Radiohead
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Two jumps in a week, I bet you
Think that's pretty clever, don't you, boy
Flying on your motorcycle
Watching all the ground beneath you drop
You'd kill yourself for recognition
Kill yourself to never, ever stop
You broke another mirror
You're turning into something you are not
[Chorus]
Don't leave me high
Don't leave me dry
Don't leave me high
Don't leave me dry
[Verse 2]
Drying up in conversation
You will be the one who cannot talk
All your insides fall to pieces
You just sit there wishing you could still make love
They're the ones who'll hate you
When you think you've got the world all sussed out
They're the ones who'll spit at you
You will be the one screaming out
[Chorus]
Don't leave me high
Don't leave me dry
Don't leave me high
Don't leave me dry
[Guitar Solo]
[Bridge]
Oh, it's the best thing that you've ever had
The best thing that you've ever, ever had
It's the best thing that you've ever had
The best thing you've had has gone away
[Chorus]
So don't leave me high
Don't leave me dry
Don't leave me high
Don't leave me dry
Don't leave me high
Don't leave me high
Don't leave me dry
If you're a fan of alternative rock, there's a good chance you've heard of Radiohead. Hailing from Oxfordshire, England, Radiohead has been one of the most innovative and captivating bands in the genre for over three decades now. Their second album, The Bends, which was released in 1995, is widely regarded as one of their best works. One of the standout tracks on the album is "High and Dry," which was also the first single to be released from the album.
About High and Dry
"High and Dry" is a melancholic yet catchy track which finds the band at their most accessible. The song features lead vocalist Thom Yorke's yearning vocals, backed by a jangly guitar riff and a simple yet effective drumbeat. Lyrically, the song deals with themes of heartbreak and betrayal. Yorke sings about being left behind by a lover who has moved on, leaving him feeling "high and dry."
The track was released on a double A-side with the album's opening track, "Planet Telex." Despite being a commercial success, the band members have since expressed their discontent with the song. In fact, they almost left it off the album entirely, feeling that it wasn't representative of their true sound. Nonetheless, "High and Dry" remains one of the band's most popular songs, and its catchy chorus and relatable lyrics have ensured its longevity.
The song's music video, directed by Jamie Thraves, features the band performing in a deserted beachside cafe. In between shots of the band, there are scenes of various people going about their daily lives, seemingly oblivious to the band's presence. The video's desolate setting and muted color palette perfectly complement the song's downbeat mood.
Interestingly, the song's guitar riff was initially written by the band's guitarist, Ed O'Brien. However, it was Yorke who came up with the vocal melody and lyrics, turning the track into the bittersweet ballad that it is today. O'Brien has since stated that he regrets giving the riff to Yorke, feeling that it could have been developed further had he kept it for himself.
"High and Dry" has since gone on to become a fan favorite, with its sing-along chorus often being a highlight of the band's live performances. It's also been covered by numerous artists, most notably by Jamie Cullum and the band's fellow alt-rockers, Weezer.
In closing, "High and Dry" is a testament to Radiohead's mastery of both catchy melodies and poignant lyricism. It's a song that perfectly encapsulates the band's ability to create memorable hooks without sacrificing any of their emotional depth.
- Release Date: February 27, 1995
- Artist: Radiohead