Prove Yourself
Radiohead䠀 Lyrics
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Nowhere to sit without a gun in my hand
Look back up to the cathode ray
I'm better off dead
I'm better off dead
I'm better off
Prove yourself
Prove yourself
I want to breathe, I want to grow
I'd say I want it but I don't know how
I work, I bleed, I beg, I pray
And I'm better off dead
I'm better off dead
I'm better off
Prove yourself
Prove yourself
Prove yourself
I'm better off dead
I'm better off dead
I'm better off
Prove yourself
Prove yourself
Prove yourself
Prove yourself (whoa)
Prove yourself
Prove yourself
Prove yourself
The lyrics to Radiohead's "Prove Yourself" represent a disillusionment and desperation with one's current situation. The opening lines "I can't afford to breathe in this town / Nowhere to sit without a gun in my hand" paint a picture of a bleak environment where even basic necessities are out of reach and violence is ubiquitous. The reference to the "cathode ray" suggests a reliance on technology for escape or distraction, but ultimately the singer sees no value in continuing to live in such a hopeless place.
The repetition of "I'm better off dead" underscores this sense of resignation, with the singer believing their life has no value or potential for improvement. The repeated refrain of "Prove yourself" is both a challenge to others and a call to action for oneself. It suggests that there is something to be gained from demonstrating one's worth, but also acknowledges the difficulty and uncertainty of doing so.
Overall, "Prove Yourself" is a song about struggling to find meaning and purpose in a world that seems stacked against you. It's a reminder that sometimes the only way out is to take a risk and prove yourself, even if the odds are against you.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't afford to breathe in this town
Living in this town is suffocating because of the high cost of living and the lack of opportunities
Nowhere to sit without a gun in my hand
In this violent town, one can't even sit or stand still without feeling the need to be armed for protection
Look back up to the cathode ray
The only escape from this harsh reality is through watching TV, represented by the cathode ray tube
I'm better off dead
The artist believes that death would be a better alternative to living in this unbearable situation
Prove yourself
The artist is challenging themselves or someone else to prove their worth or justify their existence in a society that makes it difficult to survive
I want to breathe, I want to grow
Despite the difficulties, the singer desires a better life and the opportunity to thrive
I'd say I want it but I don't know how
The singer has aspirations but lacks the means or knowledge to achieve them
I work, I bleed, I beg, I pray
The artist is willing to do whatever it takes to improve their situation, even if it means enduring pain and humiliation
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