Everybody Knows (Prairie Oyster song)

"Everybody Knows" is a song by Canadian country band Prairie Oyster, released in 1992 as the first single from their album Everybody Knows. It is arguably their most commercially successful and critically acclaimed song.

The song is a ballad with a melancholic and wistful tone. Its lyrics deal with themes of love, loss, and the inevitability of heartbreak. It tells a story of a narrator reflecting on a past relationship, acknowledging that the signs of its impending failure were apparent to everyone but himself. The phrase "everybody knows" emphasizes the narrator's belated realization and perhaps a touch of self-reproach.

"Everybody Knows" reached the top of the Canadian country music charts and garnered significant airplay on mainstream radio. It was a key factor in Prairie Oyster's widespread recognition and established them as a leading force in the Canadian country music scene. The song won the Juno Award for Country Single of the Year in 1993.

Musically, the song is characterized by its strong melody, prominent steel guitar, and Carolynn Dawn Johnson's distinctive vocals. Its production is polished but retains a traditional country sound, contributing to its broad appeal.

The song's enduring popularity has led to numerous covers and appearances in film and television, further solidifying its status as a Canadian classic.