Body Snatchers
Radiohead Lyrics

The lyrics of Radiohead’s Bodysnatchers express feelings of confusion and entrapment. The singer begins by acknowledging that they don’t understand what they have done wrong, suggesting that they may be feeling guilty or ashamed about something without fully comprehending why. They continue to describe feeling “full of holes,” which could be interpreted as feeling incomplete or lacking in something important. The lines “Check for pulse/Blink your eyes/One for yes/Two for no” create an eerie sense of detachment, as if the singer is not fully present in their body or not in control of their own actions. They repeat the phrase “I have no idea what I am talking about” and “I’m trapped in this body and can’t get out” emphasizing their confusion and sense of entrapment.

The second verse describes the situation from another perspective, with the singer directing their words outward, saying “I have no idea what you are talking about.” They then repeat the previous refrain once again. The lines “Pale imitation/With the edges sawn off” suggest that something has been taken away or removed, leaving an incomplete or false version of something. This could represent the singer’s sense of disconnection from themselves or the world around them.

The third and final verse describes a loss of light or hope, with the singer asking if the light has gone out for the listener as well. The repetition of the line “They got scared and they put me in” creates a sense of oppression or confinement, as if the singer has been forced into a situation against their will. The final lines “All the lies run around my face/And for anyone else to see/I’m alive” suggest that the singer is exposed or vulnerable, but still alive and present.