Everybody Knows
Stefan Andersson Lyrics
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They're telling me her pretty smile, ain't what it seems to be
Everybody knows, seems everybody knows
Except for me. I still belive, Santa Claus is real and God's a he
Everybody says she'll bring me down.
Seems everybody knows, except for me.
My brothers tells me about her kind, she makes the devil look shy.
Everybody knows, yeah seems everybody knows
In Stefan Andersson's song Everybody Knows, the singer is being told by almost everyone that his woman is mean and that her pretty smile is not genuine. The repeated line "Everybody knows" emphasizes the fact that everyone else seems to be aware of this except for the singer himself. This is highlighted further by the contrast between his childlike belief in Santa Claus and the realism of those around him.
The song also explores the idea of denial, as the singer still believes in the good in people and refuses to see the truth about his woman. This is exemplified in the lines "Except for me. I still believe" and "Seems everybody knows, except for me". The singer is being warned by his family, yet he continues to live in denial, which could be interpreted as a warning to the listener to face reality.
The final verse confirms that the singer's family and friends are concerned for him and are warning him about the woman. The imagery of her making the devil look shy suggests that she is truly wicked and that the singer is in a dangerous situation. Overall, the song is a cautionary tale about ignoring warnings and living in denial.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody's telling me, my woman is mean
I am constantly being told that my significant other is cruel and unkind.
They're telling me her pretty smile, ain't what it seems to be
Others are warning me that my partner's outward appearance of kindness and happiness is deceitful.
Everybody knows, seems everybody knows
It appears that everyone except me is aware of my partner's true nature.
Except for me. I still believe, Santa Claus is real and God's a he
Despite what others tell me about my partner and the world, I am still naive and hold onto certain beliefs like a child's belief in Santa Claus and the idea that God is male.
Everybody says she'll bring me down.
People are warning me that being involved with my partner will have negative consequences for me.
Seems everybody knows, except for me.
Once again, it seems that everyone else is aware of the danger my partner poses except for me.
Papa says to me, I'm blind, it's just a matter of time.
Even my own father is warning me that I am ignorant to the truth and that eventually I will realize my mistake.
My brothers tells me about her kind, she makes the devil look shy.
My own brothers are describing the wickedness of my partner, comparing her to the devil himself.
Everybody knows, yeah seems everybody knows
Once again, it seems that everyone except me is aware of my partner's true nature and the danger she poses.
Contributed by Jayce W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.