Radiohead

Lyrics

[Chorus]
How come I end up where I started?
How come I end up where I went wrong?
Won't take my eyes off the ball again
You reel me out, then you cut the string

How come I end up where I started?
How come I end up where I went wrong?
Won't take my eyes off the ball again
First you reel me out and then you cut the string

[Verse 1]
You used to be alright
What happened?
Did the cat get your tongue?
Did your string come undone?
One by one
One by one
It comes to us all
It's as soft as your pillow

[Verse 2]
You used to be alright
What happened?
Et cetera, et cetera
Fads for whatever
Fifteen steps, then a sheer drop
[Chorus]
How come I end up where I started?
How come I end up where I went wrong?
Won't take my eyes off the ball again
You reel me out, then you cut the string

If you’re a fan of Radiohead or even just alternative music, you've heard of the opening track from the album In Rainbows, “15 Step”. This incredibly unique song is not only one of Radiohead’s most popular tracks, but also one of its most experimental ones, as it features a 5/4 time signature. With its warm guitar tones, electronic beat, and propelling bass, “15 Step” has captured the hearts of countless listeners over the years. What makes this song so special? What is the meaning behind it all? Let's find out.

About 15 Step

The song “15 Step” is, as mentioned previously, the opening track of the album In Rainbows that was released in 2007. Its experimental 5/4 time signature sets it apart from most Radiohead tracks and gives it a highly recognizable sound that has been loved all over the world.

The song builds from an electronic beat to a full band sound with a warm guitar tone and propelling bass. You'll have a hard time finding another song with such impeccable transitions between such disparate styles. Its dynamic range, unique progressions, and creative use of instrumentation take us through a three-minute journey that is not soon forgotten.

Lyrically, Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke has described “15 Step” as being about love, betrayal, and the repetition of failed pursuits. That anonymous fear thing, sitting in traffic, thinking, "I'm sure I’m supposed to be doing something else". It’s about the fucking panic of realizing you're going to die, and that any time soon, you could possibly have a heart attack when you next go for a run. These two themes are heavily present in the album's opening track: contrasting a lack of progress in one's ambitions with death's ticking clock inevitably being ushered in “one by one… to us all”.

Radiohead, a band well known for their ability to put emotions and themes into their music. In “15 Step”, Yorke uses the juxtaposition of fast-paced, joy-influenced freestyle hip hop beats and dark, emotionally-heavy lyricism to create a sense of unity and harmony, despite the contrasting elements of the upbeat sound and melancholic words.

What's fascinating about “15 Step” is that the rhythm itself manages to communicate a sense of hurriedness and desperation that's absent in most of the song's lyrics. The dotted rhythm of the song's melody plays off the 5/4 time signature, guaranteeing that you’ll be tapping along. Despite the numerous challenges that the song’s composition pose, Radiohead executes it all with precision and style that’s hard to match.

Yorke's vocals fluctuate frequently in pitch throughout the song, providing a sense of spontaneity that's rare to find in commercially popular music. Coupled with the drums, bass, electric guitar, and electronic beats, the song is a perfect reflection of the band’s ever-evolving creativity and versatility.

“15 Step” is a musical ride that takes us through various emotional highs and lows, which complement the lyrical themes of love, desperation, and expectations perfectly. It's an innovative and brave track that showcases not only the band's willingness to experiment and play with new musical ideas and technologies, but also their creative growth and artistry over the years.

If you haven't given “15 Step” a listen, then brace yourself for a wild ride! And if you're a fan of Radiohead, then you already know that the band's work is always worth exploring.

• Release Date: October 10, 2007
• Artist: Radiohead