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Concrete Blonde — Everybody Knows
Album: Still In Hollywood
Avg rating:
6.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 925









Released: 1994
Length: 4:34
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Everybody knows the dice are loaded
Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed
Everybody knows that the war is over
Everybody knows that the good guys lost
Everybody knows the fight is fixed
The poor stay poor and the rich get rich
That's how it goes

Everybody knows the boat is sinking
Everybody knows that the captain lied
Everybody's got this broken feeling
Like their mama or their dog just died
Everybody's hands are in their pockets
Everybody wants a box of chocolates
And a long stem rose
Everybody knows

Everybody knows
Everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows

Everybody knows
Everybody knows
That's the way it goes
Everybody knows

Everybody knows that it's now or never
Everybody knows that it's me or you
Everybody knows that you live forever
When you had a line or two
Everybody knows the deal is rotten
Old black Joe still pickin' cotton
For your ribbons and bows

Everybody knows you love me baby
Everybody knows that you really do
Everybody knows that you've been faithful
Give or take a night or two
Everybody knows you've been discreet
So many people you had to meet
Without your clothes
And everybody knows

Everybody knows
Everybody knows
That's the way it goes
Everybody knows

Everybody knows
Everybody knows
That's how it goes
And everybody knows
Comments (141)add comment
What an amazing instrument Johnette's voice is!
Posted 3 months ago by nelamvr6    [ Reply ]
 gringozono wrote:

ANOTHER ONE....

There's been a disturbing trend of late, where great songs being covered by singers with "better trained" voices, employing all sorts of tonal gymnastics, but that fall far short of the soulfulness of the originals, leaving the experience shallow and flat.



I prefer this version to Leonard Cohen's drone.
Posted 3 months ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
great song, as much as i like joey love this one too
Posted 4 months ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
Awesome surprise! I feel so fortunate to have seen CB live 3 times, because as good as her recorded voice is, it's ten times more powerful live. 
Posted 6 months ago by nevar23    [ Reply ]
Less covers please!!!
Posted 7 months ago by Rcallinjr    [ Reply ]
lazy cover . . .
Posted 7 months ago by jjbix37    [ Reply ]

ANOTHER ONE....

There's been a disturbing trend of late, where great songs being covered by singers with "better trained" voices, employing all sorts of tonal gymnastics, but that fall far short of the soulfulness of the originals, leaving the experience shallow and flat.

Posted 8 months ago by gringozono    [ Reply ]
Everybody knows you love me baby
Everybody knows that you really do
Everybody knows that you've been faithful
Give or take a night or two

- An excellent line from an excellent poet!
Posted 10 months ago by Kajukenbo    [ Reply ]
thought it was mariane faithful
Posted 1 year ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 xrdstv wrote:

nice to hear a 30 year old cover for the first time. 




  
Posted 1 year ago by Pedro1874    [ Reply ]
nice to hear a 30 year old cover for the first time. 
Posted 1 year ago by xrdstv    [ Reply ]
Even though its a different sound I still feel the beginning of the movie Pump Up the Volume starting.
Posted 1 year ago by renegade_X    [ Reply ]
This adds nothing to Lenny’s version.
Posted 1 year ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
 




philinnz wrote:

LC's original = 10
CB's cover = 9






LC's original = 10
CB's cover = 7
Posted 1 year ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]

I don't think it's the best way to get to know Concrete Blonde... a band still unknown to me, but time to time. Leonard Cohen is blurred rhythmically, but he keeps the spirit very well in a few occasions. I think of Jeff Buckley, Joan Baez or Enrique Morente.

Posted 1 year ago by modesTwo    [ Reply ]
it is.
Posted 1 year ago by aparentdesign    [ Reply ]
Always loved Johnette Napolitano's voice. This isn't my favorite Concrete Blonde song by far, but her voice is still pleasant and powerful.
Posted 2 years ago by SchrodingersCat    [ Reply ]
 trekhead wrote:
Bicky wrote: Tell it!



