The band, from London, UK, started out as The Dave Clark Quintet in 1957, with Dave Clark on drums, Dave Sanford on lead guitar, Chris Walls on bass, Don Vale on piano (and arranger) and a saxophone player. By 1962, the band had changed its name to The Dave Clark Five and settled on the line-up that continued until the band called it a day in 1970: Dave Clark (drums, vocals; born December 15, 1939), Lenny Davidson (guitar; born May 30, 1944), Rick Huxley (bass; born August 5, 1942; died February 11, 2013), Denis Payton (saxes, harmonica, vocals; born August 11, 1943, died December 17, 2006), Mike Smith (keyboards, vocals; born December 6, 1943, died February 28, 2008).
Between 1964 and 1967, the band had 17 records in the US Billboard Top 40, with 12 Top 40 United Kingdom hits.
The DC5 disbanded in 1970, having placed three singles on the UK chart that year, two of which reached the Top Ten. That same year, Davidson, Huxley and Payton left and Alan Parker and Eric Ford joined on lead guitar and bass; this line-up, renamed "Dave Clark & Friends", lasted until 1973.
Everybody Knows
The Dave Clark Five Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And heard me beg you, "Stay, please stay"
Why, why did we choose this crowded place?
They all know it, 'cause I show it in my face
Everybody knows you said goodbye
Everybody knows we're through
Now they all can see the tears I cry
They all said it's too good to be true
It'll make a fool of you one day
I just laughed and said our love was strong
But you've left me and they all know I was wrong
Everybody knows you're tired of me
Everybody knows we're through
Though I'm on my own, I can't be free
Baby, I just live for you
Everybody knows you said goodbye
Everybody knows we're through
Now they all can see the tears I cry
Running down my face for you
Everybody knows you're tired of me
Everybody knows we're through
Though I'm on my own, I can't be free
The Dave Clark Five's song "Everybody Knows" is a classic rock tune that speaks about a failed relationship and the hurt and betrayal that it brought. The song's lyrics straightforwardly convey the fact that the singer knows that their partner is mistreating and lying to them, but despite that, they still love them. The song builds on this theme throughout its runtime, as the singer bemoans the fact that they are wasting time with someone who doesn't love them back and constantly feels the hurt and anger that comes from the knowledge of betrayal. The song's chorus, with the repeating "everybody knows" line, seems to indicate that the singer is not alone in their pain and that everyone knows what is going on, adding to the frustration and hurt of the situation.
The song's melody is catchy and upbeat, yet the lyrics' themes are dark and heavy, creating an interesting contrast. Additionally, the song's use of repetition in the chorus and the simple yet effective structure of the verses helped make it a popular hit at the time of its release. Overall, "Everybody Knows" is an excellent example of how a great rock song can use a simple structure and thematic consistency to create a powerful emotional impact.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody knows you've been treating me bad
It is widely known that you have not been treating me well
Everybody knows you've been makin' me sad
It is widely known that you have been making me unhappy
Well you don't have to lie 'cause I'm no fool
You do not have to lie to me because I am not gullible
I can see you don't want my love at all
I can tell that you do not want my love
I know, I still love you
Despite this, I still have feelings for you
Everybody knows he's been hanging around
It is widely known that he has been spending time with you
Everybody knows you've been painting the town
It is widely known that you have been going out a lot
He could never love you the way that I do
He would never be able to love you like I do
And maybe I'll find somebody else
Perhaps I will find someone else
But oh, I still love you
But regardless, I still have feelings for you
Every night I keep on cryin'
Every night I keep crying
And I pray that you'll stop lyin' to me
And I hope that you stop lying to me
Everybody knows you will never be mine
It is widely known that you will never be mine
Everybody knows I've been wasting my time
It is widely known that I have been wasting my time
I want to forget you as fast as I can
I want to forget you as quickly as possible
But every time I see you the hurtin' begins again
But every time I see you, my pain returns
I still love you
Despite all of this, I still love you
Everybody knows, everybody knows
It is widely known, universally understood
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Joseph Langridge-Brown, Conor Mason, Dominic Craik, Julian Emery, Jim Irwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@karinaport
Mike Smith,one of the greates voices of english rock!!Rest in peace,Mike!!
@oldermusiclover
best Rock voice period for me
@michekids
Yes
@michaelhiggins6762
One of their greatest songs...!
@bobradford2637
This reached number 2 in February of 1964. Has stood the test of time!
@stevieboy5588
The ratings people must have been on queludes to rate this song as high as they dud!
@user-bo4vl9md5p
On Ed Sullivan more then the Beatles, and many other acts . The best !
@hollywoodjoe123
This Dave Clark Five song " EVERYBODY KNOWS " was out in 1967 - - not 1964 - !
@JohnMac-or1ih
There were two Everybody Knows singles in 1964 and 1967. The '67 one reached number 2.
@PaulDePace
Some people don't realize that the DAVE CLARK FIVE actually sold more records in 1965 than the Beatles! Great group with 4 or 5 mega hits...