First, I have to admit that I heard “Somewhere Only We Know” by the English rock band, Keane, during the final scenes of the movie, “He’s Just Not That Into You.” This was back in 2010 for me. I thought the music, lyrics and vocals were beautiful and trendy – all wrapped into one song. After a few years, I’ve come to listen to it more and more, walking away with several feelings about it. There are days when it makes me feel lovey dovey and there are days when it makes me feel sad and nostalgic. I suppose it depends on who I’m thinking about with each specific listen to the tune.

A few weeks ago, I decided to do a Google search for some chords to play my own version on the piano. I love testing songs by rock bands on the piano by stripping away all of the other instruments and arrangements. If the song still rocks – well, then you know you have an awesome song! Such is the case with Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know.” There are some very cool chord changes in the song without making the melody too complex. I’m also a huge fan of the fact that this band uses the piano as a main instrumental feature!

On a personal level, the song reminds me of a few people in my life. Again, it depends on whether I spin the words to be positive or less than optimistic. At times, I interpret the words to be about a relationship that once had a peak and is now facing a fork in the road. We’ve probably all been there with someone at some point. Of course, the song implies that there’s hope for love in making the time to talk and get lost in reveling over the good times. That’s what makes it a great song, in my opinion. There’s a sense of raw sincerity about the ups and down in a relationship.