How To Disappear Completly
Radiohead Lyrics

The opening lines of the song, "That there, that's not me," suggests that the singer is experiencing some sort of detachment from themselves. They are not identifying with the person they see in the mirror or the person they are expected to be. The following lines continue with the theme of detachment, as the singer asserts that they go where they please, suggesting that they are not bound by societal norms or expectations. The lines "I walk through walls, I float down the Liffey" reinforce this idea, as the singer is describing actions that are impossible by normal standards.

As the song continues, the repetition of "I'm not here, this isn't happening" creates a sense of unreality. The singer is asserting that they are not fully present in this moment, that they are disassociating in some way. The following lines, "In a little while, I'll be gone, the moment's already passed," further emphasize the idea of transience and impermanence. The singer is acknowledging that time is fleeting and moments cannot be captured or held onto forever.

The final lines of the song, "Strobe lights and blown speakers, fireworks and hurricanes," suggest a chaotic and overwhelming environment. The repetition of "I'm not here, this isn't happening" can be interpreted as a coping mechanism to deal with this chaos. By disassociating, the singer is able to gain a sense of control and distance themselves from whatever is happening around them. Overall, "How To Disappear Completely" is a song that explores the theme of detachment, impermanence, and the need to create distance in order to gain a sense of control.