Everything Counts

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a stark picture of a career driven by transactional relationships and a relentless pursuit of gain. A "handshake" and "contract" initiate a point of no return, suggesting a path chosen with significant consequences. The initial mention of a "holiday" being "fun packed" while the "contract" remains "intact" hints at a potential disconnect between personal enjoyment and professional obligation, or perhaps a superficial satisfaction that doesn't alter the underlying reality of the agreement. The core tension emerges from the contrast between outward appearances and inner reality, particularly in a "competitive world." The recurring image of "grabbing hands" that "grab all they can / All for themselves" underscores a cynical view of human nature in this environment. This self-serving drive is further illustrated by the "lies and deceit" that "gained a little more power," as depicted by a "graph on the wall" that "tells the story of it all." The craft here is in its bluntness and repetition. The phrase "Everything counts in large amounts" acts as a mantra, reinforcing the idea that every action, no matter how small, contributes to the ultimate accumulation of power or wealth. The juxtaposition of superficial confidence, derived from a "sun tan / And a grin," with the underlying machinations of deceit highlights the performative aspect of success in this world. This lyrical approach effectively conveys a sense of disillusionment and the cold, calculating nature of ambition. The emphasis on quantifiable outcomes – "counts in large amounts" – and the visual of a graph charting progress through dubious means, leaves the listener with a feeling of unease about the true cost of such achievements.