'Everybody Knows' by Leonard Cohen
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(co-written by Sharon Robinson)
Everybody knows that the dice are loaded
Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed
Everybody knows that the war is over
Everybody knows the good guys lost
Everybody knows the fight was fixed
The poor stay poor, the rich get rich
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows that the boat is leaking
Everybody knows the captain lied
Everybody got this broken feeling
Like their father or their dog just died
Everybody talking to their pockets
Everybody wants a box of chocolates
And a long stem rose
Everybody knows
Everybody knows that you love me baby
Everybody knows that you really do
Everybody knows that you've been faithful
Ah give or take a night or two
Everybody knows you've been discreet
But there were so many people you just had to meet
Without your clothes
And everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
And everybody knows that it's now or never
Everybody knows that it's me or you
And everybody knows that you live forever
Ah 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 bows
And everybody knows
And everybody knows that the Plague is coming
Everybody knows that it's moving fast
Everybody knows that the naked man and woman
Are just a shining artifact of the past
Everybody knows the scene is dead
But there's gonna be a meter on your bed
That will disclose
What everybody knows
And everybody knows that you're in trouble
Everybody knows what you've been through
From the bloody cross on top of Calvary
To the beach of Malibu
Everybody knows it's coming apart
Take one last look at this Sacred Heart
Before it blows
And everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Oh everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows
Editor 1 Interpretation
Everybody Knows by Leonard Cohen
Introduction
Leonard Cohen is arguably one of the most significant and influential poets and musicians of the 20th century. With a career that spanned over five decades, Cohen left a lasting impact on the music and literary world with his prolific oeuvre. One of his most famous and enduring works is the 1988 song, "Everybody Knows." A dark and cynical critique of society, this song has been covered by countless artists and remains a powerful commentary on the human condition. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the lyrics of "Everybody Knows" and explore its themes, imagery, and symbolism.
Analysis
Themes
The overarching themes of "Everybody Knows" are despair, disillusionment, and cynicism. The song paints a bleak picture of society, where corruption, greed, and apathy reign supreme. The lyrics are a scathing commentary on the human condition, exposing the darker aspects of our nature. The line "Everybody knows that the dice are loaded" captures the sense of hopelessness and resignation that pervades the song. It suggests that there is no fairness or justice in the world, and that we are all at the mercy of powerful forces beyond our control.
The song also explores the theme of deception and illusion. The line "Everybody knows that the boat is leaking" suggests that we are all aware of the problems that plague our society, but we choose to ignore them, or worse, we actively participate in perpetuating them. This theme is reinforced by the line "Everybody knows that the captain lied," which implies that those in positions of power are not to be trusted, and that they are complicit in the corruption and decay of society.
Imagery and Symbolism
The imagery and symbolism in "Everybody Knows" are powerful and evocative. The line "Everybody knows that you love me baby" is a subversion of the traditional love song, turning it into a statement of manipulation and deceit. It suggests that love and affection are merely ploys to gain power or control over another person.
The line "Everybody knows that the war is over" is a powerful statement about the futility of conflict and violence. It suggests that despite our best efforts, we are unable to escape the cycle of war and destruction. The line "Everybody knows that the good guys lost" reinforces this theme, suggesting that there is no clear winner or loser in war, only suffering and loss.
The line "Everybody knows that the plague is coming" is a chilling reminder of our mortality and the inevitability of death. It suggests that no matter how much we try to avoid it, death will come for us all. This theme is further reinforced by the line "Everybody knows that you've been discreet," which suggests that our secrets and sins will ultimately be exposed and judged.
Language and Tone
The language and tone of "Everybody Knows" are cynical and sardonic. The song is filled with irony, sarcasm, and biting wit, which serve to underscore the bleakness of the lyrics. The opening line, "Everybody knows that the dice are loaded," sets the tone for the rest of the song, suggesting that we are all pawns in a game that is rigged against us.
The use of repetition in the lyrics, such as "Everybody knows" and "And everybody knows that," creates a sense of inevitability and fatalism. It suggests that there is no escape from the harsh realities of the world we live in. The use of understatement, such as the line "It's not like it used to be," serves to highlight the extent of the corruption and decay in society.
