“Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime” by The Korgis is more than just a song; it’s a timeless ballad that resonates with listeners across generations. Born from a Sunday morning piano session in Bath, England, this iconic track defied expectations to become a global hit. Let’s delve into the story behind this memorable song, guided by the insights of its creators, James Warren and producer David Lord.
The Genesis of a Ballad: Inspiration Strikes for James Warren
James Warren, the vocalist, bassist, and songwriter for The Korgis, recounts the song’s humble beginnings. Fresh off the heels of their UK Top 20 success with “If I Had You,” the band was immersed in recording their second album, Dumb Waiters. Living in Bath at the time, Warren had a piano in his flat, an instrument he admittedly wasn’t proficient at, being primarily a guitarist and bass player. Yet, driven by a desire to crack the US radio waves and convinced of The Korgis’ potential in America, he diligently tinkered with the piano daily, searching for compelling chord progressions.
One particular Sunday morning proved to be creatively fruitful. As Warren sat at the piano, the opening chords of what would become the verse section, famously beginning with “change your heart,” materialized. This melodic phrase sparked the chorus line: “Everybody’s got to learn sometime.” However, the initial direction for the chorus’s feel remained uncertain. It was Andy Davis, the band’s drummer and guitarist, who offered a pivotal suggestion: maintain the minor key from the verse into the chorus. This simple yet crucial decision solidified the song’s melancholic beauty and sense of completeness. Warren had envisioned a sound reminiscent of Paul McCartney’s demo for “The Long and Winding Road” – a raw, intimate arrangement featuring solo voice, piano, bass, and drums. This stripped-down approach was indeed how they crafted their original studio demo.
David Lord’s Production Touch: Elevating the Song’s Potential
While Warren’s initial demo was pleasant, it was producer David Lord who recognized the song’s true potential and elevated it to hit status. Lord recalls that “Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime” emerged as they felt Dumb Waiters needed an additional track. He remembers Warren presenting the song at the piano, noting the initial chorus shift to a major key, which he described as “rather Beatles-ish sounding.” Andy Davis once again played a key role, suggesting chord changes to maintain the minor mood established in the verse, a suggestion that proved integral to the song’s final form.
Interestingly, Warren had penned a second verse, but it was universally disliked, even by the record company. Despite pressure for a new second verse, subsequent attempts were also rejected, leading them back to the original, and somewhat unusual, structure of repeating the first verse’s lyrics. Adding another layer of brilliance was Stuart Gordon’s violin solo in the middle of the song, captured flawlessly in a single take.
A stroke of luck came in the form of Peter Gabriel, who, through his cousin’s distributorship of the cutting-edge Fairlight computer sampler keyboard, lent them new instruments. Lord emphasizes the Fairlight’s revolutionary nature and exorbitant cost, exceeding the price of an average UK house at the time. The distinctive Japanese-sounding hook that punctuates the verses was created using a sampled guzheng, a Chinese plucked zither, on the also-new Synclavier keyboard. The unique articulation of the Synclavier, producing a short plucked sound with a quick key press and a bent note with a longer press, became the signature oriental-inspired motif of the song.
Global Acclaim and Enduring Legacy: A Song That Resonates
The finished production of “Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime” was, in Lord’s words, “gorgeous.” The song’s impact was immediately apparent, with studio visitors being captivated by its unique and compelling sound. The band recognized they had created something truly special, a radio-friendly pop record with an undeniable allure.
The song’s commercial success surpassed even their heightened expectations. “Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime” climbed to No. 18 on the Billboard chart in the US, reached No. 5 in the UK, and soared to No. 1 in France, Spain, and the Netherlands. While many interpret the song as a straightforward romantic ballad, Warren reveals a deeper, more philosophical intent. Inspired by his Buddhist meditation practice, he conceived it as a “Zen philosophical statement.”
Since its release in the 1980s, “Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime” has taken on a life of its own, amassing over 50 cover versions. Warren’s personal favorite is Beck’s darker, more introspective rendition for the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Reflecting on the song’s journey, Warren marvels at how a simple piano idea conceived in 20 minutes one Sunday morning, 45 years ago, has become such a lasting and globally recognized piece of music. Its enduring appeal lies in its simple yet profound message: learning is a universal and continuous part of the human experience.
