Introduction
When I was a kid, I found out my best friend’s cousin was in southern rock band Kings of Leon.
(I’m sure you heard of them)
As a child I didn’t really care about my friends’ connection to the band. However, now I understand the significance of this band on American music (southern indie rock) and American culture.
The other day I was listening to “Kingston” by Faye Webster (another Southern rock indie musician) on Spotify. When typing in the first few letters “kings..” made the suggestion Kings of Leon appear.
“Use Somebody” is one of their most popular songs. So, I decided to go down the rabbit hole to memory lane and revisit the feelings that connect me to that song.
Using and Losing my Youthful Innoncence
Listening to ‘Use Somebody’ takes me back to my first job at Six Flags Over Georgia. It was a staple on the amusement park’s loudspeaker that year.
As a vendor selling glow-in-the-dark sticks from a moving stand to children and families, my days were spent navigating the park, assisting visitors, and soaking in the music.
Despite its popularity, the song’s thematic fit within the amusement park ambiance always felt slightly off-kilter to me.
Nonetheless, alongside Taylor Swift’s frequent tracks, it became a soundtrack to my summer days of hard work before the school year commenced. “Roamin’ around lookin’ down at all I see” those lyrics bring me to very specific places in my mind.
I don’t miss my time at my first job but I do remember it vividly and I do of course miss the folly of youth.
Additionally, there was a time a few years ago when I heard “Use Somebody” and the lyrics really resonated with me for some odd reason I can’t remember.
Perhaps it was during the pandemic when the whole world was feeling that isolation from quarantine and everyone was feeling like they could “use somebody, someone like you”. It’s hard to describe but it was as if in that moment I understood that song more than ever in my entire life. So today I decided to do analysis of the lyrics and try to learn more about the Kings of Leon, “Use Somebody” and myself. First, here’s the lyrics for context:
Use Somebody Kings of Leon lyrics:
I’ve been roamin’ around, always lookin’ down at all I see
Painted faces fill the places I can’t reach
You know that I could use somebody
You know that I could use somebody
Someone like you and all you know and how you speak
Countless lovers under cover of the street
You know that I could use somebody
You know that I could use somebody
Someone like you
Off in the night, while you live it up, I’m off to sleep
Wagin’ wars to shape the poet and the beat
I hope it’s gonna make you notice
I hope it’s gonna make you notice
Someone like me x 3
Somebody
I’m ready now x 7
Someone like you
Somebody
Someone like you
Somebody
Someone like you
Somebody
I’ve been roamin’ around, always lookin’ down at all I see
Kings Of Leon – Use Somebody (Official Video)
Use ‘Em or Lose ‘Em
When I was teenager I didn’t really like the lyrics of this song. I didn’t like the idea of literally “using somebody” for selfish purposes. I was on a real moral high horse back then, you just had to be there.
Glad I had forgiving friends and plenty of opportunities for growth.
The reality is I was just too blind to see my own manipulative nature in how I treated those around me. I’m not nor was I perfect but I can reflect on my past and see things more clearly now. Again, the folly of youth. .
Analysis
This song is relatively short with powerful lyrics so I can probably break down all of it line by line. “Use Somebody” explores themes of loneliness, longing, and the search for connection.
The song begins with the narrator lead singer, Caleb Followill describing his sense of detachment and disconnection from the world around them.
The line “I’ve been roamin’ around, always lookin’ down at all I see” suggests a feeling of aimlessness or lack of purpose. To look down on someone or something usually means to feel that someone is less important than you or does not deserve respect.
However, I think it’s also important to consider the context of the song being written by a performer, someone whose job is to literally look down at a crowd and sing and play instruments. You can even see this in the music video for the song.
I think this can translate to “I’ve been on tour feeling restless because of the travel life, going from stage to stage looking at all the audiences”.
As someone who travels frequently as well I can relate to this feeling.
Alternatively, he could be saying that all of his life he’s been thinking selfishly about himself and ignoring others because he thinks he’s better than those around him.
Painted Faces and Facades
The line “painted faces fill the places I can’t reach” further emphasizes the narrator’s sense of isolation, as he feels unable to connect with those around them.
The phrase “painted faces” commonly seen as a metaphorical reference symbolizing the act of putting on a facade or pretending to be someone you’re not.
This lack of authenticity and honesty can be detrimental to relationships.
Kings of Leon expresses a desire for genuine connections, but recognizes that either the individuals wearing the metaphorical “painted faces” are not being transparent about their intentions, or his own tendency to judge others is hindering them from achieving the meaningful connections that they strongly desire.
Can I Use Somebody?
