Everybody's Talkin'
B.Withers Lyrics
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I don't hear a word they're sayin'
Only the echoes of my mind
People stop, starin' at me
I don't even see their faces
Only the shadow of their eyes
Going where the sun keeps a-shinin'
Goin' where the weather suit's my clothes
Bankin' off the northeast wind
Sailin' on a summer breeze
Skippin' over the ocean like a stone
Why? Why, why, why? Why? Why?
Why? Why? Why?
I said, everybody keeps talkin' at me
I don't hear a word they're sayin', now
Only the echoes of my mind
People stop, starin' at me
I don't even see their faces
Only the shadow of their eyes
Skippin', skippin', skippin', skip, skip
Over the ocean like a stone
Hey, I said, why, why? Why? Why, why?
The song "Everybody's Talkin'" by B. Withers talks about a person who is lost in their mind and is unable to focus on anything that is happening around them. The person feels disconnected from the people and events around them and can only hear the echoes of their thoughts. The song describes the feeling of being lost, confused, and out of touch with reality. The lyrics indicate that the person is trying to find a place where they can be themselves and live a life that suits them. They are searching for a place where they can be free to be who they want to be without being judged or scrutinized by others.
The lyrics of the song also talk about the journey of life and the ups and downs that come with it. The person in the song is going where the weather suits their clothes, indicating that they are following a path that feels right to them. They are sailing on a summer breeze, which suggests that they are enjoying the moment and not worrying about the future. The lyrics "skippin' over the ocean like a stone" suggest that the person is taking risks and living life to the fullest.
The chorus of the song repeats the line "why, why, why?" which signifies the confusion and uncertainty that the person is feeling. They are searching for answers to their questions and trying to find their place in the world. This song can resonate with anyone who has felt lost or disconnected from the world around them.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody's talkin' at me
Everyone is speaking to me
I don't hear a word they're sayin'
I am not listening to what they are saying
Only the echoes of my mind
I can only hear my own thoughts
People stop, starin' at me
People are looking at me
I don't even see their faces
I am not paying attention to their physical appearance
Only the shadow of their eyes
I am only noticing their eye movements
Going where the sun keeps a-shinin'
I am traveling to a sunny location
Through the pourin' rain
Even in bad weather conditions
Goin' where the weather suit's my clothes
Going to a place that suits my clothing choices
Bankin' off the northeast wind
Navigating around strong winds
Sailin' on a summer breeze
Enjoying a pleasant sailing experience
Skippin' over the ocean like a stone
Covering a vast distance with ease and grace
Why? Why, why, why? Why? Why?
Asking a question of unknown origin or meaning
I said, everybody keeps talkin' at me
I have already mentioned that everyone is speaking to me
I don't hear a word they're sayin', now
I still am not paying attention to what they are saying
People stop, starin' at me
People are still looking at me
I don't even see their faces
I am not paying attention to their physical appearance, even now
Only the shadow of their eyes
I am still only noticing their eye movements
Skippin', skippin', skippin', skip, skip
Repeating the previous reference to covering a vast distance
Over the ocean like a stone
Traveling easily and effortlessly across the ocean
Hey, I said, why, why? Why? Why, why?
Repeating the previous meaningless question
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Fred Neil
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jamesdrynan
One of the saddest endings to a movie ever. Voight was terrific as Joe Buck and Hoffman nailed Enrico. Perfect mournful harmonica song.
@kiyongshin
i cried too so much at the ending scene.
@renatonunes2550
The "Midnight Cowboy" was very first movie I saw in New York City, shortly after having arrived in the U.S.A.. An unforgetable drama that I enjoyed so much seeing. The beautifull ballad by Nilsson helps keep it in my memory. Unforgetable great performances by Voigt & Hoffman.
@nitasheehan2704
Yes!
@almirn7755
Que saudades. Dói. Foi uma época de brilho , no cinema , na música , na geração que estava se formando. Foi uma época dourada.
@ms.annthrope415
Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman achieved greatness with this movie. Harry Nilsson turned this song into legend.
@trevorgibb1019
I love the theme tune. It really moves me. It's the sort of music that tells a thousand stories and brings back memories of my youth. Some good and some bad. It's a beautiful tune!
@eduardo_corrochio
This movie punched me in the heart in a beautiful way. Its music (the theme by John Barry and the tune from Harry Nilsson) was perfect.
@ednguyen3822
I don't have enough words to describe how much I love Midnight Cowboy. The urban setting, the music, the tragic friendship, the gritty cinematography, the performances, etc. This is one of American cinema's finest personal films of the past 60 years.
@ronniegibson2853
Just watched some clips again they get better with age ! wonderful!