Everything Is Broken

Bob Dylan

About Everything Is Broken

"Everything is Broken" is a song written and recorded by American musician Bob Dylan, and released on his 1989 album, Oh Mercy. The song's lyrics describe Dylan's detachment from his world at the time of its writing. The track found on Oh Mercy is an April 1989 re-working of a take recorded the previous month. One of the original takes, recorded by Dylan in mid-March 1989 in New Orleans, was included on the 2008 compilation album The Bootleg Series Vol. 8 - Tell Tale Signs: Rare and Unreleased 1989-2006, while the version from Oh Mercy was rereleased on the compilation album The Essential Bob Dylan. A cover version appears on Kenny Wayne Shepherd's hit album "Trouble Is... 


Year:
2000
3:13
91 
#1

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Broken lines, broken strings,
Broken threads, broken springs,
Broken idols, broken heads,
People sleeping in broken beds
Ain't no use jiving
Ain't no use joking
Everything is broken

Broken bottles, broken plates,
Broken switches, broken gates,
Broken dishes, broken parts,
Streets are filled with broken hearts
Broken words never meant to be spoken,
Everything is broken

Seem like every time you stop and turn around
Something else just hit the ground

Broken cutters, broken saws,
Broken buckles, broken laws,
Broken bodies, broken bones,
Broken voices on broken phones
Take a deep breath, feel like you're chokin',
Everything is broken

Every time you leave and go off someplace
Things fall to pieces in my face

Broken hands on broken ploughs,
Broken treaties, broken vows,
Broken pipes, broken tools,
People bending broken rules
Hound dog howling, bull frog croaking,
Everything is broken

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Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan ( /ˈdɪlən/; born Robert Allen Zimmerman; May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, poet and artist. He has been an influential figure in popular music and culture for more than five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly reluctant figurehead of social unrest. A number of Dylan's early songs, such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin'", became anthems for the US civil rights and anti-war movements. Leaving his initial base in the culture of folk music behind, Dylan's six-minute single "Like a Rolling Stone" has been described as radically altering the parameters of popular music in … more »

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Written by: Bob Dylan

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Biography
"Everything Is Broken" was originally written and performed by the American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Bob Dylan, born Robert Allen Zimmerman, is considered one of the greatest and most influential figures in popular music, known for songs like "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin'".
Album Release
The song appeared on Dylan's 26th studio album, "Oh Mercy", which was released in September 1989. The album is characterized by its atmospheric sounds and introspective lyrical themes.
Song Cover
American blues and rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd also covered "Everything Is Broken" in 1997. Shepherd has multiple Grammy nominations and his version of the song appeared on the album "Trouble Is..." which went Platinum in the United States.
Production Work
Both versions of the song were produced by influential music producers. Dylan's version was produced by Daniel Lanois, known for his work with U2 and Peter Gabriel, while Shepherd's version was produced by Jerry Harrison of the band Talking Heads.
Song Theme
The song portrays various societal issues, suggesting that "everything is broken". It is a haunting critique of the corrupt and failing system of the late 80th, a theme that remains prevalent in today's sociopolitical climate.
Music Video
Kenny Wayne Shepherd's version of "Everything Is Broken" has a music video which notably features the band performing amidst destruction and chaos, interpreting the song's theme visually.
Chart Performance
Shepherd's cover of "Everything Is Broken" received considerable commercial success. It reached number 1 on the US Mainstream Rock chart in 1998.
Songwriting Style
"Everything is Broken" showcases Dylan's penchant for a combination of poetic and simple language to convey complex messages and emotions.
Critical Reception
While not considered one of Dylan's most iconic songs, "Everything Is Broken" has been well-received by critics, who praise its pessimistic yet compelling lyrical theme.
Live Performances
Both Dylan and Shepherd have included "Everything Is Broken" in their live performance setlists, further indicating the song's enduring appeal.

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