whole person.
Gotye's music still speaks to my soul tbh
"there was not enough me left to make a whole person." GD we living in 2050 while thinking about GOTYE music videos.
Incredibly deep thought! Very underrated
Gotye's music is so diverse and each song is rich in its own fashion. He never fails to please.
I view the song as a heart to heart with oneself, Imagine, he's singing to himself in the mirror, about his own flaws and imperfections he tries to hide from himself by lying to the world but at the end of the day he can't fool himself.
Man, he was ahead of his time.
The story of Mike Ross's life
lol
+cadettipk
This is true.
Ross'. Not Ross's
Ross' and Ross's are both applicable
they are since Ross isnt plural, it's just a name, so you can say it either way
This song is clearly about his feelings about being a performer and how he wants to please everyone and give enjoyment but the price of fame is making him feel like an imposter --- The line about Mother is how far back his need to entertain and please goes -- sort of like when a child says Hey Mom look at me
This song says that you pretend to be someone or someting youre not rather than yourself just to feel welcomed by others even if you dont like it and you do it so much that you even forget of the person you used to be.
It’s August 2014. This song is blasting on the radio. Times were simpler. Times were happier.
this is the real 100 layers,
more like infinity layers
This still sounds so good a decade later...come back soon Wally!!!
Really makes you think. Not just about sell out artists or other people who fall into this trap but it's a personal reflection of ones self.
His music is so introspective and deep thinking. Amazing musical artist.
Wally, I confess, that each time I watched you perform this during a concert, I wasn't actually watching you--I was watching the screen. These visual effects are exquisite: simple yet mesmerizing--thanks for engaging every sense during your shows!
Simple genius!
The lyrics, the art, imaginations and thoughts all are work of a pure genius. Such artists are rare to find.
This is amazing... How am I just hearing this?
I find almost all of Gotye's work great, Somebody that I used to know isnt the best but for some reason it became popular as fuck in its moment.
somebody is more relatable because the lyrics deal with heartbreak and human relationship, add a mainstream background music piece and youve got a recipe for a hit song. thats why adele is so successful. i have to admit i dont really enjoy his other works as much because i do like mainstream music. but he does have some songs i like besides somebody, like save me and eyes wide open.
It just hit 1 Billion views
Cuz they added a dance beat to it, and it’s depressing, but high energy.
Its easily relatable, and a very common relation. Its also catchy, recipe for success
Can't believe I slept on his music my gosh! Definitely one of a kind in his genre of music...to me!
Went to his concert when this album came out and his performance on stage was like nothing I have seen before. The man was a 1 person show playing multiple instruments while singing and running back and forth to each instrument. Amazing 👏 I have yet to see anyone like him on stage.
You eventually lose yourself when you exist to please others
@Michelle Vill this sounds so profound
I would like to listen to more of what you have to say.
Amazingly inspirational song that twists your mind. I highly recommend getting his albums on vinyl if you have a player
9 years ago? Such great song, glad I found it
This whole video is a series of amazing gifs, accompanied by great music.
For some reason, when listening to this album 10+ years ago, whenever listening to this particular song, I always used to think of Britney Spears. Not because of anything to do with her, but rather because she was my mind's representation of the music industry. Funny how the mind works :)
This man is the only hope for any decent music to be played throughout the world. Keep making great music Wally, you are a god of your domain!
This deserves more views! But surely it might be abused badly... Such treasure should not be abused :)
let's keep it for us then ;)
i love these psychedelic animations
Yeah... Me too..... Describes the whole song clearly.....
No conocía este grupo. Escuché esta canción en la serie "Suits" y me ha encantado!! Jodidamente buena.
Apenas empeze la serie ase un par de semanas, season 2 already cuando se puede.
he sounds so natural here. i love everything he does :>
the visual is not boring, it's hypnotic
Watching an episode of Suits brought me here. Lovely song indeed.
When Mike realised that Jessica knows
I think it's about lying to your own self about who and what you really are. And you now the only way to break free is to be yourself, but you've been pretending for too long and now you don't even know who you really are. Trying to please people, trying to like yourself by thinking completely different about yourself, trying to change yourself into someone who you aren't and will never be, only to find yourself being a completely lost person.
hell of a lot more original than most music videos....one of the best shows I have ever seen too, saw him at the Greek in LA, life altering
To all the people that want to experience this song for real, play "Official Audio" version, sounds 10 times better. The soundstage is wild. The man is a genious!
