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Fitter Happier
Radiohead Lyrics


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Fitter, happier
More productive
Comfortable
Not drinking too much
Regular exercise at the gym, three days a week
Getting on better with your associate employee contemporaries
At ease
Eating well, no more microwave dinners and saturated fats
A patient, better driver
A safer car, baby smiling in back seat
Sleeping well, no bad dreams
No paranoia
Careful to all animals, never washing spiders down the plughole
Keep in contact with old friends, enjoy a drink now and then
Will frequently check credit at moral bank, hole in wall
Favours for favours, fond but not in love
Charity standing orders on sundays, ring-road supermarket
No killing moths or putting boiling water on the ants
Car wash, also on sundays
No longer afraid of the dark or midday shadows, nothing so ridiculously teenage and desperate
Nothing so childish
At a better pace, slower and more calculated
No chance of escape
Now self-employed
Concerned, but powerless
An empowered and informed member of societ, pragmatism not idealism
Will not cry in public
Less chance of illness
Tires that grip in the wet, shot of baby strapped in backseat
A good memory
Still cries at a good film
Still kisses with saliva
No longer empty and frantic
Like a cat
Tied to a stick
That's driven into
Frozen winter shit, the ability to laugh at weakness
Calm, fitter, healthier and more productive
A pig in a cage on antibiotics

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Radiohead's "Fitter Happier" are a biting commentary on the societal pressure to conform to a certain ideal of success and happiness. The song lists a series of attributes and behaviors that are deemed desirable, such as exercise, healthy eating, and financial responsibility. However, the robotic, almost monotonous delivery of the lyrics suggests a lack of genuine emotion or agency behind these behaviors. Indeed, the line "concerned, but powerless" hints at a sense of resignation or even despair in the face of these expectations.


The reference to a "pig in a cage on antibiotics" at the end of the song is particularly stark, as it draws a parallel between the pressure to be "fitter, happier" and the way in which animals are often treated in factory farming. The image of the pig represents the way in which individuals are reduced to mere units of productivity, without regard for their individuality or wellbeing.


Overall, the song can be seen as a critique of capitalist notions of success and the way in which these ideals can lead to a dehumanization of individuals. It suggests that true happiness and fulfillment cannot be found through the adherence to a narrow set of behaviors or characteristics, but rather through a meaningful connection to one's own emotions and desires.


Line by Line Meaning

Fitter, happier
Being in good health and contentment


More productive
Getting more work done


Comfortable
Feeling relaxed and at ease


Not drinking too much
Moderating alcohol intake


Regular exercise at the gym, three days a week
Engaging in physical activity multiple times per week


Getting on better with your associate employee contemporaries
Developing better relationships with coworkers


At ease
Feeling relaxed


Eating well, no more microwave dinners and saturated fats
Choosing healthier foods


A patient, better driver
Driving safely and calmly


A safer car, baby smiling in back seat
Ensuring that vehicle is safe for passengers, especially children


Sleeping well, no bad dreams
Getting good quality sleep


No paranoia
Not being excessively anxious or suspicious


Careful to all animals, never washing spiders down the plughole
Showing compassion for animals


Keep in contact with old friends, enjoy a drink now and then
Maintaining connections with old friends


Will frequently check credit at moral bank, hole in wall
Monitoring financial situation


Favours for favours, fond but not in love
Helping each other without romantic involvement


Charity standing orders on sundays, ring-road supermarket
Giving regularly to charity


No killing moths or putting boiling water on the ants
Avoiding causing harm to insects


Car wash, also on sundays
Taking care of one's vehicle


No longer afraid of the dark or midday shadows, nothing so ridiculously teenage and desperate
Being less fearful of the unknown


Nothing so childish
Avoiding immature behavior


At a better pace, slower and more calculated
Moving at a measured and deliberate pace


No chance of escape
Being trapped or constrained


Now self-employed
Working for oneself


Concerned, but powerless
Feeling worried but unable to affect the situation


An empowered and informed member of societ, pragmatism not idealism
Having the knowledge and ability to effect change


Will not cry in public
Avoiding showing vulnerability


Less chance of illness
Reducing the risk of getting sick


Tires that grip in the wet, shot of baby strapped in backseat
Having safe and reliable transportation


A good memory
Remembering things well


Still cries at a good film
Being moved emotionally by a movie


Still kisses with saliva
Showing affection physically


No longer empty and frantic
Feeling content and calm


Like a cat
Being calm and graceful


Tied to a stick
Feeling constrained or trapped


That's driven into
Being forced into a situation


Frozen winter shit, the ability to laugh at weakness
Finding humor even in difficult situations


Calm, fitter, healthier and more productive
Experiencing better overall well-being


A pig in a cage on antibiotics
Feeling trapped and imprisoned




Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dan Rickwood, Jonathan Richard Guy Greenwood, Thomas Edward Yorke

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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