Karma Police
Radiohead Lyrics


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Karma police
Arrest this man
He talks in maths
He buzzes like a fridge
He's like a detuned radio

Karma police
Arrest this girl
Her Hitler hairdo
Is making me feel ill
And we have crashed her party

This is what you'll get
This is what you'll get
This is what you'll get
When you mess with us

Karma police
I've given all I can
It's not enough
I've given all I can
But we're still on the payroll

This is what you'll get
This is what you'll get
This is what you'll get
When you mess with us

For a minute there
I lost myself, I lost myself
Phew, for a minute there
I lost myself, I lost myself

For a minute there



I lost myself, I lost myself
Phew, for a minute there
I lost myself, I lost myself

Overall Meaning

The song Karma Police by Radiohead is a commentary on the concept of karma and how it applies to societal justice. The lyrics "karma police, arrest this man" and "arrest this girl" suggest that the consequences of one's actions catch up with them eventually. The man in question is someone who "talks in maths" and "buzzes like a fridge," suggesting that he is aloof and disconnected from the emotions of those around him. The girl is described as having a "Hitler hairdo" that makes the singer feel ill, indicating that she represents something morally repugnant or oppressive.


The chorus, "this is what you'll get when you mess with us," suggests that the band sees themselves as oracles of justice, wielding the power of karma to take down those who have done wrong. The lines "I've given all I can, but we're still on the payroll" imply that there are still hierarchies and power structures in place that prevent justice from being fully realized. The song ends with the lines "for a minute there, I lost myself," suggesting that the singer is grappling with the power and responsibility that comes with being a member of the karma police.


Line by Line Meaning

Karma police
Justice is being served


Arrest this man
This man should be held accountable for his actions


He talks in maths
This man is difficult to understand or connect with


He buzzes like a fridge
He has an irritating presence


He's like a detuned radio
This man is disconnected and disruptive


Karma police
Justice is being served


Arrest this girl
This girl should be held accountable for her actions


Her Hitler hairdo
This girl's appearance is triggering and offensive


Is making me feel ill
Her appearance is causing discomfort


And we have crashed her party
We are disrupting her life or plans


This is what you'll get
You will face consequences


This is what you'll get
You will face consequences


This is what you'll get
You will face consequences


When you mess with us
When you try to harm or upset us


Karma police
Justice is being served


I've given all I can
I have done everything possible


It's not enough
My efforts were insufficient


But we're still on the payroll
We are still expected to do our jobs despite difficulties or challenges


This is what you'll get
You will face consequences


This is what you'll get
You will face consequences


This is what you'll get
You will face consequences


When you mess with us
When you try to harm or upset us


For a minute there
During a brief period of time


I lost myself, I lost myself
I became consumed by my own thoughts


Phew, for a minute there
Expressing relief after a moment of stress or anxiety


I lost myself, I lost myself
I became consumed by my own thoughts




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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Me me


on No Surprises

The way i interpret the lyrics: ; Once excitement of youthful perspective,, hopes, dreams are broken, into an almost nihilistic acceptance of patterns world, we coast,….. become a part of the dull hum we swore we never would become part of. Time pulls us forward, wears and tears until we accept. Can not fight against the current yet knowing we swore we would never.

no


on Radio Head - no surprises

heylo aaa

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