Leonard Cohen’s “Everybody Knows” is a gritty, brutally honest commentary on society and the state of the world. It’s a song that doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, laying bare the disparities, corruption, and injustices that are often glossed over. Cohen, with his characteristic deep voice and somber tone, paints a picture of a world where ideals have been compromised and cynicism reigns supreme. He highlights the corruption in politics, the inevitability of death, and the façade of relationships.
Ready for a dose of reality? Leonard Cohen’s ‘Everybody Knows’ doesn’t hold back, offering a raw, unfiltered look at society.
“Everybody Knows” Lyrics Meaning
Leonard Cohen starts with a clear declaration, ‘Everybody knows that the dice are loaded.’ This immediately underscores the predetermined nature of many aspects of life. It paints a picture of a world where the outcome is pre-decided, games are rigged, and a common man’s struggle is real. When he says, ‘Everybody knows the good guys lost,’ he’s speaking to the moral decay, where right doesn’t always triumph.
The next verse, ‘Everybody knows that the boat is leaking, Everybody knows that the captain lied,’ speaks of leadership and how often those in power may be dishonest or misleading. This can be a reflection on political leaders or anyone in a position of authority who’s failed those they lead.
When Cohen delves into personal relationships with, ‘Everybody knows that you’ve been faithful, Oh, give or take a night or two,’ he’s acknowledging the imperfections that exist even in intimate relationships. Even as love is professed, there’s recognition of infidelity or indiscretions.
The line, ‘Everybody knows the deal is rotten, Old Black Joe’s still picking cotton,’ touches upon deep-rooted racial injustices and how even in modern times, remnants of past atrocities and inequalities persist.
‘Everybody knows the plague is coming,’ is eerily prophetic. It speaks to the looming threats that society faces, be it diseases, societal decay, or moral degradation. And with, ‘Everybody knows the scene is dead, But there’s gonna be a meter on your bed,’ Cohen touches on commercialism, where even the most personal aspects of life, like love or intimacy, are commodified.
The line about ‘the bloody cross on top of Calvary To the beach of Malibu’ is a poignant juxtaposition of religious imagery with the luxury of places like Malibu, pointing out societal contrasts and perhaps the commercialization of religion itself.
The Story Behind “Everybody Knows”
Leonard Cohen was known for his deep, contemplative music and “Everybody Knows” is no exception. Released in 1988, the song came at a time when the world was grappling with numerous social and political issues. Cohen, with his ability to distill complex issues into poignant lyrics, captured the zeitgeist of the era.
At this point in his life, Cohen was no stranger to the complexities and disappointments of life. His music often reflected his own struggles and observations of the world around him. “Everybody Knows” can be seen as a culmination of these reflections, a raw and unfiltered look at society.
The song’s enduring popularity speaks to its universality and the timeless nature of the issues it addresses. It’s a reminder of Cohen’s genius and his ability to connect with listeners on a deep, visceral level.