Everyone's At It

Lily Allen's song "Everyone's At It" is a candid and critical examination of society's pervasive drug use, both legal and illegal. The lyrics open with a scene of exhaustion and disillusionment, where the protagonist is tired not just from staying up all night but from the broader societal issues that plague her. The sun rising symbolizes a new day, but instead of bringing hope, it brings a headache, a metaphor for the ongoing problems that persist. Allen's blunt admission that she isn't perfect herself sets the tone for a song that calls for honesty and self-awareness.

The chorus of the song is a powerful plea for collective honesty. Allen points out that drug use spans all demographics, from politicians to teenagers, and includes both illegal substances and prescribed medications like antidepressants. The repetition of the phrase "everyone's at it" underscores the ubiquity of the issue. By highlighting the normalization of drug use, Allen questions how society can address the problem if no one is willing to admit their own involvement. This call for transparency is not just about individual accountability but also about creating a foundation for meaningful change.

In the verses, Allen delves deeper into the hypocrisy and excuses that surround drug use. She criticizes the ease with which people obtain prescriptions, suggesting that legal drugs are often just as problematic as illegal ones. The mention of a depressed daughter being put on Prozac while secretly using crack serves as a stark example of the disconnect between perceived and actual drug use. Allen's lyrics suggest that societal pressures and the quick fixes offered by medication are contributing to a larger, more dangerous cycle of dependency. The song ends with a reiteration of the chorus, driving home the point that until society acknowledges the full extent of its drug problem, the issue will remain unresolved.