The song features a prominent sample from "Track page: Mild und Leise" - an experimental computer piece from 1973 by electronic music pioneer Paul Lansky.
Idiotique
Radiohead Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Women and children first and the children first and the children
I'll laugh until my head comes off
I'll swallow till I burst, until I burst, until I
Who's in a bunker? Who's in a bunker?
I have seen too much, I haven't seen enough, you haven't seen
I'll laugh until my head comes off
Here I'm allowed everything all of the time
Here I'm allowed everything all of the time
Ice age comin', ice age comin'
Let me hear both sides, let me hear both sides, let me hear both
Ice age comin', ice age comin'
Throw it in the fire, throw it in the fire, throw it on the
We're not scaremongering
This is really happening, happening
We're not scaremongering
This is really happening, happening
Mobiles working, mobiles chirping
Take the money and run, take the money and run, take the money
Here I'm allowed everything all of the time (The first of the children, the first of the children, the first of the children, the first of the children)
Here I'm allowed everything all of the time (The first of the children, the first of the, the first, the first of the children, the first of the children)
Here I'm allowed everything all of the time (The first of the children, the first of the, the first, the first of the children, the first of the children)
Here I'm allowed everything all of the time (The first of the children, the first of the children, the first of the children, the first of the children)
The first of the children, the first of the children
The first of the children, the first of the children
The first of the children, the first of the
The first, the first of the children, the first of the children
The first of the children, the first of the
The first, the first of the children, the first of the children
The first of the children, the first of the children
The first of the children, the first of the children
Idiotique by Radiohead is a commentary on the human tendency to ignore warning signs and instead form our own opinions based on biases and prejudices. The opening lines “Who’s in a bunker? Women and children first and the children first and the children” references a common trope in disaster movies where the most vulnerable people are prioritized for rescue. However, the repetition and the confusion over who is actually in the bunker suggests a sense of chaos and uncertainty. The following line “I’ll laugh until my head comes off, I’ll swallow till I burst” could be interpreted as a metaphor for the blind faith people have in their own opinions even if it leads to self-destruction.
The song goes on to reference the impending threat of an “ice age” which could be seen as a metaphor for a catastrophic event. The repetition of “let me hear both sides” suggests that there are differing opinions on how to handle the crisis, but ultimately the line “throw it in the fire” suggests that there is a sense of urgency and immediate action needed. The refrain “Here I’m allowed everything all of the time” could be seen as a critique of the individualistic society we live in where people prioritize their own desires and opinions over the collective good.
Overall, Idiotique is a commentary on the dangers of ignoring warning signs and the importance of coming together as a society to address looming crises.
Line by Line Meaning
Who's in a bunker? Who's in a bunker?
I have seen too much, I haven't seen enough, you haven't seen
Women and children first and the children first and the children
Women and children come before anyone else in times of danger and distress
I'll laugh until my head comes off
I will keep myself entertained no matter what happens
I'll swallow till I burst, until I burst, until I
I will indulge myself to the point of self-destruction
Here I'm allowed everything all of the time
In this place, I am free to do as I please without consequence
Ice age comin', ice age comin'
A drastic change is coming, and it cannot be stopped
Let me hear both sides, let me hear both sides, let me hear both
I want to understand different points of view
Throw it in the fire, throw it in the fire, throw it on the
Get rid of the old ways and embrace the new
We're not scaremongering
We are not trying to frighten anyone unnecessarily
This is really happening, happening
What we are experiencing is not a figment of our imaginations
Mobiles working, mobiles chirping
People are still connected to technology despite the chaos around them
Take the money and run, take the money and run, take the money
People are willing to prioritize their own financial gain over everything else
The first of the children, the first of the children
Children are the most vulnerable in times of crisis
The first, the first of the children, the first of the children
We must protect and prioritize the safety of children above all else
Contributed by Oliver I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.