Every Person
John Frusciante
The Timeless Connection of Every Person
John Frusciante's song "Every Person" delves into the profound interconnectedness of human existence and the fluidity of identity. The opening lines, "You take me by the hand / A hand's all I feel right now is all I am," suggest a moment of intense presence and simplicity. The hand symbolizes a tangible connection, grounding the narrator in the present moment. This theme of presence is further emphasized with the repetition of "It's all that I am," indicating a focus on the now, devoid of past or future distractions.
Frusciante challenges traditional notions of identity with the lines, "You think that I´m a man / I beg to differ / 'Cuz I am her as much as I'm me." Here, he blurs the boundaries between gender and self, suggesting a more fluid and inclusive understanding of identity. This perspective is reinforced by the idea that "Every person alive is everyone who's died," which speaks to the cyclical nature of life and death, and the shared human experience that transcends individual existence.
The imagery of a ship in the distance and the act of drawing it highlights the power of perception and creation. By "multiplying time by letting it go by," Frusciante suggests that our experiences and memories are shaped by our engagement with the present. The mention of painting a star and its appreciation over time underscores the lasting impact of our actions and creations. Ultimately, the song is a meditation on the interconnectedness of all beings, the fluidity of identity, and the timeless nature of our shared human experience.