Radiohead

Lyrics

[Intro]
We're on, that's a nice way to start, Jonny

[Verse 1]
Are you such a dreamer
To put the world to rights?
I'll stay home forever
Where two and two always makes a five

[Verse 2]
I'll lay down the tracks
Sandbag and hide
January has April showers
And two and two always makes a five

[Bridge]
It's the devil's way now
There is no way out
You can scream and you can shout
It is too late now
Because

[Chorus]
You have not been
Paying attention
Paying attention
Paying attention
Paying attention
You have not been
Paying attention
Paying attention
Paying attention
Paying attention
You have not been
Paying attention
Paying attention
Paying attention
Paying attention
You have not been
Paying attention
Paying attention
Paying attention
Paying attention
[Outro]
I try to sing along
But I get it all wrong
'Cause I'm not, 'cause I'm not
I swat 'em like flies
But like flies, the bugs keep coming back
Not, but I'm not
All hail to the thief
All hail to the thief
But I'm not, but I'm not
But I'm not, but I'm not
Don't question my authority or put me in a box
'Cause I'm not, 'cause I'm not
Oh, go and tell the king
That the sky is falling in
But it's not, but it's not, but it's not
Maybe not, maybe not

Radiohead's opening track from their album "Hail to the Thief," 2 + 2 = 5, is a powerful rock song that builds up to a thunderous climax. The title of the track is inspired by George Orwell's famous slogan from his dystopian novel "Nineteen Eighty-Four."

About 2 + 2 = 5

The song 2 + 2 = 5 was released in 2003 as part of Radiohead’s sixth album, Hail to the Thief. It is known for its driving guitars and pounding drums that build to a frenzied climax. The intro starts with a scratchy guitar riff that rapidly sets the tone for the rest of the song. The song is a haunting portrait of the effects of propaganda on society as inspired by George Orwell's dystopian novel "Nineteen Eighty-Four".

The title of the track is the most distinctive aspect of the song. It refers to the slogan "two plus two equals five," which is used in "Nineteen Eighty-Four" to demonstrate the extent to which the government can distort reality through propaganda. The line “You have not been paying attention” emphasizes the importance of being aware of the propaganda that surrounds us in society.

Radiohead’s frontman, Thom Yorke, has said that the song’s subtitle “The Lukewarm” was taken from Dante’s Inferno. According to Dante, the lukewarm are on the edge of the Inferno, cruising around near the gates but can’t actually get out. They’re like, “What are we doing here? We didn’t do anything at all.” The lukewarm are precisely where they are because they chose to be indifferent and not act.

The lyrics of the song display Radiohead's concern about the manipulation of reality and the power of mass media. The lines "Go and tell the king that the sky is falling in" and "But someone should be here/ And they should be here" show that the song is a reflection of the modern society that is unaware of reality and its devastating effects.

The track was recorded on a small scale compared to the rest of the album, making it almost sound like demo recording. However, the rawness of the recording creates a feeling of urgency, anger, and desperation that is difficult to replicate in any other way.

2 + 2 = 5 has become a standard song in Radiohead's live performances. Fans love the energizing and cathartic experience of the song. The song has inspired massive sing-alongs, with the crowd passionately yelling out the chorus.

In summary, 2 + 2 = 5 by Radiohead, is a song that remains relevant today to societal issues. The song deals with the manipulation of reality, consequences of propaganda, and how individuals react to it. This track has become an anthem for those who want to reflect on their indifference toward social issues and become more conscious of the world around them.

• Release Date: November 17, 2003
• Artist: Radiohead