Idioteque
µçÌ¨Ë¾Áî(Radiohead) Lyrics

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Who's in bunker?
Who's in bunker?
Women and children first
And the children first
And the children
I'll laugh until my head comes off
I'll swallow till I burst
Until I burst

Until I

Who's in bunker?
Who's in bunker?
I have seen too much
You haven't seen enough
You haven't seen it
I'll laugh until my head comes off
Women and children first
And children first
And children

Here I'm allowed
Everything all of the time
Here I'm allowed
Everything all of the time

Ice age coming
Ice age coming
Let me hear both sides
Let me hear both sides
Let me hear both
Ice age coming
Ice age coming
Throw them in the fire
Throw them in the fire
Throw them in the

We're not scaremongering
This is really happening
Happening
We're not scaremongering
This is really happening
Happening
Mobiles quirking
Mobiles chirping
Take the money and run
Take the money and run
Take the money

Here I'm allowed (background: and first and the children x6)
Everything all of the time
Here I'm allowed
Everything all of the time

Here I'm allowed
Everything all of the time
Here I'm allowed
Everything all of the time

Deaf and lost are the children (repeated)

Overall Meaning

The song Idioteque by Radiohead explores themes of fear, confusion, and paranoia as a result of impending disaster. The repeated question of "Who's in bunker?" suggests that there is a group of people who are preparing for an uncertain future, but it's unclear who they are and what exactly they're preparing for. The line "Women and children first, and the children first" is a nod to the traditional protocol for evacuating a sinking ship - women and children are given priority to escape. However, the repetition of this line also implies a sense of danger that requires a desperate response.

The refrain of "I'll laugh until my head comes off, I'll swallow till I burst, until I burst, until I" suggests a kind of hysteria or mania in the face of impending doom. The lines "Here I'm allowed everything all of the time" could be interpreted as a commentary on modern consumer culture, where people are encouraged to indulge in endless consumption and instant gratification. This lifestyle is contrasted with the coming "Ice age" that is mentioned multiple times, possibly referencing the idea of a coming environmental disaster. The song concludes with the distressing repetition of "Deaf and lost are the children," adding to the overall sense of confusion and despair.

Line by Line Meaning

Who's in bunker?
Who is hiding in the underground shelter?

Women and children first
The rule for emergency situations is to prioritize the safety of women and children.

And the children first
The most vulnerable group in emergency situations are the children, and thus they are the priority.

And the children
Children are the most vulnerable in emergency situations.

I'll laugh until my head comes off
I will laugh uncontrollably until I lose my mind.

I'll swallow till I burst
I will consume until I can no longer hold it in.

Until I burst
I will continue to consume until I can no longer hold it in.

Until I
I will continue until I can no longer hold it in.

I have seen too much
I have witnessed too many things.

You haven't seen enough
You have not witnessed as much as I have.

You haven't seen it
You have not witnessed what I have witnessed.