Songs That Changed the World: The Most Important Songs of the Rock Era--"Everyday People" by Sly & the Family Stone

A song from the volatile 60's is next in our very special feature of The Most Important Songs of the Rock Era*.  It is a plea for peace and racial equality between the races and social groups.  A powerful message, especially for the times, it was presented in such a fun way that Sly & the Family Stone made it "cool" to get along.

 

"Everyday People"

 by Sly & the Family Stone

Words and Music by Sly Stone




Sometimes I'm right and I can be wrong
My own beliefs are in my song
The butcher, the banker, the drummer and then--
Makes no difference what group I'm in
I am everyday people, yeah yeah



There is a blue one who can't accept the green one
For living with a fat one trying to be a skinny one
Different strokes for different folks
And so on and so on and scooby dooby doo-bee

Oh sha sha - we got to live together


I am no better and neither are you
We are the same whatever we do
You love me you hate me you know me and then
You can't figure out the bag l'm in



I am everyday people, yeah yeah
There is a long hair that doesn't like the short hair
For bein' such a rich one that will not help the poor one
Different strokes for different folks
And so on and so on and scooby dooby doo-bee

Oh sha sha-we got to live together


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
Different strokes for different folks

And so on and so on and scooby dooby doo-bee
I am everyday people.