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4 Minute Warning
Radiohead Lyrics


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This is just a nightmare
Soon I'm gonna wake up
Someone's gonna bring me 'round

Running from the bombers
Hiding in the forest
Running through the fields
Laying flat on the ground

Just like everybody
Stepping over hills
Running from the underground

This is your warning
4 minute warning

I don't wanna hear it
I don't wanna know
I just wanna run and hide

This is just a nightmare
But soon I'm gonna wake up
Someone's gonna bring me 'round

This is our warning
4 minute warning

Overall Meaning

Radiohead's song 4 Minute Warning is a haunting and intense commentary on the fear and panic that would ensue if we were under threat of a nuclear attack. The lyrics evoke a sense of impending doom and the feeling of running for one's life, hiding from attackers, and desperately trying to find a safe place to hide. The lyrics "This is just a nightmare, soon I'm gonna wake up, someone's gonna bring me round" suggest that the singer is aware that the scenario he is describing is perhaps just a dream, but the sense of dread and urgency is so real that he is still trying to find a way to escape.


The repeated refrain "This is your warning, 4 Minute Warning" effectively represents the countdown to a nuclear attack, and the panic and chaos that would ensue. The singer is overwhelmed with fear and desperation, wanting to run and hide rather than face the impending reality. The line "I don't wanna hear it, I don't wanna know" sets the tone for this fear, as the singer is unable to face the reality of what is happening.


The song effectively captures the sense of panic and helplessness that would come with a nuclear attack, and serves as a reminder of the importance of working towards global peace and disarmament.


Line by Line Meaning

This is just a nightmare
The current situation is incredibly dreadful and nightmarish.


Soon I'm gonna wake up
I am hoping and praying that soon this will be over and the nightmare will end.


Someone's gonna bring me 'round
I hope that someone will rescue me and bring me to safety.


Running from the bombers
Attempting to flee from those who would cause harm and destruction.


Hiding in the forest
Seeking the protection of nature for safety.


Running through the fields
Fleeing as quickly as possible in hopes of reaching safety.


Laying flat on the ground
Taking precautious measures to avoid being spotted by potential attackers.


Just like everybody
Everyone is in the same boat: trying to survive and escape danger.


Stepping over hills
Continuing the exodus, moving over hills and obstacles.


Running from the underground
Fleeing from the source of the attack as it wreaks destruction beneath our feet.


This is your warning
This is the signal that we must prepare to defend and protect ourselves from danger.


4 minute warning
We only have a few precious moments to act and take action in order to protect ourselves.


I don't wanna hear it
I am in deep denial and don't want any confirmation of the grim situation.


I don't wanna know
I would rather ignore the impending danger than face it.


I just wanna run and hide
I am filled with fright and am desperate for safety.


This is just a nightmare
The current situation is too horrible and nightmarish to be real.


But soon I'm gonna wake up
Despite the treacherous circumstance, I remain hopeful that this nightmare will pass.


Someone's gonna bring me 'round
I anticipate that help will arrive to rescue me and get me to safety.


This is our warning
This serves as a warning to all of us that we must band together and protect ourselves immediately.


4 minute warning
We must take immediate action within the extremely short time we are given to protect ourselves fully.




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
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