Dollars & Cents
Radiohead Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

There are many things to talk about
Be constructive
There are weapons we can use
Be constructive with your blues

Even when it's only warnings
Even when you talk the war games
Oh why don't you quiet down? (maybe I want peace and honesty)
Why don't you quiet down?
(Maybe I want to live in the children's land and you know maybe, maybe I)
Why don't you quiet down?
(Maybe I'll wander the promised land I want peace and honesty)
Why don't you quiet down?
(I want to live in the promised land and maybe wander the children's land)
Quiet down (yeah, and there, there we can free)

You don't live in a business world and
You never go out and you never stay
We won our goals in a liberal world
Living in times when I could stand it, babe

All over, baby's crying
It'll all be, baby, I can see out of here
All over the planet's dead
All over the planet, so let me out of here
All over the, all over the, all over the, all over the

We are the dollars and cents and the pounds and pence (quiet down)
And the mark and the yen, and yeah
We're gonna crack your little souls (why don't you quiet down?)
We're gonna crack your little souls (why don't you quiet down?)
We are the dollars and cents and the pounds and pence (why don't you quiet down?)
And the pounds and pence, and yeah
We're gonna crack your little souls




Crack your little souls
We are the dollars and cents

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Radiohead's "Dollars & Cents" speak about the issues of war, peace, and the consequences of living in a capitalist-driven society. The song appears to be a call to action, urging people to use their voices and engage in constructive discussions to bring about positive change. The lyrics suggest that even by engaging in a simple conversation, we can use "weapons" to effect change. The importance of quieting down is also emphasized repeatedly throughout the song, suggesting that creating a space for honest and peaceful dialogue is crucial if we want to effect meaningful change.


Further, the lyrics seem to suggest that living in a capitalist world perpetuates war and inequality, and that we must challenge this status quo in order to create a better world. The line "We are the dollars and cents and the pounds and pence, and we're gonna crack your little souls" can be seen as a critique of the materialistic and profit-driven society we live in, and a call to engage in personal transformation to create a better future.


Overall, Radihead's "Dollars & Cents" is a thought-provoking exploration of complex issues, urging listeners to engage in critical thinking and take action to make the world a better place.


Line by Line Meaning

There are many things to talk about
Let's have a productive conversation


Be constructive
Share your thoughts in a positive manner


There are weapons we can use
There are effective ways to make change


Be constructive with your blues
Don't let negativity bring you down


Even when it's only warnings
Even when the situation seems bleak


Even when you talk the war games
Even when you discuss conflict


Oh why don't you quiet down? (maybe I want peace and honesty)
Maybe I'm seeking peace and honesty


Why don't you quiet down?
Let's calm down and have a rational conversation


(Maybe I want to live in the children's land and you know maybe, maybe I)
Maybe I want to live in a simple, innocent world


Why don't you quiet down? (Maybe I'll wander the promised land I want peace and honesty)
Maybe I'm searching for a peaceful, honest place


(I want to live in the promised land and maybe wander the children's land)
I want to find a peaceful, innocent place


Quiet down (yeah, and there, there we can free)
Calm down and find a way to liberation


You don't live in a business world and
You don't have to accept the norms of the corporate world


You never go out and you never stay
You don't conform to conventional standards


We won our goals in a liberal world
We've succeeded in a progressive world


Living in times when I could stand it, babe
Living in an era where I can handle it


All over, baby's crying
There's sadness and pain everywhere


It'll all be, baby, I can see out of here
There's a way out of the despair


All over the planet's dead
The world seems lifeless and bleak


All over the planet, so let me out of here
I want to escape from this world


We are the dollars and cents and the pounds and pence (quiet down)
Our lives are defined by money


And the mark and the yen, and yeah
And other currencies too


We're gonna crack your little souls (why don't you quiet down?)
Our pursuit of money may break our spirits


Crack your little souls
Our obsession with material wealth may harm us


We are the dollars and cents and the pounds and pence (why don't you quiet down?)
Money defines us


And the pounds and pence, and yeah
And other currencies too


We're gonna crack your little souls
Our obsession with material wealth may harm us




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
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions