Everyone Is So Ignorant

Song Meaning

R. Stevie Moore's "Everyone Is So Ignorant" is less a coherent narrative and more a raw, unfiltered blast of existential frustration. The opening lines drip with world-weariness, a jaded lament for the predictable disappointments of adulthood. It's the kind of sentiment that resonates with anyone who's ever felt trapped in a cycle of disillusionment, seeing 'nothing really new' on the horizon. The repeated, almost mantra-like, phrase 'Body body body, body everybody change' feels like a desperate, futile plea for transformation in a stagnant world. Moore isn't just observing; he's viscerally reacting to a perceived lack of depth and authenticity in the people around him. The song's core revolves around the idea of pervasive ignorance, but not necessarily in the traditional sense. It's a deeper, more unsettling kind of ignorance – a willful blindness to the complexities and absurdities of existence. The lyrics hint at a desire for escape, a longing to 'banish' or 'forget' the sources of his discontent. This isn't just about disagreeing with someone's opinions; it's a profound rejection of their entire way of being. The reference to Honolulu isn't a literal travel plan; it's a symbol of radical detachment, a yearning for a place (physical or mental) far removed from the 'zoo' of everyday life. The latter part of the song descends into a litany of accusations – typical, numerous, humorous, physical, vertical, zoology, sewing machine, obvious, dominant – each serving as a scathing indictment of societal norms and behaviors. The parenthetical asides ('Lots,' 'Joke,' 'Brainless,' etc.) amplify the disdain, stripping away any pretense of politeness. The 'sewing machine' line is especially cutting, suggesting that people are fabricated, lacking originality and authenticity. Ultimately, "Everyone Is So Ignorant" isn't just a critique; it's a primal scream against the perceived conformity and shallow thinking that Moore finds so suffocating. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most profound artistic statements are born not from clarity, but from the chaotic, uncomfortable depths of human frustration.