I have this tendency to become obsessed with the things I like. I become obsessed with a certain preacher – listening to their podcasts every week, reading the books they’ve written, following them on Twitter. But I do this with other things, too. Sometimes it’s a certain movie or tv show or novel. Sometimes it’s a song.
Right now it’s a song. Right now it’s Gotye’s “Somebody that I used to know.” I first heard it on American Idol (one of my tv obsessions), and then it was covered on Glee (another obsession). I bought the single the other day and occasionally I just throw it on repeat on my laptop or in the car, and listen over and over and over and over…
Told you I was obsessed. My friend Amanda posted a cover of the song by an acapella group called Pentatonix on facebook the other day, and I absolutely love it. So I just had to share it in this post.
I think this song has caught me up for a number of reasons. First of all, most of us know what it is to have a broken relationship – romantic or friendship or even a member of our family. Most of us know what that “now you’re just somebody that I used to know” feeling is all about.
Second of all, I love that both sides of the story are presented in the song. First you get the guy, who is clearly bitter and still hurting. But then a female voice comes in and reminds you that there are two sides to every story. I like that. It is true, and it pushes the song beyond your average “bitter break-up” song into something more conversational and more real.
Third, I like the instrumentation on Gotye’s version of the song. It’s slightly off-centre. The xylophone and the other percussion gives the song a sense of whimsy that contrasts beautifully with raw anger and bitterness of the lyrics and vocals.
Sometimes in the world of church, we categorize music: that which is worship and that which is secular. But I have always believed that there isn’t a really clear line between the two. God has given us the gift of being capable of making and enjoying music. I believe that any time that gift is used (in a way that doesn’t cause harm), God is honored and worship occurs.
So today I am thankful for the God-given gift of music.
Rebekah's World 
Love this song and this version! Your song-obsession may have just sparked a new band obsession in me…I’m gonna have to check out these Pentatonix people.
This version by Walk of the Earth is one of my favorites. Five people, one guitar, pure amazingness.
Check out the post I just wrote about Colton Dixon’s inspiring faith on my blog! I love American Idol too, and I have been so inspired by his willingness to share his faith throughout the season.
Thanks for sharing 🙂 looking forward to reading more of your posts!
Hi there! Thanks for checking out my blog! I read your entry about Colton – he was a favorite from the beginning for me, too. I thought what you wrote was spot-on. I was so sad when Colton was eliminated, but I got goosies as he sang the lines, “He’s all I want, He’s all I need, God, you’re everything!” Blessings to you.
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I do not know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!