Singer / songwriter / bassist Napolitano formed the band Dream 6 with guitarist James Mankey in Los Angeles in 1982, releasing an eponymous EP in France on the Happy Hermit label in 1983. When they signed with IRS in 1986, labelmate Michael Stipe suggested the name Concrete Blonde, describing the contrast between their hard rock music and introspective lyrics. They were joined by drummer Harry Rushakoff on their eponymous debut album. Roxy Music drummer Paul Thompson replaced Rushakoff on Bloodletting and several tracks on Mexican Moon, while Rushakoff was in treatment for drug addiction. Rushakoff was kicked out of the band in 2002 for failing to show up for several rehearsals and shows. He was replaced by Gabriel Ramirez.
Their most popular album was 1990's Bloodletting. The band broke up in 1995, but reunited in 2001, releasing Group Therapy in 2002 and Mojave in 2004.
Everybody Knows
Concrete Blonde Lyrics
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Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed
Everybody knows that the war is over
Everybody knows that the good guys lost
Everybody knows the fight is fixed
The poor stay poor and the rich get rich
That's how it goes
Everybody knows that the captain lied
Everybody's got this broken feeling
Like their Momma or there dog just died
Everybody's hands are in their pockets
Everybody wants a box of chocolates
And a long stem rose
Everybody knows
Everybody knows
Everybody knows
that's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows
Everybody knows
that's the way it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows that its now or never
Everybody knows that its me or you
Everybody knows that you live forever
When you had a line or two
Everybody knows the deal is rotten
Old black Joe still pickin' cotton
For ribbons and bows
Everybody knows you love me baby
Everybody knows that you really do
Everybody knows that you been faithful
Give or take a night or two
Everybody knows you been discrete
So many people you had to meet
Without your clothes
And Everybody knows
Everybody knows
Everybody knows
That's the way it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows
Everybody knows
That's how it goes
And Everybody knows
The lyrics of Concrete Blonde's "Everybody Knows" delve into the bleak reality of modern-day life, talking about a world that is broken, where injustice, corruption, and hopelessness persist. The opening line "Everybody knows that the dice are loaded" speaks to the preconceived nature of our society, where the chances are already predetermined, and nobody can change them. The next line "Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed" highlights the faithlessness that people have in their agency, as they keep doing their best, hoping for the best, but still cross their fingers, hoping they will not fail.
The song's chorus is a repetition of how everyone knows the sad truths of this world, such as the war is over, but the good guys lost; the fight is fixed, and the poor will always remain poor. The captain of the sinking boat lied, and that broken feeling you cannot shake off, like a dog or a mother just died. The lyrics go on to reveal that no one is immune from the sad state of affairs, but everyone knows the deal is rotten, and the only way to navigate through the treacherous waters of life is to be discrete.
The song is an ode to the harsh reality of life, and everyone knows how things stand, but still, we keep going on, hoping for the best, but never far from the truth. It's a reflection of the fact that nobody can escape the harsh realities of the world, but it's better to know the truth than to dwell in a world of fantasies and false hope.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody knows that the dice are loaded
Everyone is aware that the game is rigged against them
Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed
Everyone hopes for the best even though they know the odds are against them
Everybody knows that the war is over
Everyone knows that the conflict has ended
Everybody knows that the good guys lost
Everyone is aware that the outcome was unfavorable for those who were in the right
Everybody knows the fight is fixed
Everyone knows that the battle is unfairly predetermined
The poor stay poor and the rich get rich
Society perpetuates wealth inequality
That's how it goes
This is the unfortunate reality
Everybody knows that the boat is sinking
Everyone acknowledges that things are falling apart
Everybody knows that the captain lied
Everyone is aware that the person in charge cannot be trusted
Everybody's got this broken feeling
Everyone is experiencing a sense of despair
Like their Momma or their dog just died
The feeling is comparable to losing a loved one
Everybody's hands are in their pockets
Everyone feels powerless to change the situation
Everybody wants a box of chocolates and a long stem rose
Everyone desires love and affection
Everybody knows
Everyone is aware of the sad reality
Everybody knows that it's now or never
Everyone understands the urgency of the situation
Everybody knows that it's me or you
Everyone knows that it's a matter of survival
Everybody knows that you live forever when you had a line or two
Everyone knows that a person's legacy can be tainted by their mistakes
Everybody knows the deal is rotten
Everyone recognizes that there is corruption at play
Old black Joe still pickin' cotton for ribbons and bows
The past is still present in the form of racial inequality
Everybody knows you love me baby
Everyone knows about the love between two people
Everybody knows that you really do
Everyone is sure of the authenticity of the love
Everybody knows that you've been faithful
Everyone is aware of the loyalty in the relationship
Give or take a night or two
The loyalty may have wavered slightly
Everybody knows you've been discrete
Everyone acknowledges the discretion in the relationship
So many people you had to meet without your clothes
The discretion involved meeting lots of people in a vulnerable state
And everybody knows
Everyone is cognizant of the truth
Everybody knows that's the way it goes
Everyone understands that this is how things are
And everybody knows
Everyone is aware
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Leonard Cohen, Sharon Robinson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind