Everybody Getting High

Mick Jagger's song "Everybody Getting High" is a satirical commentary on the superficiality and excesses of the entertainment industry. The repetitive chorus, "Everybody getting high," serves as a metaphor for the escapism and artificial highs that people in the industry often seek. This could be interpreted both literally, as in drug use, and metaphorically, as in the pursuit of fame and validation. The song paints a vivid picture of a world where everyone is trying to escape reality, whether through substances or the allure of stardom.

The verses delve into specific characters and scenarios that highlight the absurdity and vanity prevalent in showbiz. The writer with the script, the actress checking out the band, and the dress designers wanting to showcase their collection in a zoo all point to a world obsessed with appearances and superficial achievements. The line, "Her name is pretty but not the boils on her face," underscores the contrast between outward beauty and inner flaws, suggesting that the industry's focus on surface-level attributes often overlooks deeper issues.

Jagger's lyrics also touch on the isolation and disconnection that can come with fame. The kung fu actor who is "way up his ass" and won't talk to the narrator but wants to show him how to dance exemplifies the self-absorption and lack of genuine human connection in this world. The repeated questioning of "why" in the song reflects a sense of bewilderment and disillusionment with the industry's values. Ultimately, "Everybody Getting High" is a critique of the hollow pursuits and the emotional void that often accompany a life in the limelight.