Radiohead signed to EMI in 1991 and released their debut album, Pablo Honey, in 1993; their debut single, "Creep", became a worldwide hit. Radiohead's popularity and critical standing rose with the release of The Bends in 1995. Radiohead's third album, OK Computer (1997), brought them international fame; noted for its complex production and themes of modern alienation, it is acclaimed as a landmark record and one of the best albums in popular music.
Radiohead's fourth album, Kid A (2000), marked a dramatic change in style, incorporating influences from electronic music, jazz, classical music and krautrock. Though Kid A divided listeners, it later attracted wide acclaim. It was followed by Amnesiac (2001), recorded in the same sessions. Hail to the Thief (2003), with lyrics addressing the War on Terror, was Radiohead's final album for EMI.
Radiohead self-released their seventh album, In Rainbows (2007), as a download for which customers could set their own price, to critical and chart success. Their eighth album, The King of Limbs (2011), an exploration of rhythm, was developed using extensive looping and sampling. A Moon Shaped Pool (2016) prominently featured Jonny Greenwood's orchestral arrangements. Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Selway, and O'Brien have released solo albums; in 2021, Yorke and Jonny Greenwood debuted a new band, the Smile.
By 2011, Radiohead had sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. Their awards include six Grammy Awards and four Ivor Novello Awards, and they hold five Mercury Prize nominations, the most of any act. Seven Radiohead singles have reached the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart: "Creep" (1992), "Street Spirit (Fade Out)" (1996), "Paranoid Android" (1997), "Karma Police" (1997), "No Surprises" (1998), "Pyramid Song" (2001), and "There There" (2003). "Creep" and "Nude" (2008) reached the top 40 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Rolling Stone named Radiohead one of the 100 greatest artists of all time, and Rolling Stone readers voted them the second-best artist of the 2000s. Five Radiohead albums have been included in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time lists. Radiohead were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiohead
Studio albums
Pablo Honey (1993)
The Bends (1995)
OK Computer (1997)
Kid A (2000)
Amnesiac (2001)
Hail to the Thief (2003)
In Rainbows (2007)
The King of Limbs (2011)
A Moon Shaped Pool (2016)
Sail To The Moon
Radiohead Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I spoke too soon
And how much did it cost
I was dropped from
Moonbeam
And sailed on shooting stars
Maybe you'll
But know right from wrong
Or in the flood
You'll build an Ark
And sail us to the moon
Sail us to the moon
Sail us to the moon
The Song "Sail to the Moon" by Radiohead is an interesting allegory about the human journey towards progress and development. The opening lines set the tone of the song and give it an air of nostalgia and regret as the singer recalls how he "spoke too soon" and sets out on a quest to sail to the moon, a symbolic journey towards progress and the pursuit of the impossible.
The lines "And how much did it cost / I was dropped from / Moonbeam / And sailed on shooting stars" could represent the cost and difficulties of achieving one's dreams and goals, but also the magical and mystical nature of pursuing them despite the difficulties. The phrase "Moonbeam" could also represent the idealistic pursuit of something that may not be attainable or realistic, while "shooting stars" are a symbol of hope and inspiration towards achieving that goal.
The lyrics then shift to a call to action, with the singer urging the listener to "know right from wrong" and to be a leader who can take charge in times of crisis (represented by "the flood"). The final chorus once again reiterates the desire to sail to the moon, and the repeated lyrics "Sail us to the moon" hint at a collective need for progress and a brighter future.
Overall, "Sail to the Moon" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that challenges listeners to reflect on their own desires for progress and change, as well as the cost and difficulties that may come with that pursuit.
Line by Line Meaning
I sail to the moon
I am striving for something impossible, yet I am determined to go the distance.
I spoke too soon
I have made a mistake, indicating a lack of foresight that may cost me in the long run.
And how much did it cost
I'm questioning the price of pursuing my ambition and what I have sacrificed to reach this point.
I was dropped from Moonbeam
I failed to reach my goals in my previous endeavors, but I am determined to not let that hold me back.
And sailed on shooting stars
I seek unique and uncharted paths to reach my goals, willing to take risks to get there.
Maybe you'll be president
You have the potential to achieve great things and be a leader.
But know right from wrong
It is not enough to be in a position of power; one must also possess moral judgment and be capable of making ethical decisions.
Or in the flood
When times get tough and the odds are stacked against you.
You'll build an Ark
You will persevere and find a way to overcome the obstacles in your path.
And sail us to the moon
You will lead us to greatness and unlock opportunities that were once thought to be impossible.
Sail us to the moon
A call to action, to reach for the stars and never give up until we achieve our dreams.
Sail us to the moon
Reinforcing the message of never giving up, and continuing to strive for greatness.
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