About the song
Fred Neil’s “Everybody’s Talkin'” is a timeless anthem that speaks to the universal human longing for escape and tranquility. Released in 1966, the song’s evocative lyrics and haunting melody have resonated with audiences for decades. While Neil’s original version captured the song’s essence, it was Harry Nilsson’s 1969 cover that propelled it to mainstream success, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy Award.
The song’s narrative unfolds as a poignant meditation on urban isolation and the desire for a simpler life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world overwhelmed by noise, chaos, and superficiality. The protagonist yearns to break free from this suffocating environment, seeking refuge in a place where “the sun keeps shining through the pouring rain.” This longing for a more peaceful existence is deeply relatable, striking a chord with listeners who have felt trapped by the demands of modern life.
Neil’s songwriting is both evocative and understated. His ability to convey complex emotions through simple, yet powerful language is a hallmark of his artistry. The song’s repetitive chorus, “Everybody’s talkin’ at me, I don’t hear a word they’re sayin’,” serves as a potent symbol of the protagonist’s emotional detachment and desire for solitude.
“Everybody’s Talkin'” is a testament to the enduring power of music to connect with listeners on a profound level. Its timeless message of yearning and escape continues to resonate with audiences today, reminding us of the importance of finding solace and peace in a world that can often feel overwhelming and chaotic.
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Lyrics
Everybody’s talkin’ at me
I don’t hear a word they’re sayin’
Only the echoes of my mind
People stoppin’, starin’
I can’t see their faces
Only the shadows of their eyes
I’m goin’ where the sun keeps shinin’
Through the pourin’ rain
Goin’ where the weather suits my clothes
Bankin’ off of the Northeast winds
Sailin’ on summer breeze
And skippin’ over the ocean like a stone
Wah, wah
Wah
I’m going where the sun keeps shinin’
Through the pourin’ rain
Goin’ where the weather suits my clothes
Bankin’ off of the Northeast winds
Sailin’ on summer breeze
And skippin’ over the ocean like a stone
Everybody’s talkin’ at me
Can’t hear a word they’re sayin’
Only the echoes of my mind
I won’t let you leave my love behind
No, I won’t let you leave-wah
I won’t let you leave my love behind