Not Joey. Joey and Caroline get all the airplay and there are so many other songs.
Posted 2 years ago by aparentdesign    [ Reply ]
Everybody in the world love music
Posted 9 years ago by DeloresMadden    [ Reply ]
HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE

I usually love RP's selection but this cover SUCKS BADLY 
Posted 11 years ago by elperroverde    [ Reply ]
Everybody what???
Posted 11 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]
LC's original = 10
CB's cover = 9
Posted 11 years ago by philinnz    [ Reply ]

{#Crashcomp}   PSD selection


Posted 11 years ago by Sawyer    [ Reply ]
MORE CONCRETE BLONDE. please
Posted 11 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
Oh C'mon. Almost any other song by CB is better than this. Really Bill, read the comments and change things up a bit with this stellar and underrepresented band. Give Bloodletting a spin!
Posted 11 years ago by passsion8    [ Reply ]
 Nighthawk wrote:
Perhaps it's nostalgia, but this song just takes me on a journey through the difficult struggle of life. When I first heard the song I had been beaten down a lot. No one cared. It's just the way it was. This song was a way of telling me that this is just the way life is, but there was something in her voice that was apologetically bitter about the whole thing. It helped. It wasn't until years later that I discovered it was a cover. This version is still my favorite.
 

The song did the same for me.... It was in the movie Pump Up the Volume...anyway, it soothed a teenage heart.
Posted 12 years ago by claya    [ Reply ]
got it.... everybody knows..... heard you the first 100 times
 
Posted 12 years ago by ckcotton    [ Reply ]
....everybody knows....
Posted 12 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
wha's this about everybody's nose ?....there's so much better c blonde...texas ladies man... walking in london...caroline..vampire song..god is a bullet..still in hollywood....maybe more of that.. less of this eh?
Posted 12 years ago by DD rabbi_phil    [ Reply ]
This is not horrible but Cohen's version is MUCH better IMHO....
Posted 12 years ago by AlienRelic    [ Reply ]
Love the Leonard version and Love this version.  That's not controversial is it?
Posted 12 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
Who knew covering a Leonard Cohen song could be so divisive...?
Posted 12 years ago by lazylemming    [ Reply ]
Perhaps it's nostalgia, but this song just takes me on a journey through the difficult struggle of life. When I first heard the song I had been beaten down a lot. No one cared. It's just the way it was. This song was a way of telling me that this is just the way life is, but there was something in her voice that was apologetically bitter about the whole thing. It helped. It wasn't until years later that I discovered it was a cover. This version is still my favorite.
Posted 12 years ago by Nighthawk    [ Reply ]
Johnette Napolitano's passion and power expressed through this already-stellar Leonard Cohen song is a joy to hear.
Posted 12 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
 This>>
vandal wrote:

All y'all need to loosen the waistband on your chonies - this is a textured and nuanced cover with its own intrinsic value.  So what if its not as great as Cohen's original.  Its still great. 
 
 


Posted 12 years ago by hogdog    [ Reply ]
I love CB, but this isn't one of their better moments.
Posted 12 years ago by shakitten    [ Reply ]
unnecessary version!
Posted 12 years ago by Dinges,_the_Dude    [ Reply ]
Check this out on YouTube, that version is a stellar performance.
Posted 12 years ago by ScottD    [ Reply ]

All y'all need to loosen the waistband on your chonies - this is a textured and nuanced cover with its own intrinsic value.  So what if its not as great as Cohen's original.  Its still great. 
 
Posted 12 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:
If Leonard Cohen wasn't still alive he'd be turning in his grave. Actually this cover isn't to bad.
 

Was so thinking the same Laughing
Posted 12 years ago by Limpopoking    [ Reply ]
This song just blows.

Regardless who sings it. 
Posted 12 years ago by iTuner    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:
If Leonard Cohen wasn't still alive he'd be turning in his grave. Actually this cover isn't to bad.
 
