Radiohead

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
They love me like I was a brother
They protect me, listen to me
They dug me my very own garden
Gave me sunshine, made me happy

[Chorus]
Nice dream
Nice dream
Nice dream

[Verse 2]
I call up my friend, the good angel
But she's out with her answerphone
She said that she'd love to come help, but
The sea would electrocute us all

[Chorus]
Nice dream
Nice dream
Nice dream
Nice dream
Nice dream
Nice dream
Nice dream (If you think that you're strong enough)
Nice dream (If you think you belong enough)
Nice dream (If you think that you're strong enough)
Nice dream (If you think you belong enough)
[Guitar Solo]

[Chorus]
Nice dream
Nice dream
Nice dream
Nice dream

If you are a true Radiohead fan, you might have heard "(Nice Dream)" before. This song, despite being considered as an option for the first single from Radiohead's 1995 release The Bends, was never released as a single. It ended up being the sixth track of the album, a position that it holds proudly. It is a song that stands out from the rest of the album but still manages to blend in perfectly. With a unique production style and ambiance, (Nice Dream) is a perfect example of Radiohead’s ability to create emotional, captivating and timeless music. So, let’s dive in and take a closer look at this masterpiece.

About (Nice Dream)

According to Q Magazine issue 261, "(Nice Dream)" was recorded in a very peculiar way. The entire band was strumming acoustic guitars on this lilting beauty, on the terrace outside the Manor studio one sunny day in July. The intention was to recreate the lush ambience of George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord", which ended up suiting the lyrics about a "good angel", a "garden", and a sense of mysterious belonging.

The opening chords immediately create an atmosphere of melancholy and nostalgia. The album's producer, John Leckie, draws out the band's emotional depth with his production and engineering choices, rendering every guitar strum and vocal harmony with a warmth that wraps around you. The song is so comforting, like a warm embrace that reminds you that everything will be okay in the end.

The first verse, delivered by Thom Yorke's vulnerable and tender voice, sets the tone for the rest of the song:

"They love me like I was a brother They protect me, listen to me They dug me my very own garden Gave me sunshine, made me happy"

The chorus is simple yet profound, and as with most of Radiohead’s work, it has an open interpretation:

"In a little while I'll be gone The moments already passed Yeah, it's gone And I'm not here This isn't happening"

The lyrics convey a strong sense of nostalgia and yearning for something lost. The song speaks to the listener on an emotional level, transcending the boundaries of language and personal experience. Everyone can relate to the feelings of loss and longing, and this is where (Nice Dream) excels: it taps into emotions that are universal and makes us feel like we are not alone in our struggles.

The instrumental section of the song is richly textured, with layers of guitars, cello, and violin creating an immersive soundscape. The guitar work is especially noteworthy; the interplay between the acoustic and electric guitar is one of the most beautiful moments of the song. It creates a sense of depth and richness, as if there is an entire orchestra performing for you.

Overall, "(Nice Dream)" is a hauntingly beautiful track that showcases Radiohead’s mastery of emotional depth and songwriting. The band's ability to communicate profound feelings with such simplicity and elegance is what makes this song a timeless classic. It is a perfect example of how music can connect people across cultural and linguistic barriers, and it remains one of Radiohead's most beloved tracks to this day.

So there you have it, "(Nice Dream)" by Radiohead. Close your eyes, listen to the song, and let it transport you to another world where emotions rule and beauty abounds.

• Release Date: March 13, 1995
• Artist: Radiohead