I Am Citizen Insane
Radiohead Lyrics


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I'm looking at you for a minute nine hundred people die
I'm looking away because! I did and you can't
Why? Because I'm looking back

I'm citizen insane
I'm citizen insane
I'm a citizen now
Look out! Danger is coming in
How could I. It is cold what is
Near? Look out danger through me
In the pool no one in but me

I'm citizen insane [Repeat x2]




I'm a citizen now [Repeat x4]
Worry!!!!!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "I Am Citizen Insane" by Radiohead are cryptic and open to interpretation. The opening lines, "I'm looking at you for a minute nine hundred people die," seem to be referencing the tragedy of the September 11th terrorist attacks. The following lines, "I'm looking away because! I did and you can't / Why? Because I'm looking back," suggest a sense of guilt or personal responsibility for the event. The repetition of "I'm citizen insane" may be a commentary on the mentality of nationalism and the ways in which individuals are indoctrinated into nationalistic ideologies. The line "Look out! Danger is coming in" could be interpreted as a warning of future threats or danger, particularly in relation to political or social instability.


As the song progresses, the lyrics become more fragmented and disjointed. The line "How could I. It is cold what is / Near? Look out danger through me" seems to express a sense of confusion or uncertainty about the present moment. The mention of "the pool" and being "in but me" hints at a sense of isolation or disconnection from others. The repeated line "I'm a citizen now" suggests a desire for belonging and inclusion within a larger group or society. However, the final word "Worry!!!!!" expresses a sense of anxiety or unease, suggesting that even as a citizen, one may still be vulnerable to danger or uncertainty.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm looking at you for a minute nine hundred people die
I am observing you as 900 people have lost their lives within a minute.


I'm looking away because! I did and you can't
I am turning away because I have done so, and you are not capable of doing it.


Why? Because I'm looking back
The reason I turned away is that I was looking back.


I'm citizen insane
I am a citizen who is behaving in an unstable or crazy manner.


I'm a citizen now
I am an ordinary person who is now a part of a community or society.


Look out! Danger is coming in
Be vigilant! There is an imminent threat approaching.


How could I. It is cold what is
I am curious about how it is even possible. What is the reason behind the coldness?


Near? Look out danger through me
The danger is close. Be alert through my perception, or use me as an example.


In the pool no one in but me
There is no one else in the pool except for me.


Worry!!!!!
Be anxious or concerned, something troublesome may happen at any moment.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COLIN CHARLES GREENWOOD, EDWARD JOHN O'BRIEN, JONATHAN RICHARD GUY GREENWOOD, PHILIP JAMES SELWAY, THOMAS EDWARD YORKE

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