Reckoner
Radiohead Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Interesting Facts ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can't take it with you
Dancing for your pleasure
You are not to blame for
Bittersweet distractors
Dare not speak its name
Dedicated to all hu-
All human beings
Because we separate
Like ripples on a blank shore
(In rainbows)
Because we separate
Like ripples on a blank shore
(In rainbows)
Reckoner
Take me with you
Dedicated to all hu-
All human beings
The lyrics of Reckoner by Radiohead are poetically intriguing, as they touch on themes of mortality, impermanence, and the interconnectedness of all human beings. The opening line, "You can't take it with you," suggests that material possessions and worldly desires will ultimately be left behind. The following line, "Dancing for your pleasure," hints at the temporary enjoyment and distraction that these desires can provide.
The second verse delves deeper into the concept of distraction, with "Bittersweet distractors/Dare not speak its name." This could be interpreted as a warning against succumbing to temporary pleasures that ultimately lead to a sense of emptiness or dissatisfaction. The song then takes a more positive turn, with the dedication to "all human beings," and an acknowledgment of our common humanity. The final lines "Because we separate/Like ripples on a blank shore" suggest that although we may feel isolated and disconnected, we are ultimately connected in the larger fabric of life.
Overall, Reckoner can be seen as a meditation on the impermanence of life, and an encouragement to find connection and meaning amidst that impermanence. Radiohead's poetic lyrics and haunting melodies invite the listener to reflect on their own mortality and place in the world.
Interesting Facts:
Interesting Facts
Note: This section uses generative AI, which can be inaccurate.
Line by Line Meaning
Reckoner
The song's title and an address to someone, or something, that reckons or takes account of things.
You can't take it with you
A reminder that material possessions are only temporary and will be left behind when we die.
Dancing for your pleasure
A suggestion that we exist to amuse someone or something, possibly a deity or supernatural being.
You are not to blame for
An acknowledgement that no one person is responsible for all the problems in the world.
Bittersweet distractors
Things that temporarily relieve us from our problems, but ultimately only distract us from their true severity.
Dare not speak its name
A warning against giving power or legitimacy to something harmful or taboo.
Dedicated to all hu-
An indication that the song is meant to be listened to and appreciated by all humanity.
All human beings
A reiteration of the song's dedication and emphasis on our shared humanity.
Because we separate
A recognition that our individualist and tribalistic tendencies drive us apart from each other.
Like ripples on a blank shore
A metaphor for the fleeting and temporary nature of our interactions with each other, like ripples disappearing on a shoreline.
(In rainbows)
A reference to the title of Radiohead's previous album and a possible thematic connection.
Reckoner
A repetition of the title and a reiteration of the song's plea or address.
Take me with you
A request to be included or connected with something or someone direly needed.
Dedicated to all hu-
A recapitulation of the song's dedication and emphasis on unity.
All human beings
A final reminder of our shared humanity and the song's intended audience.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Colin Charles Greenwood, Edward John O'Brien, Jonathan Richard Guy Greenwood, Philip James Selway, Thomas Edward Yorke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Myxomatosis
This album literally saved my life. It was released less than a year after my Father died and I just wanted to be with him....
Then: IN RAINBOWS lifted me like a frickin religion.
My Father has been dead going on 20 years and I am still messed up. I have had a hard time dealing with the day he died and him making me go home from the hospital "to get paperwork", just for him to die while I was in the elevator to the parking lot.
2 years ago with Videotape on repeat, it hit me. He did not want me see him actually die. His 4 year cancer battle was enough. After all, I was his only child, caregiver, maid, FRIEND, shrink, and nurse.
I was so angry at him for so long for making me leave... Yet, Radiohead writes a song about it...
If you want to know about the pain of telling someone you love that it's okay to let go and die, well...
Radiohead did that too (Thom),
Give Up the Ghost.
I cannot listen to that song often.
Dawn Chorus is the other.
Afwi As
Reckoner
You can't take it with yer
Dancing for your pleasure
You are not to blame for
Bittersweet distractors
Dare not speak its name
Dedicated to all human beings
Because we separate
Like ripples on a blank shore
In rainbows
Because we separate
Like ripples on a blank shore
Reckoner
Take me with yer
Dedicated to all human beings
Clay Ellison
I don't feel like anyone mentioned the drummer. He is playing with a mathematical precision but also with so much feeling it is just incredible.
Clay Ellison
The rolls on the snare occasionally and the ride accents are just everything incredible musicianship
Sam Marroy
imo he's the most underrated aspect of the band. A major reason why they're able to play so many different styles - not only on each record but especially live, when they're bouncing between songs from different eras back to back - is because he's such a versatile drummer. I mean he can play the metronome on one song (Weird Fishes), play with some swing on another (Wolf at the Door, Life in a Glasshouse), then do some epic, ethereal shit on another (Exit Music), and even play weird, stop-and-start shit from Airbag next. He's incredible
Paul Wilkinson
Check pyramid song, Phil is a genius to keep in time to that.
Stephane Lepagnez
Ed is just brilliant and I think there are some weird drumming on this song and some older stuff like on OK Computer.
He’s just great.
Erik Berglund
Yeah Selway is a legend
TheRealPotPol
All these beautiful instruments but thom's voice is the best instrument ever
Evan DeAnda
I don’t know, the lemon is pretty fantastic
TheRealPotPol
@Evan DeAnda Thats a pretty strong contender
Beep Boop
@Evan DeAnda sweetest lemon I've ever experienced