Originally called "An Airbag Saved My Life", after a headline that Thom Yorke saw in an AA manual and was immediately drawn to, and also as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to Indeep's 1983 disco hit 'Last Night a DJ Saved My Life'.
According to Thom, the song itself is about the "feeling you get when you realise that you've just missed having a serious accident", and the "feeling of elation that follows". The song is one of Thom's favourites off OK Computer. The song takes inspiration from DJ Shadow's use of cut up drum beats to create the unique drum sound.
Airbag
Radiohead Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In a jack knifed juggernaut
I am born again
In the neon sign
Scrolling up and down
I am born again
I am back to save the universe
In a deep, deep sleep
Of the innocent
I am born again
In a fast German car
I'm amazed that I survived
An airbag saved my life
In an interstellar burst
I am back to save the universe
In an interstellar burst
I am back to save the universe
In an interstellar burst
I am back to save the universe
The lyrics to Radiohead's song "Airbag" are a surreal and haunting exploration of the idea of rebirth, survival, and the interconnectedness of existence. The song begins with the ominous line "In the next world war," suggesting a future that is both destructive and apocalyptic. However, this chaos is juxtaposed with the idea of rebirth and renewal, as the singer claims to be "born again" in the midst of these traumatic events.
The "jack knifed juggernaut" mentioned in the first verse refers to a massive, out-of-control vehicle, perhaps symbolic of the forces of technology and progress that have gotten out of hand. But even in this dire situation, there is a sense of hope and possibility, as the singer is reborn anew. The neon sign scrolling up and down could be seen as a representation of the cycle of life and death, constantly in motion like the sign itself. The reference to an "interstellar burst" suggests a cosmic force that transcends human understanding, and the idea that the singer is back to "save the universe" speaks to a higher purpose that goes beyond individual survival.
The final verse references a specific incident of survival, as the singer reflects on a car accident where an airbag saved their life. This moment of danger and vulnerability serves as a reminder of the fragility of human existence, and underscores the idea that rebirth and renewal can come at any moment. The repeated refrain of "In an interstellar burst I am back to save the universe" implies a grander, cosmic purpose for the singer's renewal, highlighting the interconnectedness of all things and the idea that we are all part of a larger whole.
Line by Line Meaning
In the next world war
Although the world is seemingly heading towards war, the singer is confident about being reborn again.
In a jack knifed juggernaut
The singer is referring to a vehicle that has lost control and crashed, but the singer has been reborn again after the accident.
I am born again
The singer has been given a second chance at life.
In the neon sign
The artist is reborn again in a surreal environment that is full of bright, flashing lights.
Scrolling up and down
The movement of the neon sign seems to be the reincarnation regaining life and adapting to the new environment.
I am born again
The singer is grateful for the reincarnation and the opportunity to live once again.
In an interstellar burst
The singer is stating that he is capable of transcending beyond the physical world to save the universe.
I am back to save the universe
The artist is back to help/save the world in the new life he has been given.
In a deep, deep sleep
The artist has not necessarily died, but has been brought back to life after being in a deep sleep that they apparently had no control over.
Of the innocent
The artist had no part to play in the situation that led them to this point, and as such is referred to as innocent.
I am born again
For the third time, the singer has been given another chance at life.
In a fast German car
The artist has just survived a high-speed accident in a German-made car.
I'm amazed that I survived
The singer realizes the miracle of surviving such an accident and being able to be born again.
An airbag saved my life
The singer is grateful to the technology and level of engineering that went into designing the airbag that saved his life.
In an interstellar burst
Once again, the singer is referring to the ability to transcend beyond the physical world to save the universe.
I am back to save the universe
The artist is confident in his ability to contribute positively to the world and make a difference.
In an interstellar burst
The artist reiterates his ability to transcend beyond the physical world.
I am back to save the universe
The singer is confident that he can save the universe from whichever dangers it faces.
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
Me me
on No Surprises
The way i interpret the lyrics: ; Once excitement of youthful perspective,, hopes, dreams are broken, into an almost nihilistic acceptance of patterns world, we coast,….. become a part of the dull hum we swore we never would become part of. Time pulls us forward, wears and tears until we accept. Can not fight against the current yet knowing we swore we would never.
no
on Radio Head - no surprises
heylo aaa