Blow Out
radiohead and portishead Lyrics
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And nailed into my heels
All the time killin' what I feel
And everything I touch (all wrapped up in cotton wool)
(All wrapped up and sugar coated) turns into stone
And everything I touch (all wrapped up in cotton wool)
(All wrapped up and sugar coated) turns into stone
I am glued just because I crack out
Everything I touch turns to stone
Everything I touch
(All wrapped up in crinoline, all wrapped up in sugar-coated) turn to stone
Radiohead's Blow Out is a song that speaks to the disconnection the singer is feeling between themselves and the world around them. The lyrics "in my mind and nailed into my heels" provide a glimpse into the internal turmoil the singer is experiencing, which is further emphasized by "all the time killin' what I feel." It seems as though the singer is trying to protect themselves, perhaps from feeling too much or getting hurt, evidenced by "everything I touch turns into stone." This line is repeated multiple times throughout the song, almost as a mantra to remind the singer of their perceived inability to connect with the world in a meaningful way.
The chorus takes a different approach to the singer's feelings. Instead of focusing on the disconnect, the chorus seems to express a fear of what might happen if the singer were to let themselves really feel and connect with the world. "I am fused just in case I blow out, I am glued just because I crack out" suggests that the singer is afraid of losing control if they were to fully connect with the world. The repetition of "everything I touch turns to stone" reinforces the idea that the singer doesn't feel capable of sustaining meaningful connections with anything or anyone.
While the lyrics to Blow Out are open to interpretation, many fans of the band have speculated that this song is a reflection on the isolating nature of fame. Lead singer Thom Yorke has spoken in interviews about feeling disconnected and jaded after the success of Radiohead's first album, Pablo Honey. Yorke has also mentioned feeling like an outsider in the music industry, despite his success. With lines like "all wrapped up in cotton wool" and "all wrapped up in crinoline," it's possible that Yorke is referencing the insulation and protection that fame can provide, but at a cost to one's ability to connect with others.
Line by Line Meaning
In my mind
The thoughts and memories in my head
And nailed into my heels
Being constantly burdened by these thoughts and memories
All the time killin' what I feel
Suppressing emotions and not letting them show
And everything I touch (all wrapped up in cotton wool)
My attempts to protect things from harm
(All wrapped up and sugar coated) turns into stone
Despite my efforts to protect things, they still end up cold and lifeless
I am fused just in case I blow out
I am holding myself together to prevent myself from falling apart
I am glued just because I crack out
I am stuck in place because if I move, everything will fall apart
Everything I touch turns to stone
No matter what I do, the things I touch lose their warmth and humanity
Everything I touch (all wrapped up in crinoline, all wrapped up in sugar-coated) turn to stone
Even when I try to be gentle and caring with things, they still end up cold and lifeless
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
@stevenquiroz1684
well someone had to take the picture lol
@Mottch
XD
@luisignaciomerchanrosero7724
Sounds like bossa nova. Amazing.
@gustavo8340
??????????????????????
@flozano8
I thought the same thing when I heard it. It really is amazing.
@Mottch
trueee
@ekwnfhwndgv561
I love this version to death
@jekk23
I remember the first time I heard this... it was a cool day and the rain had just stopped for the first time in years and the sun came through the window. Yes indeed a nice day. I smoked my pipe and smiled to this wonderful tune
@Ryguypie17
Can't believe I'm just discovering this now. What a beautiful rendition
@lucianabonenti6122
In my mind And nailed into my heels All the time Killing what I feel And everything I touch turns to stone (All wrapped up in cotton wool, all wrapped up and sugar coated.) I am fused Just in case I blow out I am glued Just in case I crack out And everything I touch turns to stone Everything I touch turns to stone