The Korgis’ timeless ballad, “Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime,” is a song that resonates across generations. But the journey of this iconic track from a simple piano melody to a global hit is a story in itself. James Warren, the vocalist, bassist, and songwriter of The Korgis, and David Lord, the producer who shaped its sound, share the fascinating tale of how this unforgettable song came to life.
James Warren: The Birth of a Ballad on a Sunday Morning
Fresh from the success of their UK Top 20 single “If I Had You,” The Korgis were working on their second album, “Dumb Waiters.” James Warren, residing in Bath at the time, had a piano in his apartment, an instrument he wasn’t entirely proficient on, being primarily a guitarist and bassist. Yet, he diligently practiced each day, seeking inspiration for new chord progressions.
His ambition was to craft a rock ballad, specifically one that could capture the attention of American radio, believing in The Korgis’ potential in the US market. One Sunday morning, during his piano explorations, the opening chords of what would become the verse section, famously known for the “change your heart” lyric, emerged. This sparked the chorus phrase: “Everybody’s got to learn sometime.”
Initially, Warren was uncertain about the chorus’s direction. It was Andy Davis, the band’s drummer and guitarist, who suggested maintaining a minor key for the chorus, mirroring the verse’s mood. This seemingly simple suggestion completed the song’s satisfying structure. Warren envisioned a musical arrangement akin to Paul McCartney’s demo for “The Long and Winding Road” – a raw, intimate sound with just voice, piano, bass, and drums. This was indeed how their initial studio demo was recorded.
However, Warren credits producer David Lord for recognizing the song’s true potential. Lord elevated the production, adding lush layers of synthesizer strings and a distinctive musical hook played on a sampled Japanese koto. This transformation resulted in a sound that was both gorgeous and unique. The band knew they had created something special when studio visitors were captivated by the track. They recognized its radio-friendly pop appeal instantly.
The song’s success exceeded expectations, reaching No. 18 on the Billboard chart in the US, No. 5 in the UK, and topping charts in France, Spain, and the Netherlands. While many interpret it as a romantic love song, Warren reveals a deeper, more philosophical intention. Inspired by his Buddhist meditation practice, he aimed for a Zen-like statement about life and learning.
“Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime” has taken on a life of its own since its 1980s release, boasting over 50 cover versions. Warren’s personal favorite is Beck’s darker rendition for the film “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” He often reflects on the song’s humble beginnings, written in just 20 minutes on a Sunday morning 45 years ago, marveling at its enduring legacy.
David Lord: Polishing a Gem and Embracing Innovation
David Lord, the producer behind the polished sound of “Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime,” recalls the song’s introduction during the “Dumb Waiters” album sessions. Feeling the album was a track short, James Warren presented the song. Lord remembers the verse in a “plaintive minor key” and the initial chorus shifting to a major key, creating a “Beatles-ish” vibe. Andy Davis once again played a crucial role, suggesting chord changes to maintain the minor key mood throughout the chorus, unifying the song’s emotional tone.
Interestingly, a second verse written by Warren was not favored by anyone, including the record company. Despite pressure to create a new second verse, the original, with its repeated lyrics, ultimately prevailed. Adding to the song’s magic was Stuart Gordon’s “brilliant” violin solo, recorded in a single take, becoming an integral and recognizable part of the track.
Lord highlights the fortunate timing of the recording, as Peter Gabriel, with whom he had previously collaborated, lent them cutting-edge instruments. Gabriel’s cousin had become a distributor for the Fairlight computer sampler keyboard, a revolutionary but incredibly expensive piece of technology at the time, costing more than an average UK house.
The distinctive “oriental hook” between verses was created using a sampled guzheng, a Chinese plucked zither, on the equally new Synclavier keyboard. Lord describes how the Synclavier’s unique sampling capabilities – a short plucked sound for quick key presses and a longer note with a bend for sustained notes – led to the song’s signature hook: “Just four short notes and a long one with the bend.”
Reflecting on the song’s widespread appeal, Lord also acknowledges the numerous cover versions. He particularly admires Zucchero’s interpretation, showcasing the song’s versatility and enduring power to connect with artists and audiences across diverse musical styles. “Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime” stands as a testament to the serendipitous moments in music creation, where a simple idea, combined with creative collaboration and innovative production, can become a timeless classic.
