Life in a Glass House
Radiohead Lyrics


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Once again I'm in trouble with my only friend
She is papering the window panes
She is putting on a smile
Living in a glass house

Once again packed like frozen food and battery hens
Think of all the starving millions
Don't talk politics and don't throw stones
Your royal highness's

Well of course I'd like to sit around and chat
Well of course I'd like to stay and chew the fat
Well of course I'd like to sit around and chat
But someone's listening in

Once again we are hungry for a lynching
That's a strange mistake to make
You should turn the other cheek
Living in a glass house

Well of course I'd like to sit around and chat
Well of course I'd like to stay and chew the fat
Well of course I'd like to sit around and chat




Only only only only only only only only only only
There's someone listening in

Overall Meaning

The song "Life in a Glass House" by Radiohead seems to be a commentary on the idea of living in a fishbowl-like existence, where every move is scrutinized by society. The first verse speaks of difficulty with a friend, who is putting on a facade of happiness in order to hide what may be truly going on behind the scenes. The chorus then speaks of living in a glass house, which can refer to the idea of vulnerability in a world where everything is public and easily accessible. The second verse continues the theme of societal judgment, speaking of the hypocrisy of the wealthy and the need to turn the other cheek instead of seeking revenge.


The song's repetition of the chorus and verses, as well as the use of the same line at the end of each repetition, "someone's listening in," creates a sense of paranoia and distrust. The listener is left with the idea that every conversation, and perhaps even their own thoughts, are being recorded and scrutinized by some unseen force.


Overall, "Life in a Glass House" is a commentary on the modern phenomenon of living in a society where privacy is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain, and where the judgment of others can be a constant presence. The song invites the listener to question whether the cost of living in such a society is worth the loss of personal privacy and individual freedom.


Line by Line Meaning

Once again I'm in trouble with my only friend
I am facing issues once again with my only friend.


She is papering the window panes
She is making sure the glass house is opaque to give a sense of privacy.


She is putting on a smile
She is pretending to be happy and content even in the face of hardship.


Living in a glass house
Living a life of public scrutiny with no privacy and where opinions of others cannot be ignored.


Once again packed like frozen food and battery hens
Sensitized to our numbness but still subject to the harsh reality of our world.


Think of all the starving millions
Reflect on all those who go hungry and are in need of help and support.


Don't talk politics and don't throw stones
It is important to not discuss controversial topics and not criticize others.


Your royal highness's
A sarcastic reference to those in power and their inflated sense of importance.


Well of course I'd like to sit around and chat
I would like to engage in idle conversations and socialize.


But someone's listening in
However, there is always someone watching and paying attention to our every move.


Once again we are hungry for a lynching
We have an innate desire to find someone to blame and punish for our problems.


That's a strange mistake to make
This desire to punish others is a strange and baffling behavior.


You should turn the other cheek
Rather than seeking revenge, it is better to forgive and move on.


Only only only only only only only only only only
Emphasizes the fact that we are never truly alone and are always being watched and judged by others.


There's someone listening in
Concluding thought that highlights the constant scrutiny and lack of privacy in our lives.




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

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