Everybody Knows – English Lyrics

• By: Leonard Cohen
• Album: I'm Your Man

Lyrics & Translation

Learning a language through music is a powerful tool, and Leonard Cohen's 'Everybody Knows' offers a unique opportunity to delve into sophisticated English vocabulary and complex thematic expression. The song's repetitive structure makes it easier to follow, while its profound lyrics will introduce you to nuanced ways of discussing social and personal issues. Exploring this song is not just about learning words; it's about understanding a particular worldview and the art of lyrical protest.

[English]

♪ Everybody knows that the dice are loaded ♪

♪ Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed ♪

♪ Everybody knows 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 ♪

♪ And 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 ♪

♪ Everybody knows, everybody knows ♪

♪ That's how it goes ♪

♪ Everybody knows ♪

♪ Everybody knows ♪

♪ Everybody knows ♪

♪ That's how it goes ♪

♪ Everybody knows ♪

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
know /noʊ/ A1	verb - to be aware of through observation, inquiry, or experience
loaded /ˈloʊdɪd/ B1	adjective - filled or supplied with a large quantity
crossed /krɔst/ A2	verb - to go or extend from one side of something to the other
war /wɔr/ A1	noun - a state of armed conflict between different countries or groups
fight /faɪt/ A1	noun - a violent confrontation or struggle
fixed /fɪkst/ A2	adjective - arranged or determined in advance
poor /pʊr/ A1	adjective - lacking sufficient money to live at a standard considered comfortable
rich /rɪtʃ/ A1	adjective - having a great deal of money or assets
leaking /ˈliːkɪŋ/ A2	verb - to allow liquid or gas to escape through a hole or crack
lied /laɪd/ A2	verb - to say something that is not true
broken /ˈbroʊkən/ A2	adjective - separated into pieces as a result of injury or damage
faithful /ˈfeɪθfəl/ B1	adjective - remaining loyal and steadfast in affection or allegiance
discreet /dɪˈskriːt/ B2	adjective - careful and prudent, especially in preserving secrecy
rotten /ˈrɑtən/ A2	adjective - decayed or decomposed
plague /pleɪɡ/ B1	noun - a contagious bacterial disease characterized by fever and delirium
naked /ˈneɪkɪd/ A2	adjective - not wearing any clothes
trouble /ˈtrʌbəl/ A1	noun - a state of distress or difficulty
apart /əˈpɑrt/ A2	adverb - separated by a distance in time or space