It's a pretty good cover, IMO. Different from Cohen's, but as good covers should, it adds a new layer of interpretation to the song. Plus it's danceable, and yer woman has a cracking voice :)

Posted 12 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Haven't heard this since 1994 and its still too soon.
Posted 12 years ago by iTuner    [ Reply ]
If Leonard Cohen wasn't still alive he'd be turning in his grave. Actually this cover isn't to bad.
Posted 12 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
 mrmonkey wrote:
blech
 
Yep...but it is harmless I suppose. Kinda safe and dull to me.
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Much improved over the original "You're a mean one, Mister Grinch" version.
Posted 12 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
Can't say I'm a fan of covers - if it ain't broke... - but this is pretty good in my humble opinion.
Posted 15 years ago by zorrofox    [ Reply ]
blech
Posted 15 years ago by mrmonkey    [ Reply ]
Haha, well I sure wasn't expecting those lyrics after the intro!
Posted 15 years ago by mybaldbird    [ Reply ]
Everybody's noooooooooose
Everybody's nose
Posted 15 years ago by ptooey    [ Reply ]
Nice try on this cover....but no.
Posted 15 years ago by echoes    [ Reply ]
trekhead wrote:
Always did like CB. Yeah, Jeanette Napolitano(?) , great voice, good rhythms, excellent! It's a 9!
YEAH!, it's excellent..
Posted 16 years ago by jotbe6    [ Reply ]
This song is really beautiful, the mixture of harmony is impressive, the changes of voice of Neapolitan Johnette are also brilliant, I give him 9 points ----- Esta canción es realmente hermosa, la mezcla de armonia es impresionante, ademas los cambios de voz de Johnette Napolitano es genial, yo le doy 9 puntos
Posted 16 years ago by jotbe6    [ Reply ]
Shesdifferent wrote:
That's actually interesting, like meeting someone you instantly dislike and you don't even know them. I wonder what that is.
Oh, that's easy, knowing people from past lives explains that one. Sheesh.
Posted 19 years ago by Drummer4soul    [ Reply ]
Oh my, they're gona play a Cohen song next. Wow. That's just torture. Bill has some issues today.
Posted 19 years ago by trempel    [ Reply ]
radiojunkie wrote:
There's something about Concrete Blonde that I've always found just plain annoying. Usually, I don't let the quality of the vocal get to me -- I can deal with Randy Newman, Neil Young, Dylan, Maryann Faithfull, etc. -- but for some reason Napolitano's voice just ticks me off. We must be on opposing frequencies.
That's actually interesting, like meeting someone you instantly dislike and you don't even know them. I wonder what that is.
Posted 19 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
davie70 wrote:
This is a really bad rip-off of the Leonard Cohen song. Pathetic.
I couldn't agree more. Somebody oughtta shoot this guy. Cohen's voice and guitar work was perfect for this song, inf act it's one of Cohen's all-time best IMHO. This version just.. doesn't work.
Posted 19 years ago by trempel    [ Reply ]
jed2667 wrote:
When I first bought the soundtrack for Pump up the Volume back in 1990, I had never heard of Leonard Cohen. I just assumed that Hard Harry had been playing Concrete Blondes song at a slow speed. Ok, I was young and naive. It wasn't till '94, when Natural Born Killers came out did I discover Cohen and finally heard the original. I do enjoy this version for nostalgic reasons but I have to agree that Leonard's version is truly the way this song should be sung.
I had the exact same experience and feel the same way as you about the different versions. Too bad RP doesn't seem to want to play Leonard's version.
Posted 19 years ago by Minstrelette    [ Reply ]
Xeric wrote:
I know I hate this version of this song. Gimme Leonard.
I'm with this guy.
Posted 19 years ago by drover    [ Reply ]
davie70 wrote:
This is a really bad rip-off of the Leonard Cohen song. Pathetic.
Rip-off? It's called a cover in most circles, though I've also heard the term remake. Pretty common for artists to do these. Personally, I think it's a good cover.
