Everyday People

Joan Jett & the Blackhearts' rendition of 'Everyday People' is a powerful anthem that celebrates the diversity of human experience while calling for unity and acceptance. The song's lyrics emphasize that everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs, is fundamentally the same. The opening lines, 'Sometimes I'm right then I can be wrong / My own beliefs are in my songs,' suggest that personal beliefs and opinions can vary, but they are all valid and part of the human experience. The mention of various professions like a butcher, a banker, and a drummer highlights the idea that no matter what group one belongs to, everyone is 'everyday people.'

The song delves into the theme of acceptance and the absurdity of prejudice. Lines like 'Then it's the blue ones who can't accept / The green ones for living with / The black ones tryin' to be a skinny one' illustrate the arbitrary nature of discrimination. The phrase 'Different strokes for different folks' is a recurring motif, underscoring the idea that everyone has their own way of living and that these differences should be embraced rather than judged. The playful 'scooby dooby dooby' and 'ooh sha sha' add a light-hearted touch, making the serious message more accessible and memorable.

The song's chorus, 'We gotta live together,' is a straightforward yet profound call for unity. It reinforces the idea that despite our differences, we are all part of the same human family. The lyrics also touch on various forms of discrimination, such as racial and economic, with lines like 'There is a yellow one that won't / Accept the black one / That won't accept the red one / That won't accept the white one.' This highlights the interconnectedness of different forms of prejudice and the need for a collective effort to overcome them. By the end of the song, the message is clear: we are all 'everyday people,' and our differences should be celebrated, not condemned.