Exit Music
Radiohead Lyrics


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Wake from your sleep
The drying of your tears
Today, we escape, we escape

Pack and get dressed
Before your father hears us
Before all hell breaks loose
Breathe, keep breathing
Don't lose your nerve
Breathe, keep breathing
I can't do this alone

Sing us a song
A song to keep us warm
There's such a chill, such a chill

And you can laugh
A spineless laugh
We hope your rules and wisdom choke you
Now we are one in everlasting peace

We hope that you choke, that you choke




We hope that you choke, that you choke
We hope that you choke, that you choke

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Radiohead’s song Exit Music are deeply emotional and represent a longing for freedom from oppressive forces. The song starts with a powerful command to the listener to “wake from your sleep” and escape from a difficult and perhaps limiting situation. The imagery of drying tears implies that the listener has been struggling for some time, and that the time has come to break free.


The next verse imparts a sense of urgency, indicating that the escape must happen before it is too late. The line “Before your father hears us, before all hell breaks loose” suggests that there may be negative consequences for leaving, and portrays a situation of fear and danger. The repetition of “breathe, keep breathing” is a reminder to stay calm and focused in the midst of chaos and it also suggests that this is not just an escape, but a journey towards something new and hopeful.


The following stanza is a plea for warmth and comfort during this transition. The request to “sing us a song, a song to keep us warm” brings to mind the idea of finding solace in music and the human connection that it brings. The line “there’s such a chill, such a chill” could be interpreted as a physical chill, but it could also represent the emotional coldness of the situation. The final lines are a powerful expression of defiance, indicating that the oppressive forces will not be missed, and that the escape has led to unity and peace.


Line by Line Meaning

Wake from your sleep
Rise from a state of being unaware and passive


The drying of your tears
Stop crying and being emotional


Today, we escape, we escape
Today we finally leave and break free from oppression


Pack and get dressed
Get ready to leave quickly and discretely


Before your father hears us
Before the authority figure finds out about our plan


Before all hell breaks loose
Before chaos and destruction happen


Breathe, keep breathing
Remain calm and keep taking deep breaths to manage stress


Don't lose your nerve
Don't become too scared or anxious to carry out the plan


I can't do this alone
I need your help and support to carry out the plan


Sing us a song
Perform an act that will keep us feeling calm and positive


A song to keep us warm
Something that will bring us comfort and a sense of security


There's such a chill, such a chill
There is an overwhelming sense of fear and uncertainty


And you can laugh
Make yourself appear non-threatening by feigning happiness


A spineless laugh
A laugh that lacks conviction and sincerity


We hope your rules and wisdom choke you
The oppressive authority figure will face the consequences of their own actions


Now we are one in everlasting peace
After escaping, we will experience a sense of unity and calm that lasts forever


We hope that you choke, that you choke
A phrase expressing disdain for the person or group that caused the suffering


We hope that you choke, that you choke
A repetition of the phrase expressing the intensity of emotion


We hope that you choke, that you choke
A final repetition of the phrase emphasizing the hope for the oppressors to suffer




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
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