Everybody's Talkin'
Harry Nilsson;George Tipton Lyrics


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Everybody's talkin' at me
I don't hear a word they're sayin'
Only the echoes of my mind
People stoppin', starin'
I can't see their faces
Only the shadows of their eyes

I'm goin' where the sun keeps shinin'
Through the pourin' rain
Goin' where the weather suits my clothes
Bankin' off of the Northeast winds
Sailin' on summer breeze
And skippin' over the ocean like a stone

Wah, wah
Wah

I'm going where the sun keeps shinin'
Through the pourin' rain
Goin' where the weather suits my clothes
Bankin' off of the Northeast winds
Sailin' on summer breeze
And skippin' over the ocean like a stone

Everybody's talkin' at me
Can't hear a word they're sayin'
Only the echoes of my mind

I won't let you leave my love behind




No, I won't let you leave-wah
I won't let you leave my love behind

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of the song describe the singer's feeling of detachment from the world around him. He's in his own head, lost in his own thoughts to the point where he can't even hear the people around him. Everyone is talking, but it's just noise in the background, and he's not really paying attention to any of it. The echoes of his own mind dominate his senses.


The second verse describes the singer's desire to escape from his current situation, and the harsh realities of life. He is seeking a place where he can experience some kind of peace and happiness, a place where he can align himself with the natural world. The lyrics express a powerful sense of wanderlust and longing for a simpler, more authentic existence. The singer is yearning for a place where he can be himself and find happiness.


The repetitive chorus, "I won't let you leave my love behind," seems to be an appeal to someone who is important to the singer, but it's unclear who that person is or what their relationship is to him. Overall, Harry Nilsson's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world-weary and disconnected person who is searching for a sense of belonging and purpose.


Line by Line Meaning

Everybody's talkin' at me
People are talking to me all the time


I don't hear a word they're sayin'
I am not listening to them and not interested in what they're saying


Only the echoes of my mind
I am only hearing my own thoughts


People stoppin', starin'
People are looking at me with curiosity


I can't see their faces
I am not interested in seeing them or connecting with them


Only the shadows of their eyes
I can only vaguely see their eyes


I'm goin' where the sun keeps shinin'
I am traveling to a place with constant sunshine


Through the pourin' rain
Even when it rains, I'll still find sunshine


Goin' where the weather suits my clothes
I am going to a place where I can wear whatever I like


Bankin' off of the Northeast winds
I am using prevailing winds to help me travel


Sailin' on summer breeze
I am enjoying the freedom of sailing with the wind


And skippin' over the ocean like a stone
I am traveling swiftly and easily over the ocean


Wah, wah
Nonsense syllables used to express happiness


I won't let you leave my love behind
I am not letting go of my love for someone


No, I won't let you leave-wah
I will do anything to hold on to this love


I won't let you leave my love behind
Repeating the previous line with the same meaning




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Fred Neil

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Incredible14U

Saw this film when I was 15 - read the book a few ago - An American classic believe it or not - the book won awards in the literary arts.

@julianborges1569

Hopeful story

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