There are a couple of ways to interpret the next set of lyrics, as “You know that I could use somebody” is repeated twice, and I believe this repetition is intentional for several reasons. Initially, when he sings “You know that I could use somebody” for the first time, it suggests a notion that he might seek another person solely for his own selfish purposes, which is what made me hesitant about the song as a youth.
However, the repetition of this line, followed by “Someone like you and all you know and how you speak,” seems to emphasize or suggest a more positive connotation—a quest for understanding and acceptance.
Despite experiencing loneliness, the narrator deeply yearns for companionship and connection. The repeated refrain “You know that I could use somebody” highlights this desire for someone who understands and accepts them. This longing is further emphasized in the lines
“Someone like you and all you know and how you speak” and “Countless lovers under cover of the street,” suggesting that the narrator is searching for someone who shares their experiences and perspective.
Furthermore, lines “Countless lovers under cover of the street” suggest the singer could be using casual sex and/or prostitution as a means to alleviate a sense of emptiness within himself. The phrase “under cover of the street” also suggests that he encountered these women while socializing or spending time late at night in the city’s nightlife. Makes sense as a rocker too.
And then the lyrics “You know that I could use somebody” are repeated again further supporting the idea of using people as a means to an end or genuinely searching for a real connection. This also goes back to the lyrics about “painted faces fill the places I can’t reach”. These “painted faces” could be women/people he is using to fill a void that cannot be satisfied.
Yearning for Recognition
Kings of Leon’s writers loneliness is compounded by their desire to be noticed and recognized by others.
The lines “Off in the night, while you live it up, I’m off to sleep” and “Wagin’ wars to shape the poet and the beat” suggest a sense of frustration and longing for validation.
The narrator hopes that their efforts will make them stand out and be noticed by others, particularly by the person they admire.
Vulnerability and Hope
The repeated refrain “I hope it’s gonna make you notice” reflects the narrator’s vulnerability and uncertainty. Even with their longing for connection, there’s a sense of apprehension about whether their efforts will be successful. The “I hope” is desperate and sorrowful.
However, there’s also a glimmer of hope that their actions will lead to the recognition and connection they seek. The bridge of the song serves as a powerful climax, with the narrator declaring “I’m ready now” repeatedly. This can be interpreted as a declaration of readiness to open up and connect with others, despite the risks and uncertainties involved. The repetition of “Someone like you” and “Somebody” underscores the narrator’s desire for companionship and understanding.
Overall, “Use Somebody” is a poignant exploration of loneliness, longing, and the search for connection. Through its emotive lyrics and stirring melody, the song resonates with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of isolation and yearning. It captures the universal desire for companionship and recognition, making it a deeply relatable and impactful piece of music.
Musical and Compositional Elements
- Instrumentation: The song prominently features electric guitars, driven by melodic riffs and arpeggiated chords. The guitars provide both rhythm and lead elements throughout the song, creating a sense of texture and depth. The drums provide a steady beat, often building in intensity during the chorus sections. Additionally, the bass guitar provides a solid foundation, anchoring the song’s harmonic structure.
- Dynamics: “Use Somebody” employs dynamic contrasts effectively to create tension and release. The song starts with a subdued verse, featuring softer instrumentation and vocals, before building up to a more energetic and anthemic chorus. This contrast in dynamics adds emotional depth and highlights the song’s climactic moments.
- Vocals: Caleb Followill’s vocals are a defining feature of the song. His raspy and emotive voice carries a sense of yearning and vulnerability, particularly in the chorus sections where he sings the memorable hook, “You know that I could use somebody.” The vocal delivery adds a sense of urgency and longing to the lyrics, enhancing the song’s emotional impact.
- Harmony: “Use Somebody” utilizes simple yet effective harmonic progressions that contribute to its catchy and memorable melodies.
- The chord changes follow a traditional pop/rock structure, with a focus on resolving to the tonic chord during the chorus sections.
- The harmonies created by the vocal melodies and instrumental parts blend seamlessly, creating a cohesive and melodic sound.
- Production: The song’s production is polished and well-balanced, allowing each instrument and vocal part to shine through clearly. The mix maintains a sense of clarity and warmth, with a balanced blend of high and low frequencies. The production style complements the song’s anthemic quality, enhancing its emotional resonance and commercial appeal.
Bibliography and Sources Cited/References
Source: Musixmatch.
Songwriters: Matthew Followill / Jared Followill / Nathan Followill / Caleb Followill
Use Somebody by Kings of Leon lyrics © Songs Of Southside Independent Music Publishi, Music Of Windswept, Martha Street Music, Followill Music, Windswept Music, Coffee Tea Or Me Publishing, Mcfearless Music, Southside Tunes
Kings Of Leon – Use Somebody (Official Video)
Thank you for reading, check out other lyrical analysis’ at planetdarris