The structure has changed since the 2006 tour. The final bridge was originally used as an introduction prior to the drums starting in the song. It now starts immediately at the verse.
This song is written in a dorian mode, which gives it the "floating" kind of vibe that it has. The chords are all diatonic to the key of D, but Dmaj is not played at any time during the song. The song is actually based around Em7, which would make it in the key of E dorian.
The first note Thom sings and which he returns to frequently in the melody, is a D, but they dont play a tonic (D) chord under it at any point, giving it a "deceptive" cadence.
This song was #17 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007.
Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
Radiohead Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The bottom of the sea
Your eyes
They turn me
Why should I stay here?
Why should I stay?
I'd be crazy not to follow
Follow where you lead
Your eyes
They turn me
Turn me on to phantoms (way out)
I follow to the edge of the Earth (way out, way out)
And fall off
Yeah, everybody leaves (way out)
If they get the chance (way out)
And this is my chance (way out)
I get eaten by the worms
And weird fishes
Picked over by the worms
And weird fishes
Weird fishes
Weird fishes
I'll hit the bottom
Hit the bottom and escape
Escape
I'll hit the bottom
Hit the bottom and escape
Escape
The opening lines of the song ‘Weird Fishes/Arpeggi’ by Radiohead talks about the unknown depths of the ocean, and how the eyes of a certain someone captivate and draw the singer towards them. The singer then contemplates why they should stay, but realizes they would be foolish not to follow the person they’re drawn to. The chorus talks about the singer getting lost in the allure of these phantoms and following them to the ‘edge of the Earth.’
The second verse of the song takes a darker turn, where the singer realizes that following blindly can lead to doom as they mention getting ‘eaten by the worms’ and ‘picked over by the weird fishes.’ Despite this realization, the chorus repeats, but this time with a different ending. Instead of talking about falling off or being lost in the abyss, they talk about hitting the bottom and escaping, taking control of their destiny.
The song is open to interpretation and can be seen as a metaphor for an individual's desire for a purpose, something that drives them forward. It can also be seen as a warning that diving headfirst into something without a clear understanding of what one is getting into can lead to destruction. The song encourages individuals to take charge of their lives and escape from the pitfalls and traps set by life.
Line by Line Meaning
In the deepest ocean
We are diving deep into a vast and unknown ocean, representing the uncertainty and mystery of life.
The bottom of the sea
We are exploring the crux of humanity, where emotions lie deep and buried within us.
Your eyes
The eyes represent the singer's obsession and infatuation with a person.
They turn me
The artist is irresistibly drawn to this person's gaze.
Why should I stay here?
The artist is questioning why they should stay in their current state of being, perhaps contemplating change or escape.
Why should I stay?
The singer is emphasizing their desire for change and new experiences.
I'd be crazy not to follow
The singer is acknowledging the risks of following this person, but believes it is worth it regardless.
Follow where you lead
The artist is entrusting their fate to this person they are drawn to, no matter where it may take them.
Turn me on to phantoms (way out)
The artist is entranced by illusions and fantasies, a manifestation of their desire to escape reality and follow this person.
I follow to the edge of the Earth (way out, way out)
The artist is indicating their willingness to go to great lengths and distances, even if it means risking their life.
And fall off
The singer recognizes the danger inherent in their chase of this person - it may lead them to a place of no return.
Yeah, everybody leaves (way out)
The artist is acknowledging that people are always changing and leaving, but still desires to pursue a relationship with this person.
If they get the chance (way out)
The singer is acknowledging the fickle and uncertain nature of relationships and how circumstances may influence them.
And this is my chance (way out)
The singer recognizes that this is their opportunity to pursue a relationship with this person, and is willing to take the risk.
I get eaten by the worms
The worms represent both physical and metaphorical death, the consequence of the risks the singer is taking.
And weird fishes
The weird fishes are a symbol for strange and otherworldly creatures - perhaps representing the unknown or unexpected consequences of risk-taking.
Picked over by the worms
The artist is acknowledging their own mortality and how they will eventually succumb to it.
Weird fishes
The strange and unknown consequences of risk-taking continue to haunt the singer, blurring the line between fascination and fear.
