"Almost parodies the imperatives thrown at music audiences to ‘get up’ and dance".
This song was premiered in Lisbon, Portugal on July 24, 2002. The alternate title is "Snakes & Ladders".
Sit Down. Stand Up
Radiohead Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sit down, stand up
Walk into the jaws of hell
(Sit down)
Walk into the jaws of hell
(Stand up)
Anytime
Anytime
(Stand up)
Sit down, stand up
Sit down
We can wipe you out anytime
(Stand up)
We can wipe you out
(Sit down)
Anytime
Anytime
Stand up
Sit down
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
The raindrops
Sit Down. Stand Up by Radiohead is a haunting song that uses repeated and contrasting phrases to create a sense of impending doom. The chorus consists of just two lines: "Sit down, stand up," which are repeated several times throughout the song. This repetition demands the listener's attention and draws them into the song's world of tension and unease.
The reference to walking "into the jaws of hell" suggests that the song is about facing danger and moving forward even when you know there is a risk involved. The lyrics "we can wipe you out anytime" and "the raindrops" create a sense of powerlessness and vulnerability. The repetition of "anytime" in the chorus emphasizes the idea that danger could strike at any moment, and we need to be prepared to face it.
The song's lyrics seem to be about standing up to authority or societal pressures, even if it means walking into danger. The repeated phrases and contrasting ideas create a sense of unease and nervous energy, making Sit Down. Stand Up an unforgettable listening experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Sit down, stand up
The singer is commanding the audience to alternate between sitting down and standing up.
Walk into the jaws of hell
The singer is urging the audience to take on dangerous and potentially deadly challenges.
(Sit down)
The audience is instructed to sit down.
(Stand up)
The audience is instructed to stand up.
Anytime
The danger that the audience is facing can occur at any moment, hence the need for constant readiness.
Sit down, stand up
The singer reiterates the need for the audience to constantly alternate between sitting down and standing up.
We can wipe you out anytime
The singer is reminding the audience of their vulnerability and the potential for complete destruction at any moment.
We can wipe you out
The artist repeats the idea of complete destruction at the hands of an opposing force.
(Sit down)
The audience is instructed again to take a seat.
Anytime
The danger the audience is facing can occur at any moment.
Anytime
Same as before, the audience's constant readiness is emphasized.
Stand up
The audience is instructed to stand up once again.
Sit down
The audience is instructed to take a seat once more.
The raindrops
This line may signify a sudden or unexpected occurrence that the audience is not prepared to face.
The raindrops
The line is repeated, emphasizing the sudden and unexpected nature of the event.
The raindrops
This line is repeated many times, possibly as a form of emphasis, or to create a sense of anxiety or dread.
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
א Antor
[Hook]
Sit down, stand up
Sit down, stand up
[Verse 1]
Walk into the jaws of hell (Sit Down)
Walk into the jaws of hell (Stand Up)
Anytime
Anytime
[Hook]
Sit down, stand up
Sit down
[Verse 2]
Hey, we can wipe you out anytime
We can wipe you out
Anytime
Anytime
[Interlude]
Stand up
Sit down
[Bridge]
The Raindrops [x47]
Colleen Sullivan
Sit down, stand up
Sit down, stand up
Walk into the jaws of hell (sit down, stand up)
Walk into the jaws of hell (sit down, stand up)
Anytime (sit down)
Anytime (stand up)
Sit down, stand up
Sit down, stand up
We can wipe you out anytime (sit down, stand up)
We can wipe you out (sit down, stand up)
Anytime (sit down)
Anytime
Stand up (the rain drops the rain drops)
Sit down (the rain drops the rain drops)
Oh
The rain drops [x46]
Sylvan Wroe
Only radiohead could repeat "The Raindrops" 47 times and still have it be a masterpiece...
mattp_writes
Yeah, but the laser noises
The Arcadian Earth
I got 45, but I’m fairly intoxicated.
Sasha Sevens
47
Alex K
I've always thought that he sings "power rangers"...
Khasiodron
@Alex K glad I'm not the only one
Sean Wechsler
Is it weird that I’m I huge heavy metal fan, yet Radiohead is one of my favorites? I think it’s because of the quality musicianship and intricate music.
shtefozoid
Bingo
April Williams
I also very much love heavy metal as well, and most classical music too
Sir SpookyBones
I'm quite into Metal, but Radiohead is good too