Everybody's Talking
Randy Crawford & Joe Sample Lyrics


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Everybody′s talking at me
I don't hear a word they′re saying
Only the echoes of my mind
People stopping, staring
I can't see their faces
Only the shadows of their eyes
I'm going where the sun keeps shining
Through the pouring rain
Going where the weather suits my clothes
Banking off of the northeast winds
Sailing on a summer breeze
And skipping over the ocean like a stone
I′m going where the sun keeps shining
Through the pouring rain
Going where the weather suits my clothes
Banking off of the northeast winds
Sailing on a summer breeze
And skipping over the ocean like a stone
Everybody′s talking at me
Can't hear a word they′re saying
Only the echoes of my mind
I won't let you leave my love behind




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

Overall Meaning

The song "Everybody's Talking", performed by Randy Crawford and Joe Sample, deals with the concept of feeling disconnected from the world around you, succumbing to your own thoughts, and wanting to escape that reality. The repetition of the phrase "Everybody's talking at me" seems to speak to the singer's sense of being overwhelmed by outside voices that don't seem to matter to her. She longs to find a place where her own thoughts and feelings can be heard, which is why she keeps talking about going where the sun keeps shining, the weather suits her clothes, and so on.


The lyrics describe a feeling of being lost and disconnected from the world around her, with the repeated refrain of "Can't hear a word they're saying, only the echoes of my mind" pointing to her inability to connect with others, despite their words. She also seems to feel like an outsider, unable to connect with the people she sees, as she can only see the "shadows of their eyes." The verse about "sailing on a summer breeze and skipping over the ocean like a stone" speaks to this longing for escape, to go wherever the winds of life may take her.


Despite the longing to escape, the final verse also notes that the singer won't let her love be left behind. Although she may feel disconnected and lost, she still has something to hold onto - her love for someone else. In this way, the song speaks to the conflict between the desire to escape and the desire to hold onto what matters, even when everything else seems to fade into the background.


Line by Line Meaning

Everybody's talking at me
I am hearing a lot of chatter and noise around me from people who are trying to communicate with me.


I don't hear a word they're saying
I am not able to understand any of the words that are being said to me by those around me.


Only the echoes of my mind
Instead of hearing the actual words of those around me, I am hearing only my own thoughts and ideas echoing back at me.


People stopping, staring
I see people around me who are stopping and staring, trying to get my attention.


I can't see their faces
Despite their attempts to communicate with me, I am unable to see the faces of those around me.


Only the shadows of their eyes
Instead of seeing the actual faces of those around me, I can only see the shadows of their eyes.


I'm going where the sun keeps shining
I am pursuing a path in my life that is filled with happiness and positivity.


Through the pouring rain
Despite the difficulties and challenges that I may face along the way, I am committed to staying the course.


Going where the weather suits my clothes
I am making choices in my life that are aligned with my unique needs and preferences.


Banking off of the northeast winds
I am using the forces of nature and circumstance to guide me in my journey through life.


Sailing on a summer breeze
I am embracing the pleasures and joys of life as I make my way through it.


And skipping over the ocean like a stone
I am moving forward through life with a lightness and joy that allows me to easily navigate any obstacles in my way.


Can't hear a word they're saying
Despite the attempts of those around me to communicate with me, I am unable to understand their words.


I won't let you leave my love behind
I am committed to holding onto the love and support that I have in my life, and will not let it go.


No, I won't let you leave
I am willing to fight to keep the things and people that are important to me in my life.


I won't let you leave my love behind
Love is a priority for me, and I will always work to keep it a central part of my life.




Writer(s): Fred Neil

Contributed by Bella M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@nutunasha

Everybody's talking at me
I don't hear a word they're saying
Only the echoes of my mind
People stopping, staring
I can't see their faces
Only the shadows of their eyes
I'm going where the sun keeps shining
Through the pouring rain
Going where the weather suits my clothes
Banking off of the northeast winds
Sailing on a summer breeze
And skipping over the ocean like a stone
I'm going where the sun keeps shining
Through the pouring rain
Going where the weather suits my clothes
Banking off of the northeast winds
Sailing on a summer breeze
And skipping over the ocean like a stone
Everybody's talking at me
Can't hear a word they're saying
Only the echoes of my mind
I won't let you leave my love behind
No, I won't let you leave
I won't let you leave my love behind



All comments from YouTube:

@HH0603

OMG, how groovy can you get it. This is a epic combi, Randy & Joes. True musicians. Such a nice chord harmony...

@user-zg8ho4sp9d

The moment I listened to the beginning of this version of the song, the strong beat and vibrant rhythm of its musical arrangement caught my fancy, not to mention Randy Crawford's superb singing.

@manuelacortez8687

I love so much this version💙

@ninasnaturalclinicchat4007

This is possibly my favourite song ever. Totally love it🙏🏾🧡🧚🏾‍♂️✨✨✨

@trane5270

I became an instant fan of this tune when I heard it in Midnight Cowboy back in 1969. In the following almost 50 years, I heard many versions but they ALL always came a far, far distant second to the Nilsson version. This latin jazz version is definitely the greatest I've heard after the Nilsson's --that in my opinion still remains on top. Kudos to Mr. Sample and Ms. Crawford!

@Hallands.

This is a brilliant version!

@joseurrutia3846

Preciosa versión. Muy bonita y bien lograda.

@nkwakutoure

RIP Joe, He left behind some great music for the soul.

@hillarychristie8082

The best version of this song,wonderful voice

@svenbohlin6017

Completely awesome - excellent!

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