Everybody Knows
elizabeth the catapult Lyrics
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Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed
Everybody knows that the war is over
Everybody knows that the good guys lost
Everybody knows the fight was fixed
The poor stay poor and the rich get rich
That's how it goes
'Cause everybody knows that the boat is leaking
Everybody knows that the captain lied
Everybody's got this broken feeling
Like their daddy or their dog just died
Everybody's talking to their pockets
Everybody wants a box of chocolates
And a long stem rose
Everybody knows
'Cause everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows it's now or never
Everybody knows that it's me or you
Everybody knows that you live forever
When you've done a line or two
Everybody knows the deal is rotten
Old black Joe's still pickin' cotton
For your ribbons and your bows
Everybody knows
'Cause everybody knows that you're in trouble
Everybody knows what you've been through
From the bleeding cross of Calgary
To the beach in Malibu
Everybody knows you're coming apart
Take one last look at the sacred heart
Before it blows
Everybody knows
'Cause everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
'Cause everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Yeah, everybody knows
'Cause everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
The lyrics of Elizabeth the Catapult's song Everybody Knows address the universal feeling of disillusionment with the system, and the notion that the odds are rigged against the common person. The first verse alludes to the rigged nature of existence, with dice being loaded against the player. Rolling fingers crossed signifies a tacit recognition of this fact, and the sense of futility this engenders. The assertion that the good guys lost the war, despite being overtly good, reflects the jaded outlook of the singer, and represents a sense of futility in trying to do the right thing.
In the second verse, there is further acknowledgement that fighting for a better life is a losing battle. The singer describes the sensation of being defeated, and feeling as though they have lost something irreplaceable. Everybody else is in the same boat, with captains that lie and leak. The intense imagery of fingers talking to their pockets emphasizes the feeling of helplessness and futility.
The bridge is the most interesting part of the song as it describes the social hierarchy and injustice which exists in the world. The famous 'deal is rotten' line speaks to the fact that certain groups of people are being exploited; in this case, it is black people being used to make ribbons and bows for the rich. All the while, everyone else has to make do with a box of chocolates and a long stem rose. The song ends on the note that everyone is aware of what's going on in the world, despite feeling powerless to enact any real change.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody knows that the dice are loaded
Everyone understands the game is rigged
Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed
Everyone hopes for the best even when their chances are scarce
Everybody knows that the war is over
Everyone lives in a world of conflicts and struggles that never ends
Everybody knows that the good guys lost
Everyone knows that in life, good people don't always come out on top
Everybody knows the fight was fixed
Everyone knows that the game was predetermined
The poor stay poor and the rich get rich
In life, the underprivileged continue to suffer and the wealthy continue to prosper
That's how it goes
That is the reality of the situation
Everybody knows that the boat is leaking
Everyone is aware that something catastrophic is looming
Everybody knows that the captain lied
Everyone is aware of deceit and betrayal
Everybody's got this broken feeling
Everyone has a sense of sadness or disappointment
Like their daddy or their dog just died
It is a feeling similar to losing something or someone dear
Everybody's talking to their pockets
Everyone is struggling financially
Everybody wants a box of chocolates
Everyone wants the good things in life
And a long stem rose
Like love, everyone wants something beautiful
Everybody knows
Everyone is aware of it
That's how it goes
That is the way things go
Everybody knows it's now or never
Everyone knows that it is time to act
Everybody knows that it's me or you
Everyone knows that it is a battle of survival
Everybody knows that you live forever
Everyone knows that some deeds are always remembered
When you've done a line or two
When you have climbed the ladder of success
Everybody knows the deal is rotten
Everyone knows that the agreement is flawed
Old black Joe's still pickin' cotton
Like slavery, unfairness and oppression continue to exist
For your ribbons and your bows
For the sake of vanity and useless things
Everybody knows
Everyone is aware of it
'Cause everybody knows that you're in trouble
Because everyone knows that you are facing hardship
Everybody knows what you've been through
Everyone is aware of the struggles you have faced
From the bleeding cross of Calgary
From the crucifixion that symbolizes suffering
To the beach in Malibu
To the glamorous lifestyle of the rich and famous
Everybody knows you're coming apart
Everyone knows that you are falling apart mentally or emotionally
Take one last look at the sacred heart
Reflect on the past and let it go
Before it blows
Before you finally break down
Everybody knows
Everyone is aware of it
'Cause everybody knows, everybody knows
Because everyone is aware
That's how it goes
That is the reality of the situation
Yeah, everybody knows
Yes, everyone is aware of it
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Leonard Cohen, Sharon Robinson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind