Spectre
Radiohead Lyrics

The lyrics of Radiohead’s song Spectre are rich in symbolism and meaning. The singer begins by describing himself as lost and a ghost, suggesting a sense of displacement and detachment. He feels dispossessed and taken host, as if he is no longer in control of his own life. This feeling of powerlessness is further emphasized by his hunger which burns a bullet hole, implying a deep sense of dissatisfaction and longing. The spectre of his mortal soul - a ghostly presence that represents his own mortality - haunts him and seems to be a reminder of his own impermanence.

As the song progresses, the singer muses on the nature of truth and the role that emotions play in distorting our perception of reality. He suggests that rumors and suspicion can be like a poison, clouding our judgment and preventing us from seeing things clearly. The only truth he has ever known is the physical sensation of being kissed, suggesting that he finds comfort and reassurance in physical intimacy, even if it is fleeting. Despite this, he recognizes that our past experiences can shape our expectations of the future, tricking us into making assumptions that may ultimately lead to disappointment.

The singer ends the song by acknowledging the inevitability of fear and the way it can cast a spell over us, causing us to doubt and second-guess even the strongest emotions. He seems to have accepted that the spectre of his mortality has finally come for him, but is left questioning whether he has made the most of his time on earth and whether he will be remembered after he is gone. Overall, the lyrics to Spectre offer a poignant meditation on the human experience of loss, longing, and mortality.