Posted 19 years ago by ptooey    [ Reply ]
This is a really bad rip-off of the Leonard Cohen song. Pathetic.
Posted 19 years ago by davie70    [ Reply ]
Great song. Love it when she goes up into the next register...Thanks Mr. Cohen
Posted 19 years ago by neilpeart    [ Reply ]
There's something about Concrete Blonde that I've always found just plain annoying. Usually, I don't let the quality of the vocal get to me -- I can deal with Randy Newman, Neil Young, Dylan, Maryann Faithfull, etc. -- but for some reason Napolitano's voice just ticks me off. We must be on opposing frequencies.
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
AliGator wrote:
I think I hate this song.
I know I hate this version of this song. Gimme Leonard.
Posted 19 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
I'd never caught this in the lyrics before: Everybody knows that you been faithful Give or take a night or two Everybody knows you been discrete So many people you had to meet Without your clothes
Posted 19 years ago by resonator    [ Reply ]
jed2667 wrote:
When I first bought the soundtrack for Pump up the Volume back in 1990, I had never heard of Leonard Cohen. I just assumed that Hard Harry had been playing Concrete Blondes song at a slow speed. Ok, I was young and naive. It wasn't till '94, when Natural Born Killers came out did I discover Cohen and finally heard the original. I do enjoy this version for nostalgic reasons but I have to agree that Leonard's version is truly the way this song should be sung.
I just had a "Pump Up The Volume" flashback myself. Our drama club watched this movie religiously, this and "Rocky Horror" and "The Wall" at the midnight movies but "Pump Up" on VHS. We loved that moment when Hard Harry drives up as Concrete Blonde sings their version for the first time. In retrospect, pretty damn cheesy, the movie and the devotion to it... but I miss those days. (shrug) Of course the Leonard Cohen version is better, but can you listen to it in the car as you drive "the strip" at midnight with your fellow high school buddies? I think not.
Posted 19 years ago by Trustocity    [ Reply ]
Great song but I can't say that I really dig this version of it.
Posted 19 years ago by cementfloor    [ Reply ]
I think I hate this song.
Posted 19 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
I feel a bit like the village idiot here. I have NO CLUE what this rendition is "about" - why it was done in this manner, what it was trying to convey, if anything - particularly the first 1/2 or so.... Yep. I'm clueless on this one.
Posted 19 years ago by diane    [ Reply ]
I think they only have one really good song: Walking in London.
Posted 19 years ago by joempie    [ Reply ]
dreadful caterwauling.
Posted 20 years ago by lotus_65    [ Reply ]
I don't think I've ever heard the LC version... ..but as far as I'm concerned, Johnette could sing the phone book and I'd dig it. Magnificent pipes. =P~
Posted 20 years ago by Thor    [ Reply ]
Bicky wrote:
From the first guitar chords on, you hear it is the Concret Blonde. Great tune (I didn't know it). Play some "Joey", RP.
Tell it!
Posted 20 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
Always did like CB. Yeah, Jeanette Napolitano(?) , great voice, good rhythms, excellent! It's a 9!
Posted 20 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
sergeant_x wrote:
Anyone remember a band called the Washington Squares? They did a really nice beatnik/folky version of this song sometime in the late eighties I think.
I remember the band, but not their cover of this. They probably DID it, though, because my memory is pretty bad....
Posted 20 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
From the first guitar chords on, you hear it is the Concret Blonde. Great tune (I didn't know it). Play some "Joey", RP.
Posted 20 years ago by Bicky    [ Reply ]
When I first bought the soundtrack for Pump up the Volume back in 1990, I had never heard of Leonard Cohen. I just assumed that Hard Harry had been playing Concrete Blondes song at a slow speed. Ok, I was young and naive. It wasn't till '94, when Natural Born Killers came out did I discover Cohen and finally heard the original. I do enjoy this version for nostalgic reasons but I have to agree that Leonard's version is truly the way this song should be sung.
