Radiohead signed to EMI in 1991 and released their debut album, Pablo Honey, in 1993; their debut single, "Creep", became a worldwide hit. Radiohead's popularity and critical standing rose with the release of The Bends in 1995. Radiohead's third album, OK Computer (1997), brought them international fame; noted for its complex production and themes of modern alienation, it is acclaimed as a landmark record and one of the best albums in popular music.
Radiohead's fourth album, Kid A (2000), marked a dramatic change in style, incorporating influences from electronic music, jazz, classical music and krautrock. Though Kid A divided listeners, it later attracted wide acclaim. It was followed by Amnesiac (2001), recorded in the same sessions. Hail to the Thief (2003), with lyrics addressing the War on Terror, was Radiohead's final album for EMI.
Radiohead self-released their seventh album, In Rainbows (2007), as a download for which customers could set their own price, to critical and chart success. Their eighth album, The King of Limbs (2011), an exploration of rhythm, was developed using extensive looping and sampling. A Moon Shaped Pool (2016) prominently featured Jonny Greenwood's orchestral arrangements. Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Selway, and O'Brien have released solo albums; in 2021, Yorke and Jonny Greenwood debuted a new band, the Smile.
By 2011, Radiohead had sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. Their awards include six Grammy Awards and four Ivor Novello Awards, and they hold five Mercury Prize nominations, the most of any act. Seven Radiohead singles have reached the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart: "Creep" (1992), "Street Spirit (Fade Out)" (1996), "Paranoid Android" (1997), "Karma Police" (1997), "No Surprises" (1998), "Pyramid Song" (2001), and "There There" (2003). "Creep" and "Nude" (2008) reached the top 40 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Rolling Stone named Radiohead one of the 100 greatest artists of all time, and Rolling Stone readers voted them the second-best artist of the 2000s. Five Radiohead albums have been included in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time lists. Radiohead were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiohead
Studio albums
Pablo Honey (1993)
The Bends (1995)
OK Computer (1997)
Kid A (2000)
Amnesiac (2001)
Hail to the Thief (2003)
In Rainbows (2007)
The King of Limbs (2011)
A Moon Shaped Pool (2016)
12
Radiohead Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tears of joy now scare ourselves of all that you want to be
Just got paid and now you're going
'Round inside your place
If I get scared I'll just call you
And I'll miss your glow as I unsettle
Oh, and I'll always feel, I will always be-
Right, one, two, three, four
So sell your suit and tie and come and live with me
Leukemia, schizophrenia, polyethylene
There is no significant risk to your health
She used to be beautiful once as well
Plastic bag, middle class, polyethylene
Decaffeinate, unleaded, keep all surfaces clean
Oh
If you don't believe this, sell your soul
If you don't get into it, no one will
Oh, oh, oh
No, oh, oh
Obtain
Obtain
The lyrics to Radiohead's song "Polyethylene (Parts 1 & 2)" are cryptic and open to interpretation, but one possible reading is that the song is about the disconnection and alienation of modern life. The opening lines suggest a sense of disorientation and anxiety, with the singer acknowledging the fear that comes with pursuing one's ambitions. The reference to tears of joy could suggest the mixed emotions that can come with success or achievement.
The second stanza is more surreal and fragmented, with references to leukemia and schizophrenia alongside mundane elements like a plastic bag and decaf coffee. This juxtaposition creates a sense of unease and confusion, as though trying to make sense of a world that is both familiar and incomprehensible. The repeated refrain of "obtain" at the end reinforces this feeling of striving for something beyond reach.
Line by Line Meaning
Tears of joy now scare ourselves of all that you want to be
The idea of achieving the things you aspire to do is intimidating and can bring about unexpected emotions, like tears of joy.
Just got paid and now you're going 'Round inside your place
You're holed up in your house after getting paid, contemplating what to do with the money.
If I get scared I'll just call you
I know that I can rely on you for support and comfort when I become fearful.
And I'll miss your glow as I unsettle
As I become restless, I'll long for your warm and comforting presence.
