Vegetable
Radiohead䠀 Lyrics
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I worked hard, tried hard
I ran around in domestic bliss
I fought hard, died long
Every time you're running out of here
Every time you're running I get the fear
I never wanted any broken bones
Your words surround me and asphyxiate
And I burn all hate
Every time you're running out on me
Every time you're running I can see
I'm not a vegetable
I will not control myself
I spit on the hand that feeds me
I will not control myself
The waters spray, the waters run all over me
The waters spray, the waters run
And this time you gonna pay
I'm not a vegetable
I will not control myself
I spit on the hand that feeds me
I will not control myself
"Vegetable" is a song by the British rock band Radiohead, released in 1994. The song starts with the lyrics "I never wanted anything like this," continue the theme of disillusionment and loss of control that runs through many of the album's songs. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and desperation as the singer struggles to maintain his sense of self in the face of a chaotic and unpredictable world. He feels like he is suffocating under the weight of other people's expectations and is determined to break free from their control.
The chorus, "I'm not a vegetable, I will not control myself. I spit on the hand that feeds me," represents the singer's defiance and refusal to be manipulated or exploited by others. He refuses to be treated like a passive object and asserts his autonomy and individuality. The verses, on the other hand, show his vulnerability and fear of being abandoned by those he cares about. He worries that they will leave him alone and exposed, with no one to turn to for comfort or support.
Overall, the song captures the complex and contradictory emotions that come with trying to navigate a world that often feels hostile and indifferent. The singer is torn between his desire for independence and his need for connection and meaning, but ultimately, he chooses to stand up for himself and assert his identity, even if it means risking rejection and isolation.
Line by Line Meaning
I never wanted anything like this
I never intended to end up in this situation
I worked hard, tried hard
I put in a lot of effort to achieve my goals
I ran around in domestic bliss
I was content with my simple, happy life
I fought hard, died long
I struggled fiercely and suffered greatly
Every time you're running out of here
Every time you leave, I feel afraid
Every time you're running I get the fear
I feel scared when you leave
I never wanted any broken bones
I never wanted to be hurt physically
Scarred face, no home
I have suffered both emotionally and materially
Your words surround me and asphyxiate
Your words suffocate and overwhelm me
And I burn all hate
I let go of all my anger and resentment
Every time you're running out on me
Every time you abandon me, I feel hurt
Every time you're running I can see
I can see that you are leaving
I'm not a vegetable
I am not a passive entity controlled by others
I will not control myself
I will not submit to external influences
I spit on the hand that feeds me
I reject the support of those who oppress me
The waters spray, the waters run all over me
I am overwhelmed by a flood of emotions and events
And this time you gonna pay
This time you will face the consequences of your actions
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