Posted 20 years ago by jed2667    [ Reply ]
Nice
Posted 20 years ago by spek10    [ Reply ]
Ick.
Posted 20 years ago by ArbiterOfGoodTaste    [ Reply ]
The song doesn't do much for me, but I love the line: "But there were so many people you just had to meet/Without your clothes ". Nasty!
Posted 20 years ago by Shimmer    [ Reply ]
Feh! What makes the original version great, aside from its being a great song, is the palpable anger and scathing hatred in the vocals. This lady doesnt even sound moderately annoyed. Iis she reading the lyrics of a sheet?
Posted 20 years ago by betsy    [ Reply ]
This song is great for the nostalgia of the Pump up the Volume soundtrack, but give me Cohen's version anyday. I remember being so pissed off buying that album and NOT finding Cohen's version. Also, it didn't have "If it be your will". But it did have kick out the jams and heretic so I guess that's ok.
Posted 20 years ago by cataloger    [ Reply ]
RParadise wrote:
Sorry, but this is a rather bloodless version of what is really a scathing song. I first heard Cohen's version in the soundtrack to "Pump Up The Volume," a pretty good movie. (personally recommended) It blew me away then, very angry and full of contempt. This version doesn't do anything to me.
Actually, this version is used in Pump Up The Volume as well.
Posted 20 years ago by newwavegurly    [ Reply ]
Interesting. I wasn't expecing to see this many people dislike this version. I think this version is great, personally. It's somber and slow. I think the mood this version evokes fits with the subject matter. As for Johnette, I used to hate most female rock singers. Then I heard her. She blew me away. One of few women with balls. The Cohen version is good, but certainly dated. They're both worth a listen in my book any day, though.
Posted 20 years ago by OmegaConcern    [ Reply ]
Here's a thought; judge a song on it's own merit, whether it is a cover song or not. Yeah, everyone loves the original but this is still really good. How about you overlook the easy comparison and base your opinions on the song itself. I personally like it.
Posted 20 years ago by red5_bc    [ Reply ]
I hated this cover and the only thing I appreciated was her voice when she belted it out at the very end. Otherwise, pretty boring and the drums were grating and terrible.
Posted 20 years ago by Miles    [ Reply ]
A terrible version of a great song. So sad.
Posted 20 years ago by drH    [ Reply ]
I do agree to play some real Cohen would be sooo cool !!!
Posted 20 years ago by lovebuzz    [ Reply ]
How more disingenuous can a group of Cohen fans make themselves appear? Mention this in whisper, but Sharon Robinson co-wrote this tune with Cohen (I'm Your Man, 1988). As far as Concrete Blonde's rendering goes - it is raw. Withdrawn, yet confrontational. CB's disdain achieves further pith to a very poetic and somber song.
Posted 20 years ago by OfficeUseOnly    [ Reply ]
Oh MAN, do I love this song. Johnette Napolitano is great on this. Still gives me goosebumps. I bought the Pump Up the Volume soundtrack for this song.
Posted 20 years ago by bigpomp    [ Reply ]
Keep it real...as in the REAL LEONARD! thx bill :)
Posted 20 years ago by DavidCarrico    [ Reply ]
This the second time i've had to post this sentiment on RP tonight... just play some REAL leonard cohen!
Posted 20 years ago by bluedot    [ Reply ]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I first heard this by The Washington Squares, a neo-folk trio (now defunct). Much prefer their version to any other. The CB version sounds like a dirge (given that Cohen wrote it, perhaps appropriate!).
nevermind, hobbit already mentioned this.
Posted 21 years ago by sergeant_x    [ Reply ]
Anyone remember a band called the Washington Squares? They did a really nice beatnik/folky version of this song sometime in the late eighties I think.