At the same time, the song is also infused with a sense of dark humor, which serves to lighten the mood somewhat. The line "Everybody knows that the naked man and woman are just a shining artifact of the past" is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the sexual revolution of the 1960s, which is now seen as a relic of a bygone era.
Interpretation
"Everybody Knows" is a powerful and enduring commentary on the human condition. It is a song that speaks to the darkness that lies within us all, exposing our flaws and weaknesses. At the same time, it is also a song that offers a glimmer of hope. The line "Everybody knows that you're in trouble" suggests that we are not alone in our struggles, and that there is a sense of community and solidarity in our shared experiences.
Ultimately, "Everybody Knows" is a call to action. It is a reminder that we have the power to effect change, and that we must take responsibility for our own lives and the world around us. The line "Everybody knows that the deal is rotten" suggests that we must reject the status quo and fight for a better future. It is a call to arms for those who refuse to be complacent in the face of injustice and corruption.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Everybody Knows" is a masterpiece of modern poetry. Its themes, imagery, and symbolism are powerful and evocative, and its language and tone are cynical and sardonic. It is a song that speaks to the darkness within us all, but also offers a glimmer of hope. It is a call to action for those who refuse to accept the corruption and decay of our society, and a reminder that we have the power to effect change. Leonard Cohen's legacy is secure, and "Everybody Knows" remains a timeless and enduring commentary on the human condition.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Everybody Knows: A Masterpiece of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen, the Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist, is one of the most influential and celebrated artists of the 20th century. His works are known for their deep and insightful lyrics, haunting melodies, and profound themes. Among his many masterpieces, "Everybody Knows" stands out as a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
Released in 1988, "Everybody Knows" is a song that captures the essence of the human condition in a way that few other works of art can. It is a powerful and evocative piece that speaks to the universal experiences of love, loss, and the struggle for meaning in a world that often seems chaotic and unpredictable.
The song begins with the lines "Everybody knows that the dice are loaded / Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed." These opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, which is a meditation on the nature of fate and the human condition. The idea that the dice are loaded suggests that life is not fair, and that we are all at the mercy of forces beyond our control. The image of rolling the dice with fingers crossed suggests that we are all hoping for the best, but deep down we know that the odds are stacked against us.
The next verse continues in this vein, with Cohen singing "Everybody knows that the war is over / Everybody knows the good guys lost." This line is a commentary on the state of the world in the late 1980s, when the song was written. The Cold War was coming to an end, but the world was still a dangerous and uncertain place. The idea that the good guys lost suggests that there are no clear winners in the struggle for power and influence, and that even those who appear to be on the right side of history may ultimately be defeated.
The chorus of the song is perhaps the most memorable and iconic part of the entire piece. Cohen sings "Everybody knows that the boat is leaking / Everybody knows that the captain lied." This image of a leaking boat with a dishonest captain is a powerful metaphor for the state of the world and the human condition. It suggests that we are all adrift in a sea of uncertainty, and that those who are supposed to be leading us are not to be trusted.
The next verse continues this theme, with Cohen singing "Everybody knows that the plague is coming / Everybody knows that it's moving fast." This line is a reference to the AIDS epidemic that was sweeping the world in the late 1980s. The idea that the plague is coming suggests that we are all vulnerable to forces beyond our control, and that even the most powerful and privileged among us are not immune to the ravages of disease and death.
The final verse of the song is perhaps the most poignant and powerful of all. Cohen sings "Everybody knows that you love me baby / Everybody knows that you really do / Everybody knows that you've been faithful / Ah, give or take a night or two." This verse is a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, there is still love and connection to be found. The idea that someone loves us and has been faithful to us, even if only "give or take a night or two," is a source of comfort and hope in a world that often seems devoid of both.
In conclusion, "Everybody Knows" is a masterpiece of Leonard Cohen's oeuvre. It is a song that speaks to the universal experiences of love, loss, and the struggle for meaning in a world that often seems chaotic and unpredictable. Its powerful imagery and haunting melody have made it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Whether you are a fan of Cohen's music or simply appreciate great art, "Everybody Knows" is a must-listen that will leave you moved and inspired.
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