He regularly does solo work, and returns again and again to bands he has formed like The Soft Boys and The Egyptians. Hitchcock is an avid and able collaborator with people like director Jonathan Demme, actor Alan Rickman, country/folk duo (and longtime Hitchcock fans) Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, The Venus 3, R.E.M.'s Peter Buck, Young Fresh Fellows' frontman Scott McCaughey, Andy Partridge of XTC, Nick Lowe, former Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones, Jon Brion, and Grant-Lee Phillips, as well as Ministry's Bill Rieflin.
Hitchcock's musical and lyrical styles have been influenced by his appreciation of Bob Dylan, Gregory Corso, The Byrds, Country Joe & The Fish, and Syd Barrett.
Hitchcock's lyrics are an essential component of his work, and tend to include surrealism, comedic songs, characterisations of English eccentrics, plant roots, insects, trains, dreams, and melancholy depictions of everyday life. His themes include what many psychologists view as the roots of modern neurosis - namely, death, sex, and eating. (As if in recognition of these themes, he released an EP in 2007 called "Sex, Food, Death and Tarantulas".)
Everybody Needs Love
Robyn Hitchcock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One listen and you can tell why they're sad
Some people are lost
They wake up covered in foil and permafrost
But everybody needs love
Some people are maimed
But everybody needs love
Yes, everybody needs love
Some people were meant
They're angry and they wonder why they've got no friends
No friends at all
But everybody needs love
Yes, everybody needs love
(Here it comes)
Love...pa pa pa pa
Love...pa pa pa pa
Love...pa pa pa pa
Love...
Some people are straight
Don't lean too hard on them or think they're a gate
Some people are nice
Lean even less hard on them and always take their advice
But everybody needs love
Yes, everybody needs love
Yes, everybody needs love
The lyrics of Robyn Hitchcock's song "Everybody Needs Love" revolve around the idea that though people may be different in the way they look, act, and think, everyone shares the same deep-seated need for love. The opening lines of the song introduce us to individuals who may appear odd or crazy to others and seem to be suffering from mental health problems. However, Hitchcock's lyrics suggest that such individuals need as much love as every other person: "Some people are mad. One listen and you can tell why they're sad. Some people are lost. They wake up covered in foil and permafrost."
The song continues by suggesting that people with physical impairments or who may not have an easy time fitting into society, also need love. Here, the lyrics showcase the flaws in society's approach to diverse groups of people, and how society often fails to provide even the basic levels of love and affection that every human being seeks: "Some people are maimed. They're not as worth it as the label on 'em claims But everybody needs love. Yes, everybody needs love." The conclusion of the song reiterates the fact that everyone needs love, regardless of sexual orientation, personality, and values: "Some people are straight, Don't lean too hard on them or think they're a gate. Some people are nice, Lean even less hard on them and always take their advice. But everybody needs love. Yes, everybody needs love."
Line by Line Meaning
Some people are mad
There are people who appear to be crazy, and after interacting with them, it becomes evident why they are sad.
Some people are lost
There are individuals who have lost their way and find themselves in unexpected circumstances.
But everybody needs love
Despite their differences, every person requires love in their lives.
Some people are maimed
Some people are hurt physically or emotionally, and their worth is often underrated.
They're not as worth it as the label on 'em claims
Their value is not defined solely by what society perceives it to be.
Yes, everybody needs love
Regardless of their background, each person necessitates love in their existence.
Some people were meant
There are people who are born a certain way and remain angry and puzzled about why they have no friends at all.
But everybody needs love
Despite any underlying bitterness, everyone benefits from having love in their life.
(Here it comes)
This section of the song is building up anticipation for the chorus.
Some people are straight
There are people with a straightforward personality, and it is essential to be sensitive towards them.
Some people are nice
There are kind people who deserve respect and whose counsel we should take.
Yes, everybody needs love
Reiterating that everyone, regardless of their personality or behavior, requires love.
Contributed by William S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.