Cheersx
This song is so beautiful it is like being in the heavens and being able to leap from cloud to cloud ecstatically with no fears at all of falling. Pure bliss.
Ah, but that's how life seems sometimes, as if we're going in circles and repeating the same patterns and learning the same things about ourselves, over and over.
Recently discovered his music, love it!!
People out there, listening to these songs...Maybe people who think and feel a bit different than mainstream...Maybe people sick of masquerades...I'd be happy to get to know you, feel a bit lonesome in "my world" sometimes...
"All these highs and lows
And you're never really sure
What you do it for
Well do you even want to know?"
I felt that.
when the world needed him most he disapeared
God, this such an underrated and awesome song
Gotye, come to Brazil , please ! YOU ARE MY HERO OF MUSIC !
Sometimes it is easier to relate to a sadder song. Life is constantly trying to bring us down. Gotye is a Great Artist
I used to think this song was his best one yet, but then I wonder around and find other songs of his and I change my mind. All his work is gold.
This is delirium in its pure form
I am spooked, thank god my mother is watching
I wish you could make a comeback.I miss your presence in the music scene man!!
He’s in a band, he’s kinda gone gangway on his solo music
@@ataraxiastemple what band??
This is probably my second favorite song by Gotye. You probably already know my favorite.
of course suits.
Indeed!!!
Same here😇
Yep!
same
The beauty of this song is it can be very easily interpreted by anyone. That's what most modern music is lacking nowadays. Art can be interpreted by anyone in a infinite number of ways. This is art for your ears.
I think it's about how where all fake we all put on a mask and we do it to be a part of the group and to please others
We do it to survive
This man is art itself!! Smh, take ya time gotye we are patiently waiting for you to return.. MENTAL HEALTH ABOVE ANYTHING ELSE.. 💕💕
This sounds so inspirational and relaxing. THIS is the music we need. Man, this feeds the soul. Such a great song ♥
I'm rewatching suits with my girlfriend and heard this song. What a great piece.
Love this song. Great message in the lyrics
please come back to us, it doesn't matter if it's not as good, the art inside of your soul is priceless, beyond ratings, beyond reviews, we love you so much brother
So talented u have to admit....the music and visual are just awesome
Gotye's songs are always so deep, and yet unfortunately underappreciated and overlooked in the U.S. :(
ain't about the depth my man, i can write some shit that has a basic sense of cohesion and implies a significant depth, it's the beautiful way he shows it through an appealing sound, mixing it with some lyrics that only vaguely point the listener in the right direction, leaving empty space for personal interpretation
OVERLOOKED IN THE US?!? He is well acknowledged here and I hope I've done my part to spread the word.
@@graphictank me too
What ever happened to Gotye? I felt his style was refreshing and unique.
Basically pausing his solo project Gotye and back to his band, The Basics
most tunes of Gotye are deep.not for fools
*fools
No, definitely not for birds..."
+Pawknee123 That is spelled fowl not foul.
Fowl- A domestic hen or cock
Foul- A disgusting odar
city3015 Sorry but I am a foul and not a deep like you
This video is actually highly unnerving.
Yeah, exactly
I don't even know why I responded to you, it's not like you'll see this, it's a comment from 4 YEARS ago
The video, music and lyrics have something in common with each others. All of them have a lot of layers
you forgot about onions
Wow. This is beautifully done. I couldn't keep my eyes off of this video and the song is exquisite all in itself.
If you hear this song in 2020, that means you have become crazy
Nah I'm pretty sane hhhh corona is crazy 🤪
@@yaoilover496I am sure that you are beautiful but at the same time crazy 😏😏😏😏
@@القرآنالكريمربيعالقلوب-ت8ذ lol I didn't say that I'm beautiful 😂😂😂😂now you sound 🤪
@@yaoilover496 You are right, I am so mad that I confuse words 😔😔😔😔
To those looking, he’s in a band called The Basics
One of best thing on RUclips
Damn I love Gotye
Thanks Gotye...I saw these visuals at the concert and was simply hypnotized........mesmerized....Mmmmmmm.
