Poem Analysis - Everybody Knows

A World Weary Lament

Leonard Cohen's "Everybody Knows" is a bleak and cynical commentary on the state of the world and human relationships. The poem paints a picture of widespread corruption, disillusionment, and moral decay, all delivered with a sardonic tone. It is a litany of acknowledged truths, each line a resigned acceptance of harsh realities. While the overall mood is dark, there's a subtle shift towards personal betrayal and then catastrophic destruction, highlighting a descent from societal problems to individual despair.

Echoes of Social Unrest

Written in the late 1980s, "Everybody Knows" resonates with the anxieties of that era. The Cold War, social inequalities, and a growing sense of institutional mistrust likely influenced Cohen's pessimistic outlook. Lines like "the war is over, the good guys lost" and "the poor stay poor, the rich get rich" reflect a societal fatigue and a perceived failure of traditional power structures. This historical backdrop enriches the poem's meaning, positioning it as a reflection on the prevailing sense of unease and societal disillusionment.

Unveiling Betrayal and Loss of Innocence

One prominent theme is the loss of innocence and the pervasive sense of betrayal. This is evident not only on a grand scale, with references to rigged fights and corrupt deals, but also on a personal level. The lines about infidelity ("everybody knows that you love me baby...give or take a night or two") suggest a breakdown of trust and intimacy in relationships. Another key theme is that of acceptance of fate, no matter how dire. The refrain "That's how it goes" punctuates each verse, emphasizing a weary resignation to the status quo. Finally, the poem touches on the theme of inequality and injustice, highlighting the systemic disadvantages faced by the marginalized, as seen in the stark image of "Old Black Joe's still pickin' cotton."

Symbols of Decay and Deceit

Several recurring symbols contribute to the poem's overall message. The loaded dice represent the rigged nature of life and the inherent unfairness of the world. The "leaking boat" symbolizes a society on the verge of collapse, its foundations compromised and sinking. The repeated mention of "everybody knows" serves as a chilling reminder of collective complicity and the silence that allows these injustices to persist. The "Sacred Heart," mentioned towards the end, is a powerful image of religious symbolism about to be destroyed. Is it the destruction of faith, hope, or perhaps the loss of sanctity for things once thought to be holy?

A Grim Acceptance

"Everybody Knows" is a powerful exploration of societal decay and individual disillusionment. Through its bleak imagery, cynical tone, and recurring motifs of betrayal and injustice, the poem offers a stark and unsettling vision of the modern world. It is a lament for lost innocence and a resigned acceptance of a flawed reality. The poem's power lies in its unflinching honesty and its ability to resonate with a universal sense of unease and disillusionment, inviting readers to confront the uncomfortable truths that "everybody knows."