Someone I Used to Know by Zac Brown Band

Album: The Owl (2018)

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Zac Brown Band's first new song since their 2017 Welcome Home album finds Zac Brown reflecting on finally being able to move on from the person he used to be in favor of becoming the one that he actually is.

It's been a long time comin'
Couldn't keep on runnin'
Had to hit rock bottom to know
When you keep on losin' with the path you're choosin'
Then it's time to let go
Of someone that I used to know

The song was written by Zac Brown Band with Canadian pop star Shawn Mendes. The collaboration came about following their hookup in September 2018 on CMT's Crossroads, the music channel's concert series that pairs country stars with artists from a different genre.
Zac Brown Band performed the song for the first time during the November 9, 2018 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Zac Brown explained at the end of the song's music video that "Someone I Used to Know" is a reminder that people "don't have to be alone in what they feel." He added that he has a personal connection to its theme of moving on from the person he used to be.

"This song is me facing that part of myself, of where I want to go and not where I've been," Brown said. "I would encourage people that when they feel they have a need, or they have a voice that's telling them to face something, it's a sign of strength to ask for help and to face the things that are really hard. That's what defines you: Overcoming those things."
Zac Brown told Billboard the song is "really personal" to him and came out of an awakening he had in 2018 where he wanted to dedicate his time to "all the things that really add value to my life and analyze the things that didn't."

He added that it's a song "born out of strength and born out of being something better than you were."

Comments: 4

Darlene from FloridaOkay Heather no you're absolutely wrong it is nothing like Gotye, have you watched the music video? Did you even read the lyrics? I really think you should reconsider this song, because I love this song!! The lyrics are written in such a beautiful way, its so authentic his words, you can feel the energy he shares. When an artist expresses their experience with the reality of who they used to be, or who they were and that lifestyle or that person, was not who they could be to the fulfillest potential that they could be. the artist is relating to everyone that has gone through the exact same emotional state of mind. Providing strength to the ones who are experiencing what the artist is expressing. There is nothing inappropriate about this song and it is something that displays a lot of vulnerability. The artist who wrote these vulnerable feelings are a very courageous person to be able to share with the world and give everyone the ability to heal with who they used to be. They are my hero! Hands down, I will defend this song against blasphemy. They are truly talented these artist.
Phil from LouisianaHeather, no one owns a phrase. And the Gotye song sucked. Glad Zac made a song that didn't.
What’s Heather Smoking from Bostonthis literally could not be more different from Gotye’s song. I don’t know what Heather W. Is on about. “Shameful copying?” That’s like saying Pink Floyd, Post Malone, and Rihanna all copied Barry Manilow with “stay.” It’s just a title, check out the actual songs.
Heather W. from Franklin InUm...gotye wrote the song "somebody that I used to know" about 8 years ago or so. I have a hard time believing he's trying to say it had no influence on this song. Give credit where it's due and come up with some original material next time. Shameful copying.

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