Radiohead

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Wake from your sleep
The drying of your tears
Today we escape, we escape

[Verse 2]
Pack and get dressed
Before your father hears us
Before all hell breaks loose

[Verse 3]
Breathe, keep breathing
Don't lose your nerve
Breathe, keep breathing
I can't do this alone

[Verse 4]
Sing us a song
A song to keep us warm
There's such a chill
Such a chill

[Verse 5]
And you can laugh a spineless laugh
We hope your rules and wisdom choke you
Now we are one in everlasting peace
We hope that you choke, that you choke
[Outro]
We hope that you choke
That you choke
We hope that you choke
That you choke

Radiohead's "Exit Music (For A Film)" gives you a chilling mix of perplexity and emotional burstiness. Created in response to Baz Luhrmann's inspirational request for a track for the Romeo + Juliet soundtrack, the song was held back from inclusion in the film itself, likely in part to the intensity of the lyrics and the emotional explosion that the track delves into. The haunting melody of "Exit Music (For a Film)" starts gentle and builds to a surprising crescendo ending that is sure to capture the attention of any listener.

About Exit Music (For A Film)

The origins of "Exit Music (For A Film)" are rooted in the bleak scene of the controversial modernized adaptation of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, directed and produced by Baz Luhrmann in 1996. Luhrmann presented the final thirty minutes of the film to Radiohead, drawing their inspiration for the bleak melody that became the song.

Describing the moment of inspiration that led to the creation of "Exit Music (For A Film)," Radiohead's Thom Yorke said "When we saw the scene in which Claire Danes holds the Colt .45 against her head, we started working on the song immediately."

The song's message is clear in the lyrics, as well. It is a protest of entryism, and the lyrics tell the story of two lovers who plan to depart the world together in response to the intense pressure of increased presence from outside forces, saying "We hope your rules and wisdom choke you / Now we are one in everlasting peace."

"Exit Music (For A Film)" is a beautifully produced song, with haunting, delicate instrumentation and the iconic voice of frontman Thom Yorke providing an emotional weight that punctuates the uncompromisingly bleak message of the lyrics. The track was originally meant to be included in the 1996 Baz Luhrmann film Romeo + Juliet, but was ultimately left off the soundtrack due to its heavy content, replaced instead with a remix of Radiohead's song "Talk Show Host."

That said, it is not hard to see why the song is so powerful. The combination of the melancholic melody, despairing lyrics, and its unique place as a cinematic work creates an incredibly powerful and engaging experience. The song's climax serves as a moment of both catharsis and mourning, as the tension created with the rising and falling dynamics of the instrumentation give way to the crushing realization expressed in the lyrics.

Despite its absence from the official film soundtrack, "Exit Music (For A Film)" would go on to receive critical acclaim on its release as part of Radiohead's 1997 album OK Computer, and has remained a fan favorite since then. If you're looking for a song that will transport you to a place of cine-melancholy and music-perplexity, "Exit Music (For A Film)" won't disappoint; it's a highly charged, highly emotive piece that packs a serious punch.

In all, "Exit Music (For A Film)" stands as a testament to the power of poetry in music, and to the enduring legacy of one of the most influential bands of the alternative rock era. It reflects the incredible artistic range and depth that Radiohead possesses, and confirms their place in the musical pantheon as one of the greats.

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