Gotye is a genius 😭
His songs are so much better with headphone ... a real voyage. I'm so in love with his music !
Compulsive liars... They don't even mean to lie anymore, it's just become a habit. The lies have become who they are. A fraud. A fake. I've known too many of these kinds of people.
+Kairi Wintearia THANK YOU This video makes so much sense now!
sounds like me...how would i go to get help with a compulsive lieng disorder?
Tommee Sheppard therapist
+Kairi Wintearia He's lying.
+Kairi Wintearia I am becoming one myself. And for the record, I am not proud admitting it. For me it is the overall low self confidense and critique, given from outer sources or not. So, basically I lie because I can't stand being myself.
Edit: so the point was, we're not all evil. And sorry for sharing so much. I was pretty drunk at that moment, like that's an excuse.
I am not even going to try to pretend I understand the video... love the music... it is so rich, like a nice cake with strawberries and cream... Love it.
I don't remember the last time I saw something so beautiful ❤❤❤
Gotye's music is deep
i want to sink in this song forever
Deep songs like this with actual affliction to a story and plotline makes the person whos watching actually pay attention to the song in my opinion this is better then most meaningless music with monotonous repetitive catchy lyrics that really are just blissful noise. If you take time on a song like this one Its just going to be good unlike pop music.
I really miss Gotye. I still listen to his truly artistic music over and over again.
You're a fraud and you know it
But it's too good to throw it all away
Anyone would do the same
You've got 'em going
And you're careful not to show it
Sometimes you even fool yourself a bit
It's like magic
But it's always been a smoke and mirrors game
Anyone would do the same
So now that you've arrived well you wonder
What is it that you've done to make the grade
And should you do the same?
(Is that too easy?)
Are you only trying to please them
(Will they see then?)
You're desperate to deliver
Anything that could give you
A sense of reassurance
When you look in the mirror
Such highs and lows
You put on quite a show
All these highs and lows
And you're never really sure
What you do it for
Well do you even want to know?
You put on quite a show
(Mother)
Are you watching?
Are you watching?
(Mother)
Are you watching?
(Mother)
You're a fraud and you know it
And every night and day you take the stage
And it always entertains
You're giving pleasure
And that's admirable, you tell yourself
And so you'd gladly sell yourself
To others
(Mother)
Are you watching?
(Mother)
Are you watching?
(Mother)
Are you watching?
(Mother)
Are you watching?
Such highs and lows
You put on quite a show
All these highs and lows
And you're never really sure
What you do it for
Well do you even want to know?
Yeah you put on quite a show
Thanks
Devika Raju you’re most welcome!!! 🙏🏿
love that those birds appeared on the tour merch. my favorite live performance, favorite gotye song, and favorite T-shirt all in one.
Smoke in the mirrors, so true of us all! A light hearted show about us all. It is all a big show for whoever you are. To be clever you have to be extra clever, to be an idiot you have to be a bigger idiot etc etc
The percussion at the end is perfection!
I was completely mesmerized by the video :?
gotye is amazing
Love it. The animator Lucinda interpreted the song so interestingly and I love it.
Gotye's MVs always give me the vibe of those Rusty Lake games and other mystery games like Machinarium...and the lyrics...God....
I. Love. It.
This was mesmerizing at the concert
Such an underrated song
Slightly hypnotic... I got lost somewhere I don't know.
Todas as respostas estão na nossa cabeça, os olhos nos mostram oque tem fora, porem oque esta dentro está em camadas de voce mesmo, tem vários de voce, cada um com um sentimento e de uma forma diferente, cada vez que nos libertamos renovamos o nosso ser , quando se liberta a mente voce esta se ariscando mas tem uma parte sua que diz para que prossiga, afinal não somos postos no mundo já com tudo descoberto e as as claras. se não nos ariscarmos para descobrir nunca vamos saber, afinal oque nós resta se não aprender cada dia a mais? somos oque queremos ser mas nao deixamos der ser quem realmente somos.
The video is so simple yet so freakishly brilliant
"freakishly brilliant" Yes.
Re-entering my middle school phase means listening to every Gotye song everyday
Perfect