Frontman John Kay's mother escaped with him at age 4 from Soviet occupied East Germany, an event recounted in the song "Renegade" on the album Steppenwolf Seven. His family resettled in Hannover, West Germany, before moving to Canada in 1958. Kay is partially blind, hence the use of dark glasses
In 1968, Nick St. Nicholas replaced Moreve as bass player.
Steppenwolf had its origins in the Toronto blues band Sparrow, which was formed in 1964 and played coffeehouses in Yorkville. By 1967 they had settled in San Francisco.
Steppenwolf rocketed to fame after their third single, "Born to Be Wild" was used in the movie Easy Rider, as well as "The Pusher". The former song may have coined the term "heavy metal". This was followed by several more hits, including "Magic Carpet Ride" from Steppenwolf the Second, and "Rock Me" from At Your Birthday Party. Many fans consider their double album Steppenwolf Live [an extended single album in the UK] the best of Steppenwolf's releases. Monster and For Ladies Only were the band's most political albums, and are still fondly remembered by fans as two of the best rock & roll snapshots of the attitudes of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The band broke up in 1971, and Kay pursued a solo career. Steppenwolf reformed in 1974 with the album Slow Flux, and disbanded in 1976. Afterwards, several versions of the band toured North America until Kay reformed the official version of the group in 1980.
John Kay released a solo album in 2001.
Everybody Knows You
Steppenwolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let me tell you right now
You just keep walkin' past my door
You got nothin' I want, just a pack of lies
That you're down here scrounging
Well it's no surprise
For your lies came back to haunt you
Now they're bound to dog your heels
Now you know just how it feels
Everybody knows you, everybody saw
Everybody knows you
Everybody knows just what you are
Everybody knows you, everybody heard
Everybody knows you
Everybody knows you tried to screw the world
Say what you will, do what you like
Ain't gonna change a thing
With your sleazy alibis
You got nowhere to hide, no place to go
Everybody 'round here's just waitin'
For the show for it's time to pay the piper
Yeah, to pay him what you owe
You can't buy your absolution
No, you got to eat some crow
Everybody knows you, everybody saw
Everybody knows you
Everybody knows just what you are
Everybody knows you, everybody heard
Everybody knows you
Everybody knows you tried to screw the world
Everybody knows you, everybody saw
Everybody knows you
Everybody knows just what you are
Everybody knows you, everybody heard
Everybody knows you
Everybody knows you broke your word
Everybody knows you, yes everyone can read
Everybody knows you
And everybody knows you did the dirty deed
The Steppenwolf song "Everybody Knows You" tells the story of a person who tries to deceive others with their lies and sleazy behavior. The singer of the song addresses this person directly, warning them that their lies have caught up with them and they have no place to go. They highlight how the person's actions have been witnessed and heard by everyone, and that they cannot escape the consequences of their behavior. The chorus repeats the phrase "everybody knows you" to emphasize how the person's true nature has been exposed, and that they have lost the trust and respect of those around them.
The lyrics of the song provide important insights into the nature of lies and deceit, and how they ultimately come back to haunt those who perpetrate them. The singer of the song speaks with conviction and hints at a sense of satisfaction that the person who has been exposed has finally received their comeuppance. The use of the phrase "eat some crow" in the second verse highlights the humiliation that the person must now endure, as they are forced to face the truth of their actions.
Interestingly, "Everybody Knows You" was not released on any of Steppenwolf's studio albums. Instead, it appeared on the soundtrack to the 1986 movie "Dudes". Despite its relatively obscure placement, the song remains a popular choice among Steppenwolf fans and continues to be performed at the band's live shows.
Line by Line Meaning
Ah, it's you again, you're back for more
I recognize you, but I don't want anything to do with you.
Let me tell you right now, you just keep walkin' past my door
Don't come to my doorstep anymore, I don't want to deal with you.
You got nothin' I want, just a pack of lies
You have nothing of value to offer, only lies.
That you're down here scrounging, well it's no surprise
Your actions are not unexpected, you are here begging.
For your lies came back to haunt you
Your deceitful behavior has caught up with you.
Now they're bound to dog your heels
Your lies and actions will continue to chase you and cause you problems.
In your eyes I see the panic
You are scared and worried.
Now you know just how it feels
You are finally experiencing the negative consequences of your actions.
Say what you will, do what you like
You can say and do what you want, it won't change anything.
Ain't gonna change a thing with your sleazy alibis
Your excuses and lies won't make a difference.
You got nowhere to hide, no place to go
You can't escape the problems you have created for yourself.
Everybody 'round here's just waitin' for the show
People are eagerly waiting to see you get what you deserve.
For it's time to pay the piper
It's time to face the consequences of your actions.
Yeah, to pay him what you owe
You owe a debt for your past mistakes.
You can't buy your absolution
You can't rid yourself of guilt by simply offering money.
No, you got to eat some crow
You need to make amends and admit your wrongs.
Everybody knows you, everybody saw
Everyone knows about your mistakes and problems.
Everybody knows you, everybody knows just what you are
Everyone knows exactly who you are and what you have done wrong.
Everybody knows you, everybody heard
Everyone has heard about your deceitful actions.
Everybody knows you, everybody knows you tried to screw the world
Everyone knows that you have tried to harm others.
Everybody knows you, everybody knows you broke your word
Everyone knows that you have betrayed people's trust.
Everybody knows you, yes everyone can read
Your actions and words are transparent and easily seen through.
Everybody knows you, and everybody knows you did the dirty deed
Everyone knows that you have done something wrong and immoral.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Philip Kassabian
on Move Over
A really great song.
Philip Kassabian
on It's Never Too Late
Yet another great Steppenwolf song.
Philip Kassabian
on Jupiter's Child
Wow what an excellent song.
Philip Kassabian
on Born to Be Wild
Wow a great song love it.
Scott
on Happy Birthday
It is I hope you read your story book NOT WRECK YOUR STORY BOOK.