“Everybody Talks” by Neon Trees is about the power and sometimes disruptive nature of gossip and rumors in a relationship. It paints a picture of a romantic connection tainted by idle chatter and the difficulty of navigating love amid external interference. While the song doesn’t necessarily identify a specific person it’s about, the lyrics hint at a past romance and the fallout due to uncontrolled talk. The song highlights the yearning for a genuine connection but is also a commentary on how “talk” can be both addictive and damaging.
Hungry for a deep dive into this catchy tune? Keep reading and get all the juicy details!
“Everybody Talks” Lyrics Meaning
“Hey, baby, won’t you look my way? I can be your new addiction…”
From the get-go, there’s a strong desire to grab attention and establish a connection. But it’s not just any connection; it’s likened to an addiction – intense and consuming.
“Hey, baby, what you gotta say? All you’re giving me is fiction…”
Despite the yearning, there’s frustration. Communication is clouded, not transparent. Instead of truths, there’s “fiction” – possibly deceit or rumors.
“I found out that everybody talks, everybody talks, everybody talks…”
Here lies the song’s central theme: the omnipresence of gossip. News spreads fast, no matter how private a moment might feel (like a whisper or a kiss).
“It started with a whisper, And that was when I kissed her…”
A private, intimate moment between two people becomes public knowledge. This escalation from a whisper to loud talk indicates how quickly rumors can spread and grow.
“I could hear the chit-chat; take me to your love shack…”
The “chit-chat” here suggests that rumors and talks aren’t just background noise; they’re invasive and can influence one’s actions.
“Mama’s always gotta back-track, When everybody talks back…”
It’s interesting to bring up the “Mama” figure, perhaps indicating that even close confidants or family members can’t avoid the pull of gossip.
“Hey honey, you could be my drug; you could be my new prescription…”
Again, the addictive nature of both love and gossip surfaces. But with any addiction, there’s the risk of overdose – too much of anything can be harmful.
“Never thought I’d live to see the day When everybody’s words got in the way…”
A lamentation on the power of words. How something as seemingly innocuous as talk can become a significant roadblock in a relationship.
The Story Behind “Everybody Talks”
Neon Trees, with their eclectic mix of pop-rock and electronic sounds, often delve into personal experiences, and “Everybody Talks” is no exception. While the exact inspiration behind the song is not overtly documented, the lyrics reflect universal sentiments.
In the world of relationships and dating, words, rumors, and gossip play a significant role. Talk, especially negative or baseless talk, can quickly sour a relationship. The songwriter might’ve been reflecting on a past romance tainted by gossip or a personal experience of seeing how chatter affected relationships around them.
Music, at its core, is about connection and communication. Through “Everybody Talks,” Neon Trees might be commenting on the irony of how sometimes the very means of connection (words and talks) can be what drives people apart. It’s a reflection and a cautionary tale about the perils of giving into rumors and not valuing genuine, personal experiences over hearsay.