Say The Word
Radiohead Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

If you're in the forest, out of your mind
Opposite branches breaking your arms
If you're stuck in rainfall of shattering glass
When you miss the moment, watching it pass

If you say the word, if you say the word
If you say the word, if you say the word
When you spend your life wishing on a twinkling star
When you forget how lucky you are
Buried in rubble, sixty-foot down

If you say the word, if you say the word
If you say the word, if you say the word
Then I'll come running

When you change your friends like changing your clothes

If you say the word, if you say the word
If you say the word, if you say the word
If you say the word, if you say the word

Then I'll come running
I'll come running

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Radiohead's song "Say The Word" are open to interpretation, but they seem to convey a sense of longing and commitment to be there for someone in times of distress and uncertainty. The song starts with the image of being lost in the forest, representing a state of confusion or feeling trapped. The mention of opposite branches breaking your arms suggests a sense of being caught between conflicting forces or choices.


The next lines shift the imagery to a rainfall of shattering glass, which could represent a situation of chaos or destruction. Missing the moment and watching it pass implies a sense of regret and the realization that opportunities may slip away if not seized.


The chorus repeats the phrase "if you say the word" several times, emphasizing the importance of communication and reaching out. It suggests that if the person in need asks for help or support, the singer will come running to their aid. This highlights the theme of loyalty and devotion, even in difficult circumstances.


The second verse touches on the idea of longing and the desire for change. The line "When you spend your life wishing on a twinkling star" expresses a longing for something different or better. Forgetting how lucky you are implies taking things for granted and not appreciating what you have. The mention of being buried in rubble sixty-foot down symbolizes being trapped in a difficult situation or feeling overwhelmed.


The final repetition of the chorus reaffirms the commitment to be there for the person being addressed. It suggests that regardless of changing friendships or circumstances, the singer will always be ready to support and help.


Overall, the lyrics of "Say The Word" evoke a sense of empathy, loyalty, and the willingness to come to someone's aid, even in challenging situations.


Line by Line Meaning

If you're in the forest, out of your mind
If you find yourself lost and confused in a chaotic place


Opposite branches breaking your arms
Being torn apart by conflicting forces and feeling helpless


If you're stuck in rainfall of shattering glass
Feeling trapped in a situation where everything is falling apart


When you miss the moment, watching it pass
Regretting the opportunities you let slip away by not seizing the moment


If you say the word, if you say the word
If you reach out for help and express your need for assistance


When you spend your life wishing on a twinkling star
Devoting your life to unattainable dreams or desires


When you forget how lucky you are
Losing sight of the blessings and fortune you possess


Buried in rubble, sixty-foot down
Feeling overwhelmed and trapped in a state of destruction and despair


When you change your friends like changing your clothes
Having shallow relationships and easily discarding friendships


Then I'll come running
I will be there for you, ready to provide support and assistance


I'll come running
I will hurry to your aid without hesitation




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Colin Greenwood, Ed O'Brien, Jonny Greenwood, Philip Selway, Thom Yorke

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@anujsukhija7015

Lyrics:

If you’re in a forest, out of your mind
Harpies in the branches breaking your arms
If you’re stuck in rainbows, shattering glass
Where you miss the moment, watching it pass

If you say the word
If you say the word
If you say the word
If you say the word



When you spend your life
Wishing on a twinkling star
When you forget how lucky you are
Buried in rubble, sixty foot down

If you say the word
If you say the word
If you say the word
If you say the word
Then I’ll come running
When you change your friends
Like changing your clothes
If you say the word
If you say the word
If you say the word
If you say the word
If you say the word
If you say the word
Then I’ll come running
I’ll come running.

You're welcome! :)



All comments from YouTube:

@simon1975

As a profoundly deaf person, Radiohead was a first band I felt through a sensation of vibration. Whilst using an ordinary hi fi speakers, their music felt like I'm going closer to heaven.

@MissHeathen

That’s so awesome! I feared their music would be missed by the hard of hearing, but you proved that wrong.

@izebellebluereadsoutloud3715

🤘 🎶 🪘

@Sponch1

Curious what other music gives you similar enjoyment?
I'd love to hear more of a unique perspective of what music is enjoyable

@victorzesiger5154

That's amazing

@uremawifenowdave

What does Sigur Ros ‘sound’ like to you, especially the orchestral specials they did?

221 More Replies...

@BryanFurran

they created songs that are not easy for everyone to accept, but when we get into them, we will be trapped forever.

@midekaaa

Damn, bang bryan punya selera music yg sgt bagus

@domparah

Best Radiohead definition ever

@tyastsani6659

Ciri khas radiohead: pas denger musiknya serasa masuk dunia lain, luar angkasa bahkan ghoib (setelah album the bends)

More Comments

More Versions