Everybody Knows
Elizabeth & The Catapult Lyrics


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Everybody knows that the dice are loaded
Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed
Everybody knows that the war is over
Everybody knows that the good guys lost

Everybody knows the fight was fixed
The poor stay poor and the rich get rich
That's how it goes
Everybody knows

'Cause everybody knows that the boat is leaking
Everybody knows that the captain lied
Everybody's got this broken feeling
Like their daddy or their dog just died

Everybody's talking to their pockets
Everybody wants a box of chocolates
And a long stem rose
Everybody knows

'Cause everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows

Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows

Everybody knows it's now or never
Everybody knows that it's me or you
Everybody knows that you live forever
When you've done a line or two

Everybody knows the deal is rotten
Old black Joe's still pickin' cotton
For your ribbons and your bows
Everybody knows

'Cause everybody knows that you're in trouble
Everybody knows what you've been through
From the bleeding cross of Calgary
To the beach in Malibu

Everybody knows you're coming apart
Take one last look at the sacred heart
Before it blows
Everybody knows

'Cause everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows

'Cause everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Yeah, everybody knows

'Cause everybody knows, everybody knows




That's how it goes
Everybody knows

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Elizabeth & The Catapult's song "Everybody Knows" are a commentary on the injustices and hypocrisy of society. The first stanza talks about the rigged system of the world where the dice are loaded and the good guys lost. The second stanza talks about the brokenness of people where everyone is aware of the captain's lies and feels a deep sense of loss. The third stanza talks about the corruptness of the things that seem to give us pleasure, such as chocolate and drugs. The final stanza talks about death and decay - the ending of life and the decomposition of faith.


The song speaks to the universal human experience. Everyone knows the way society is rigged against certain people, the way our dreams are broken, and the uncertainty of our final moments. It critiques the system in which we live while recognizing the futility of trying to change it. The song is a lament for what is lost, and it speaks of the need for us to acknowledge the reality of our situation and to come to terms with the brokenness of our world.


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
Despite knowing the odds are stacked, everyone still takes risks hoping for the best


Everybody knows that the war is over
The conflict being fought is already lost, and there is no use in prolonging it


Everybody knows that the good guys lost
The side with more noble intentions and morality didn't manage to come out on top


Everybody knows the fight was fixed
The competition was manipulated to favor one party over the other


The poor stay poor and the rich get rich
There is an unbalanced distribution of wealth and power


That's how it goes
This is the unfortunate reality we are all living in


Everybody knows that the boat is leaking
Everyone is aware that the situation is not sustainable and is getting worse


Everybody knows that the captain lied
The person in charge is not honest or trustworthy


Everybody's got this broken feeling
Everyone feels hurt and disappointed about something in their life


Like their daddy or their dog just died
The pain is deep and resembles the loss of a loved one


Everybody's talking to their pockets
People complain or express their hopes silently because they feel powerless


Everybody wants a box of chocolates
We all crave simple pleasures and would like to experience them without any obstacles


And a long stem rose
We all hope for romantic gestures and affection


Everybody knows
These desires are universal and are not exclusive to any individual


Everybody knows it's now or never
The opportunity will not come twice, and it's crucial to act fast


Everybody knows that it's me or you
One of us will win, and the other will lose


Everybody knows that you live forever
Some people choose to live dangerously and prioritize the present moment over long-term consequences


When you've done a line or two
Using drugs can make you feel invincible but also cause addiction and harm


Everybody knows the deal is rotten
The system is corrupt and not fair


Old black Joe's still pickin' cotton
Slavery and exploitation are still present and deeply ingrained in society


For your ribbons and your bows
The luxuries of the privileged come at the expense of the oppressed


Everybody knows you're in trouble
Your problems and struggles are visible and known by others


Everybody knows what you've been through
People can sympathize with your pain because they have similar experiences


From the bleeding cross of Calgary
The suffering of Jesus on the cross symbolizes the suffering of all people


To the beach in Malibu
From the religious to the secular, the hurt and the healing happen in different locations and contexts


Everybody knows you're coming apart
You are falling apart and losing control, and it's noticeable to others


Take one last look at the sacred heart
Before you collapse, remember to value what matters most to you


Before it blows
Before you lose everything and face dire consequences


Everybody knows
These universal truths and experiences that unite us are undeniable




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Leonard Cohen, Sharon Robinson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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