Werner became interested in music at a young age and went on to receive a bachelor's degree in voice at the University of Iowa. In 1987, she moved to Philadelphia, and earned a master's degree in voice at Temple University. Werner initially wanted a career in opera, but after seeing a Nanci Griffith performance became inspired and began composing songs of her own on acoustic guitar.
Performing around Philadelphia, Boston, and New York City, Werner began making a name for herself in the folk scene of the early 1990s. She recorded five albums from 1993 to 2001, and in 2001 she moved to Chicago. Her first five albums were all in the folk genre, while her sixth album, "I Can't Be New" (2004), was a substantial departure with original material in the vein of cabaret and early jazz.
Werner's seventh album, The Gospel Truth, was released in March 2007 and addresses themes of religion, faith, social responsibility, as well as religion from an agnostic's point of view.
Her eighth album, Live at Club Passim featured a collection of original songs (gospel, jazz & folk) recorded with Colleen Sexton, Trina Hamlin & bassist Greg Holt. For her ninth album, Classics, she performs pop music from the 1960s and 1970s accompanied by chamber instruments.
Her tenth album, "Kicking the Beehive" (March 2011) was produced by Rodney Crowell and features guest appearances from Vince Gill, Keb' Mo and Paul Franklin. Her album "Hayseed", a concept album about "farms, farmers, and the people who love them", was released in the summer of 2013.
In 2017 Werner released An American In Havana, an EP featuring six songs written during two trips to Cuba in 2015 and 2016.
Everybody's Talkin'
Susan Werner Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't hear a word they're sayin'
Only the echoes of my mind
People stop and stare
But I can't see their faces
Only the shadows of their eyes
Through the pouring rain
Going where the weather suits my clothes
Banking off of the northeast wind
Sailing on summer breeze
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 wind
Sailing on summer breeze
Skippin' over the ocean like a stone
Everybody's talkin' at me
Everybody's talkin' at me
Everybody's talkin' at me
In Susan Werner's "Everybody's Talkin'," the singer describes a feeling of disconnection from the world around them. People are talking to them, but the singer can't hear what they're saying and can only hear the echoes of their own thoughts. They can see people's eyes, but not their faces, suggesting a lack of connection and intimacy with others.
The repetition of the phrase "going where" suggests that the singer is searching for a place where they can feel more connected and at peace. They're looking for somewhere with good weather and a favorable wind, which suggests a desire for a comfortable and easy journey. They want to skip over the ocean like a stone, suggesting a desire to glide effortlessly through life.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody's talking at me
Everyone's speaking to me incessantly
I can't hear a word they're sayin'
I can't comprehend any of the things they're telling me
Only the echoes of my mind
All I can perceive are the remnants of my own thoughts
People stop and stare
Individuals halt and gawk
But I can't see their faces
However, I am unable to witness their expressions
Only the shadows of their eyes
Just the obscure figments of their eyes
I'm goin' where the sun keeps shining
I am migrating to where the sun remains luminous
Through the pouring rain
Irrespective of the precipitation
Going where the weather suits my clothes
Heading to a locale with climate that accommodates my garments
Banking off of the northeast wind
Benefitting from the northeast wind's momentum
Sailing on summer breeze
Cruising serenely on a summertime gust
Skipping over the ocean like a stone
Gently skimming over the ocean's surface resembling a pebble
Everybody's talkin' at me
Everyone's talking to me ceaselessly
Everybody's talkin' at me
Everyone's talking to me unceasingly
Everybody's talkin' at me
Everyone's talking to me interminably
Contributed by Nathaniel W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.