Talking to DIY Magazine Declan had this to say about the song:
“It became to be about politicians in general pretending to represent the masses without actually doing it. Pretending that they had the same experiences as normal, everyday people when they’re very far from it.”
"(“I Am Everyone Else” is) kind of a weird one because the writing was really staggered so that song for me was about kind of a bunch of different things at once, but it all revolves around that theme that you can say whatever, you can do whatever, but no one understands everyone. And you can’t pretend to do that. I think that is sort of vaguely what that song revolves around, even with the lots of different things that happened at that time in my life."
- Declan McKenna
I Am Everyone Else
Declan Mckenna Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The cowardly and scared
And powerfully prepared
For things I dare not speak of in all of my lifetime
For I am ready
Mother nature calls
And beckons them to come
To witness persecution for my family
For I am ready
To turn the many into song
Before you run out of rhyme and notes to strum
Why do you act sick and pretend?
Pretend that you're never lonely
Aren't you just sick of expending
All your time getting noticed
Show me the message you sent
Act like you never wrote it
Aren't you just sick of your friends?
Your friends with ulterior motives
Cause I am everyone else
I am everyone else
I am everyone else
I am everyone else
I
I am insecure
As pretty as I seem
It's a reoccurring theme
I've never heard much different in all of my lifetime
I am ready
Oh love ain't good for you
As lovely as you are
You're precious, you're a star
Your energy is admirable at the most
For I am ready
To reconsider what you have
Before you run out of rhyme and words to chant
Why do you act sick and pretend?
Pretend that you're never lonely
Aren't you just sick of expending
All your time getting noticed
Show me the message you sent
And act like you never wrote it
Aren't you just sick of your friends
Your friends with ulterior motives
Cause I am everyone else
I am everyone else
I am everyone else
I am everyone else
I am
The lyrics of "I Am Everyone Else" by Declan Mckenna explore themes of individuality, insecurity, and the pressure to conform to societal norms. The first few verses describe a group of vulnerable children on the street who are "powerfully prepared" for something terrifying that the singer dares not speak of. However, the singer reassures us that they too are ready, implying a shared experience of fear and uncertainty. The phrase "mother nature calls" suggests a natural cycle of oppression and persecution, as if this is something that has happened before and will happen again.
The chorus questions why people often pretend to be something they're not, putting on a facade of happiness even when they're lonely and unhappy. The line "aren't you just sick of expending all your time getting noticed" suggests a disillusionment with the constant need for attention and validation in today's society. The line "cause I am everyone else" serves as a reminder that we are all individuals but also all connected, experiencing the same universal struggles and emotions.
The second verse focuses more on the singer's personal insecurities, admitting that despite appearing confident and attractive on the outside, they have their own recurring mental struggles that they've never been able to shake. The final lines encourage listeners to reconsider their priorities and relationships before they "run out of rhyme and words to chant," suggesting that life is too short to waste on insincere connections.
Overall, "I Am Everyone Else" is a poignant and introspective song about the complexity of human experience and the need for individuality in a society that often values conformity.
Line by Line Meaning
Children on the street
Observing people around me who are scared and unprepared for the things that lie ahead.
The cowardly and scared
The people I see around me are afraid to face the inevitable dangers ahead.
And powerfully prepared
Despite their fears, these individuals have an inner strength and determination to face any challenge.
For things I dare not speak of in all of my lifetime
The dangers that these individuals face are so terrible and unimaginable that I am afraid to even speak of them myself.
For I am ready
Despite my fears, I am ready to face whatever challenges come my way.
Mother nature calls
The natural world is calling out to these people, urging them to take action and make a difference.
And beckons them to come
The natural world is enticing these people to take up the challenge and face the dangers that lie ahead.
The innocent and dumb
These individuals may not fully understand the dangers they face, but they are willing to take action regardless.
To witness persecution for my family
They are willing to stand up for me and my loved ones, even if it means facing persecution or danger.
To turn the many into song
They are willing to use their voices and their actions to inspire others and bring about change.
Before you run out of rhyme and notes to strum
Before we lose our opportunity to make a difference and effect change.
Why do you act sick and pretend?
Why do you pretend that you are not struggling when you clearly are?
Pretend that you're never lonely
Why do you pretend that you don't feel alone and isolated when you clearly do?
Aren't you just sick of expending
Aren't you tired of putting in all this effort to get noticed and recognized?
All your time getting noticed
Are you not exhausted from constantly seeking attention and validation from others?
Show me the message you sent
Prove to me that you are genuine and sincere in your intentions.
Act like you never wrote it
Don't pretend that you were just trying to impress me or get something in return.
Aren't you just sick of your friends?
Are you not tired of associating with people who don't have your best interests at heart?
Your friends with ulterior motives
Your friends may not be true friends and may have hidden agendas or intentions.
Cause I am everyone else
Because I am just like everyone else and can see through your façade.
I am insecure
I struggle with feelings of self-doubt and uncertainty.
As pretty as I seem
Despite my outward appearance, I still have my own flaws and imperfections.
It's a reoccurring theme
My insecurities are something that I deal with on a regular basis.
I've never heard much different in all of my lifetime
I have struggled with these feelings for as long as I can remember.
Oh love ain't good for you
Love can be painful and difficult to navigate.
As lovely as you are
Despite your beauty, you may still have your own struggles and challenges.
You're precious, you're a star
You are valuable and unique, and you have the potential to make a difference in the world.
Your energy is admirable at the most
You have an admirable energy and drive to make a positive impact in the world.
To reconsider what you have
To take a closer look at your life and your priorities.
Before you run out of rhyme and words to chant
Before it's too late and you miss your opportunity to make a difference.
Writer(s): Declan Mckenna
Contributed by Cooper E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.