Christopher O'Riley is an American classical pianist and radio show host, w… Read Full Bio ↴Christopher O'Riley is an American classical pianist and radio show host, who is also known for his renditions of songs by the band Radiohead, Nick Drake and most recently Elliott Smith, using only a piano. O'Riley has produced many recordings of classical music and claims his renditions have introduced the music of Radiohead to a classical audience as well as introducing classical music to a wider audience, as he sometimes performs both his usual repertoire and Radiohead songs at the same concert.

Christopher O'Riley is also the host of the NPR Radio show 'From the Top' which features young classical musicians from all over the country. The show is to soon make its television debut on WTTW.

Talk Show Host
Christopher O'Riley Lyrics

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I want to
I want to be someone else or I'll explode
Floating upon the surface for the birds
The birds
The birds

You want me
Fucking and come and find me

I'll be waiting
With a gun and a pack of sandwiches and nothing
Nothing
Nothing
Nothing

You want me
Well come on and break the door down
You want me
Fucking come on and break the door down
I'm ready
I'm ready
I'm ready
I'm ready

I'm ready
I'm ready

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Talk Show Host" express a strong desire for change and an escape from one's current reality. The singer starts by stating that they feel the need to be someone different or they will "explode." The singer seems to feel trapped and suffocated by their current role and status and wants to be free from it. This could possibly be interpreted as the artist's own feelings towards fame and the preconceived image that people have of him.

The next stanza takes a darker turn, with the singer waiting with a gun and a pack of sandwiches. This imagery suggests a plan for violence, but it could also symbolize preparedness for whatever comes their way. The final stanza repeats the phrase "You want me" multiple times, with the singer daring the other party to come and break their door down. The repetition of the phrase and the increasing sense of urgency in the singer's voice suggest a need for action and change.

Overall, "Talk Show Host" presents a yearning for something more and a willingness to fight for it. It is a powerful expression of frustration and determination, with a touch of danger.

Line by Line Meaning

I want to
I have a deep desire to change my current identity

I want to be someone else or I'll explode
I am feeling stifled by my current persona and need to make drastic changes before I feel suffocated

Floating upon the surface for the birds
I feel like I am just aimlessly drifting in life without a clear direction and without purpose, like a bird floating on the surface of the water

The birds
Symbolizing the freedom and direction that I long for

You want me
You desire me, either romantically or platonically

Fucking and come and find me
I am testing your level of commitment by pushing you away initially, but hoping that you will pursue me anyway

I'll be waiting
I am still interested in you and want to see if you will take initiative to pursue me

With a gun and a pack of sandwiches and nothing
I am armed in case you reject me, but, in truth, I have nothing else to offer

Well come on and break the door down
I am daring you to take action and break down the barriers I have put up

I'm ready
I am open to a relationship or next chapter in my life

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COLIN CHARLES GREENWOOD, EDWARD JOHN O'BRIEN, JONATHAN RICHARD GUY GREENWOOD, PHILIP SELWAY, PHILIP JAMES SELWAY, THOMAS YORKE, THOMAS EDWARD YORKE

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