Posted 21 years ago by sergeant_x    [ Reply ]
not their greatest.
Posted 21 years ago by Platypus    [ Reply ]
I don't think it's really fair to compare this song to the original. The two songs have completely different moods and atmospheres. Just my opinion, though. I like them both. :)
Posted 21 years ago by Blackthorne    [ Reply ]
I am a huge Cohen fan and I really like this cover.
Posted 21 years ago by GreyLyn    [ Reply ]
I love her voice...It just ooooozzes SEX :2dancingbananas:
Posted 21 years ago by GreenOnion    [ Reply ]
Give me the raspy voice of Cohen any day. She doesn't really pull it off. <-X
Posted 21 years ago by beechwood    [ Reply ]
This might be enough to kill Leondard, and then make him turn over in his grave. Just awful.
Posted 21 years ago by spoontazz1    [ Reply ]
Some people like the cover, some prefer Cohen. Personally, I like them both, but find the Cohen version is a little dated - which is perfect when considering both versions in that some things change and some never do.
Posted 21 years ago by OmegaConcern    [ Reply ]
The thing that makes Mankey's sound so interesting (one of them, anyway) is that he doesn't play with a pick. You'll note the lack of a hard attack on the strings. Catch the Blonde live if you get the chance. They're awesome.
Originally Posted by faramir: I think his name is James Mankey. That's normal Concrete Blonde guitar for you. Unique sound, I think.
Posted 21 years ago by OmegaConcern    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by qbee: I'm a Cohen fan, but I kind of like this cover. I really like the guitar - anyone special playing guitar on this?
I think his name is James Mankey. That's normal Concrete Blonde guitar for you. Unique sound, I think.
Posted 21 years ago by faramir    [ Reply ]
Whoo-hoo! More Concrete Blonde, please! (pimp)
Posted 21 years ago by indigo_xia    [ Reply ]
I generally like the covers played here or at least can stand them. No such luck with this one. Please play the Cohen version!
Posted 21 years ago by harlock52    [ Reply ]
It just reminds of how good Cohen can be. This song needs his worn-out rumble of a voice to work properly.
Posted 21 years ago by andrewl    [ Reply ]
awesome song by an awesome band, helps if it\'s taken in context with the rest of the body of their work, excellent lyrics one way or the other (pimp) :)
Posted 21 years ago by orpheus    [ Reply ]
This song is making me take a second look at this band
Posted 21 years ago by cds    [ Reply ]
They have some decent songs like Bloodletting, Someday, Joey, God is a Bullet, ... This one doesnt belong with those
Posted 21 years ago by Last_DJ    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by Frischtom: hmm...no...I want Leonard Cohen. Probably the worst cover song I've heard so far on RP.
Not the worst! 2nd worst, probably; 3rd worst @ the worst! Next time play the original, (or a better cover!!!)
Posted 21 years ago by SnipeHunter    [ Reply ]
hmm...no...I want Leonard Cohen. Probably the worst cover song I\'ve heard so far on RP.
Posted 21 years ago by Frischtom    [ Reply ]
Makes me want to hear some Pretty Twisted. A little \"Dear Marlon Brando\" maybe, or \"Souvenir\"?
Posted 21 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
Plain doleful.
Posted 21 years ago by Joyfulchristine    [ Reply ]
I\'m a Cohen fan, but I kind of like this cover. I really like the guitar - anyone special playing guitar on this?
Posted 21 years ago by qbee    [ Reply ]
I like a number of songs from Concrete Blonde. This one just doesn\'t rank with their better stuff, IMO.
Posted 21 years ago by mperry    [ Reply ]
well for me.....had songs like these not been remade I may have never knew who Leonard Cohen is.
Posted 21 years ago by ladyj    [ Reply ]
Aww all this does is make we want to hear the original.
Posted 21 years ago by caitlin    [ Reply ]
lame
Posted 21 years ago by michaeltrego    [ Reply ]
This version is okay, I actually like the Don Henley version. So shoot me! :D
Posted 22 years ago by tdawg    [ Reply ]
Heard \'em both. Like \'em both.
Posted 22 years ago by TheLoneIguana    [ Reply ]