I'll hit the bottom
The singer is preparing themselves for the inevitable consequences of their risky behavior, accepting the worst possible outcome.
Hit the bottom and escape
The artist recognizes that hitting bottom is not the end - it is only the beginning towards rebuilding and creating a better life.
Escape
The artist is emphasizing their desire to break free from their current state of being and start anew.
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
@soulflower89
In the deepest ocean
The bottom of the sea
Your eyes
They turn me
Why should I stay here?
Why should I stay?
I'd be crazy not to follow
Follow where you lead
Your eyes
They turn me
Turn me on to phantoms
I follow to the edge of the earth
And fall off
Everybody leaves
If they get the chance
And this is my chance
I get eaten by the worms
Weird fishes
Get towed by the worms
Weird fishes
Weird fishes
Weird fishes
I'll hit the bottom
Hit the bottom and escape
Escape
I'll hit the bottom
Hit the bottom and escape
Escape
@dogthonypawtano
0:00 4 iconic drumstick taps that lets you know you’re about listen to this masterpiece
0:02 nice drumbeat
0:08 a beautiful yet simple riff
0:27 eargasm
0:58 opening vocal and lyric that matches the song’s vibe and feel perfectly
1:11 i just love those parts where it’s a little higher
1:30 that “i” and “stay” are so beautiful
2:00 your eyes … they turn me!
2:14 the song starts advancing
2:26 awe inducing
2:45 the song starts building up…
3:03 all that built up tension is let go in a release that sounds more beautiful than a supernova looks
3:41 woooaaaahhhh
4:03 eargasms are back
4:20 quick buildup
4:25 quick release with the return of vocals
5:05 the end
5:11 you realize you’re whole just changed in 5 minutes
@mrrooneygeorgee6524
One person told me I wasn't "Good enough" and you won't find the one.
I told him there's a lot of weird fishes in the sea you just gotta find the right one.
He said "You won't".
I walked off in the rain, put my earphones in and listen to this song.
I Am Good Enough.
@Bullet27341
A lot of people are talking about how they remember when they first heard this song and how something was going on on their life, and its crazy because this is happening to me right now lol! But right now this failed talking stage of mine just got a boyfriend, and its such a weird feeling seeing her so in love and that makes me realize i really wont ever have a chance with her again. And it hurts so badly, because this the only girl ive ever really felt like ive ever loved.
I recently found this song last week, and the lyrics resonate with me so well! Though i feel like the lyrics can be represented or interpreted in many ways. I feel like the song is about new beginnings and realizing that we need to get out of the “shore” (our comfort zone ir being stuck on a relationship) and go onto the “bottom of the ocean” (go outside of your comfort zone or find new fishes in a different place youve never looked at before) and how we need to realize there is chances to let go and we need to take it because sometimes its the best option.
Right now i feel exactly how i feel like the is interpreted, and i cant help but to feel so connected with the song and so emotional to it. Ive been listening to this non stop and it doesn’t help that this song is so beautiful!
I hope i get through this and find new “worms and weird fishes” when i leave.
I hope anyone that is seeing this and is experiencing something similar or experiencing any hardships get through it! Remember God is with you and will make sure you end up in the right place as long as you put your faith unto him. Please stay strong and dont be afraid to try new things!
@ILoveMagic15
I know it's impossible to name the best Radiohead song but this one is a strong contender.
@markfinn6345
it's mine. easy.....
@adriancordova9346
same here one of my favorite all times
@Scrappycoco14
+ilovemypiano my favourite Radiohead song.
@TY_2020
+ilovemypiano One of my favorites, along with Pyramid Song, High And Dry and Optimistic.
@DVR693
to me, this, paranoid android and reckoner are just beautiful pieces of art, i agree with you, is impossible to choose one
@EthanMckennaMusic
Heard this song for the first time on a plane back home for my best friends funeral. I definitely needed it.
RIP Nate 1995-2016
@ryanshaw614
May he rest in peace... I actually heard that song recently on a plane as well
@Futbolazoo
lets get a rip in the chat for my boy
@oliviaabamba9686
@@Futbolazoo Rip🕊️❤️