Radiohead

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I don't want to be your friend
I just want to be your lover
No matter how it ends
No matter how it starts

[Chorus]
Forget about your house of cards
And I'll do mine
Forget about your house of cards
And I'll do mine
And fall off the table, get swept under
Denial, denial

[Verse 2]
The infrastructure will collapse
From voltage spikes
Throw your keys in the bowl
Kiss your husband 'goodnight'

[Chorus]
And forget about your house of cards
And I'll do mine
Forget about your house of cards
And I'll do mine
Fall off the table, get swept under
Denial, denial
Denial, denial
(Your ears should be burning)
Denial, denial
(Your ears should be burning)

If you are a fan of alternative rock, then you must have heard of the iconic British band Radiohead. One of their songs that stand out from the rest is "House of Cards." This song is a manifestation of the band's philosophical and poetic approach to music. It's certainly about a man that loves a girl in a relationship and wants to be her lover despite the consequences. The song exhibits ambiguity and complexity, which are hallmarks of Radiohead's style.

About House of Cards

Radiohead started working on "House of Cards" in 2005 for their album "In Rainbows." The song features Thom Yorke's haunting vocals that blend seamlessly with Jonny Greenwood's intricate guitar melodies. The band's bassist, Colin Greenwood, utilizes his rhythmical instincts to drive the song's beat. The inclusion of Phil Selway's relaxed drums on this track gives it a laid-back feel while maintaining the song's intensity.

The lyrics open with the phrase, "I don't want to be your friend; I want to be your lover." This line sets the tone for the rest of the song, which explores the mind of a man who is in love with a woman that's already in a relationship. Yorke uses the metaphor of a "house of cards" to illustrate the fragile nature of the girl's marriage. He suggests that the slightest nudge could destabilize the union entirely. The song's lyrics are relatable as most people have experienced unrequited love at some point in their lives.

In the second verse, Yorke hints at a key party, where swinger couples would put their keys in a bowl, and the men would pick a set of keys and go home with the woman whose keys they ended up with. This reference accentuates the desperation of the song's protagonist to make the woman his lover, even though she's already in a committed relationship.

The most captivating part of "House of Cards" is its instrumentation. Radiohead's ability to create a wall of sound with their unique blend of instruments is impressive. The song's arrangement is minimalistic yet complex, featuring the use of loops and ethereal soundscapes. The guitar riff that runs throughout the song is catchy and hypnotic, keeping the listener engrossed in the melody while meditating on the lyrics simultaneously. It's a perfect example of a song that uses music to create a mood that accurately reflects the lyrics.

The song's music video is another aspect that makes it stand out. It was shot using a 3D scanner to create a stunning visual representation of the band while they are performing the song. The video perfectly captures the theme of the song, using visual metaphors to emphasize its meaning.

In Conclusion

"House of Cards" is one of Radiohead's greatest hits, exhibiting their unique ability to create complex and introspective pieces that still manage to resonate with a broad audience. The song's lyrics are poignant, showcasing the duality of human emotions and our innate desires to explore them. Its minimalistic yet complex instrumentation is a testament to the band's musical prowess, making it a must-hear for any lover of quality music.

If you're yet to listen to this masterpiece, I recommend you add it to your playlist immediately. It's undoubtedly one of Radiohead's best works and a testament to their greatness in the music industry.

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