Oh, and I'll always feel, I will always be-
No matter what happens, I will always have my feelings and my true self to rely on.
So sell your suit and tie and come and live with me
Leave your conventional, corporate lifestyle behind and join me in a simpler way of life.
Leukemia, schizophrenia, polyethylene
These seemingly random words represent the harsh reality of life and the prevalence of man-made materials in our world.
There is no significant risk to your health
Despite the dangers and unhealthy aspects of our world, we're told that we're safe and our health isn't at risk.
She used to be beautiful once as well
Even those who were once considered beautiful can fall victim to the ugliness of life.
Plastic bag, middle class, polyethylene
More descriptions of the artificiality and superficiality of our world and the people who inhabit it.
Decaffeinate, unleaded, keep all surfaces clean
We're encouraged to live a pristine and controlled lifestyle, free from impurities and unexpected experiences.
If you don't believe this, sell your soul
If you can't accept the reality of our world, then you're in danger of losing yourself and your values.
If you don't get into it, no one will
If you don't commit to living in this world and following its rules, you won't be able to succeed or find acceptance.
Oh, oh, oh
A simple, ambiguous expression of emotion.
No, oh, oh
A contrasting expression of emotion or feeling.
Obtain
A non sequitur or an intentionally confusing final word to the song that is open to interpretation.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COLIN CHARLES GREENWOOD, JONATHAN RICHARD GUY GREENWOOD, EDWARD JOHN O'BRIEN, PHILIP SELWAY, THOMAS YORKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@notpoodiepie1756
How come I end up where I started
How come I end up where I belong
Won't take my eyes off the ball again
You reel me out then you cut the string
How come I end up where I started
How come I end up where I belong
Won't take my eyes off the ball again
You reel me out then you cut the string
You used to be alright
What happened?
Did the cat get your tongue
Did your string come undone
One by one
One by one
It comes to us all
It's as soft as your pillow
You used to be alright
What happened?
Etcetera etcetera
Facts for whatever
Fifteen steps
Then a shear drop
How come I end up where I started
How come I end up where I belong
Won't take my eyes off the ball again
You reel me out then you cut the string
@Pride317
Lyrics
[Chorus]
How come I end up where I started?
How come I end up where I went wrong?
Won't take my eyes off the ball again
You reel me out, then you cut the string
How come I end up where I started?
How come I end up where I went wrong?
Won't take my eyes off the ball again
First you reel me out and then you cut the string
[Verse 1]
You used to be alright
What happened?
Did the cat get your tongue?
Did your string come undone?
One by one
One by one
It comes to us all
It's as soft as your pillow
[Verse 2]
You used to be alright
What happened?
Et cetera, et cetera
Fads for whatever
Fifteen steps, then a sheer drop
[Chorus]
How come I end up where I started?
How come I end up where I went wrong?
Won't take my eyes off the ball again
You reel me out, then you cut the string
@mishab4065
The bass on this track is so tight
@Strrlaza
The base on this entire album***
@jvbble
@@Strrlaza bass
@funnimonke7837
If you think this bass is cool you should check out the national anthem off Kid A
@scrungovacc
Speaking the truth
@anthonyromeo3111
Pu nchy,
@notpoodiepie1756
How come I end up where I started
How come I end up where I belong
Won't take my eyes off the ball again
You reel me out then you cut the string
How come I end up where I started
How come I end up where I belong
Won't take my eyes off the ball again
You reel me out then you cut the string
You used to be alright
What happened?
Did the cat get your tongue
Did your string come undone
One by one
One by one
It comes to us all
It's as soft as your pillow
You used to be alright
What happened?
Etcetera etcetera
Facts for whatever
Fifteen steps
Then a shear drop
How come I end up where I started
How come I end up where I belong
Won't take my eyes off the ball again
You reel me out then you cut the string
@hannahsstressed8101
ur amazing
@Ninanina-of7ny
Merci
@AltJGirl
Thank you so much!!!💙