“Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime” – the poignant ballad by The Korgis – resonates deeply with listeners worldwide. But how did this iconic song come to life? James Warren, the vocalist, bassist, and songwriter, along with producer David Lord, unveil the fascinating story behind its creation and unexpected global success. It’s a tale of musical experimentation, serendipitous moments, and a universal message that truly, Everybody Got To Learn Sometime.
Warren recounts the song’s humble beginnings in his Bath flat, equipped with a piano he admittedly couldn’t master. Driven by the ambition to break into the US radio scene and build a future for The Korgis, he diligently explored chord sequences. One Sunday morning proved particularly fruitful. “I went to the piano and the first thing I came up with was the opening chords to what became the ‘change your heart’ verse section,” he recalls. This melodic spark ignited the now-famous chorus phrase: “Everybody’s got to learn sometime.” Initially unsure of the chorus’s direction, it was drummer and guitarist Andy Davis who suggested maintaining the minor key from the verse, creating a sense of cohesive melancholy. This simple yet crucial decision solidified the song’s emotional core.
Warren envisioned a sound reminiscent of Paul McCartney’s “The Long and Winding Road” demo – a raw, intimate arrangement featuring voice, piano, bass, and drums. This was indeed the approach for their initial demo. However, producer David Lord recognized the song’s untapped potential, elevating it with a “more luxurious production.” Lord layered in sweeping synthesizer strings and incorporated a sampled Japanese koto, adding an exotic and distinctive hook. This production transformation proved pivotal. Friends who visited the studio were captivated by the song’s unique and captivating sound, signaling that they had created something truly special, a radio-ready pop gem.
The song’s impact exceeded all expectations. “Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime” soared to No. 18 on the Billboard chart in the US, No. 5 in the UK, and topped charts in France, Spain, and the Netherlands. While many interpret it as a romantic love song, Warren reveals a deeper, philosophical inspiration. He describes it as “an attempt at a Zen philosophical statement,” influenced by his Buddhist meditation practice at the time. This adds layers of meaning to the lyric “everybody got to learn sometime,” suggesting a broader life lesson beyond romantic relationships.
David Lord provides further insight into the song’s development during the “Dumb Waiters” album sessions. Initially feeling the album was too short, James Warren presented the song. Lord notes the initial chorus had a major key, giving it a “more uplifting mood, rather Beatles-ish sounding.” Andy Davis again played a key role, suggesting chord changes to maintain the minor key throughout, enhancing its plaintive feel. A second verse written by Warren was ultimately discarded, with the repeated first verse lyrics proving more effective. A defining element was Stuart Gordon’s “brilliant” violin solo, captured in a single take, adding another layer of emotional depth.
Technological advancements also played a part. Peter Gabriel lent them access to the Fairlight computer sampler keyboard and the Synclavier keyboard. The latter, with its sampled guzheng sound, became the source of the song’s signature oriental hook. Lord explains how a short, plucked string sound and a longer note with a bend, created using the Synclavier, formed the distinctive musical phrase that punctuates the verses.
The enduring appeal of “Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime” is evident in its numerous cover versions, exceeding 50 to date. Warren’s favorite is Beck’s “dark and brooding” rendition for the film “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” demonstrating the song’s adaptability and continued relevance. Reflecting on its creation, Warren marvels at how a song penned in just 20 minutes on a Sunday morning, 45 years ago, continues to touch hearts and minds. The simple truth remains: everybody got to learn sometime, and this song serves as a timeless reminder of that universal human experience.
