Radiohead

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Airbag album cover

Airbag

Radiohead

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
In the next world war
In a jackknifed juggernaut
I am born again
In the neon sign
Scrolling up and down
I am born again

[Chorus]
In an interstellar burst
I'm back to save the universe

[Verse 2]
In a deep, deep sleep
Of the innocent
I am born again
In a fast German car
I'm amazed that I survived
An airbag saved my life

[Chorus]
In an interstellar burst
I am back to save the universe

[Instrumental Break]
[Chorus]
In an interstellar burst
I am back to save the universe
In an interstellar burst
I am back to save the universe

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If you're a fan of Radiohead, then you must have heard of their famous song 'Airbag.' This song is considered to be one of their most famous and significant tracks ever recorded. It was released in 1997 and served as the opening track for their third album, OK Computer.

The song's lyrics were inspired by personal events in the life of the band's lead singer, Thom Yorke. Back in the early '90s, Yorke had been involved in a car accident which could have been fatal, but he survived the collision thanks to the airbag in his car. This terrifying event led Yorke to reflect on the fragility of life, which is a theme that runs throughout this song.

About Airbag

'Airbag' is a masterpiece that combines the musical elements of alternative rock, electronica, and post-punk. The sound of the song is created by the band's unique style, which is comprised of Thom Yorke's emotive vocals, the electric guitar riffs, and the electronic drums. The song starts with a distinctive guitar riff that sets the mood for the rest of the track.

The lyrics of Airbag are powerfully suggestive of the fear of death and the desire to survive something that could have easily ended one's life. The haunting melody is a perfect match for the introspective lyrics that deal with the themes of life, death, and rebirth.

The chorus of the song is particularly noteworthy, with the lines "In an interstellar burst, I am back to save the universe" repeating throughout the song. These lines are an ode to the experience of a car accident and the relief of being able to survive such a traumatic event. For the protagonist of the song, it's almost as if they are experiencing a form of divine intervention and rebirth after a near-death experience.

Aside from the personal history behind the song, Yorke also draws on more universal themes of the fear of death and the desire to live boldly, which is something that many people can relate to. The poignant lyrics and the beautifully layered instrumentation in Airbag make it a timeless classic that will continue to reverberate with fans for years to come.

In Conclusion

If you're looking for a song that packs an emotional punch and reflects on the fragility of life, then 'Airbag' by Radiohead is definitely an excellent choice. The hauntingly beautiful melody, emotive lyrics, and the unique instrumentation combine to create a song that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. This song is one of Radiohead's masterpieces, and it's not hard to see why it continues to inspire and move fans more than two decades after its initial release.

  • Release Date: May 21, 1997
  • Artist: Radiohead