Radiohead

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
A heart that's full up like a landfill
A job that slowly kills you
Bruises that won't heal
You look so tired, unhappy
Bring down the government
They don't, they don't speak for us
I'll take a quiet life
A handshake of carbon monoxide

[Chorus]
And no alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises
Silent, silent

[Verse 2]
This is my final fit
My final bellyache with

[Chorus]
No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises, please

[Verse 3]
Such a pretty house
And such a pretty garden
[Chorus]
No alarms and no surprises
(Get me out of here)
No alarms and no surprises
(Get me out of here)
No alarms and no surprises, please
(Get me out of here)

No Surprises by Radiohead is a haunting and melodic ballad that was the third and final single released from their third album titled OK Computer. It is a song that speaks to Thom Yorke's intense dissatisfaction with the state of the world, especially in the political sphere. It has become one of the most beloved songs in Radiohead's catalog and has cemented its place as one of the defining songs of the 90s.

About No Surprises

No Surprises was the first song to be recorded from Radiohead's classic album OK Computer, and it set the tone for the rest of the record. The song, which features Thom Yorke's almost-whispered vocals, a gentle strumming guitar, and a simple beat, is a tender and devastating meditation on the modern world's dangers. It is a song that speaks to Yorke's disillusionment with the relentless march of progress and the toxic nature of politics.

No Surprises was also the first and only song in which the band stuck to the original recording. The band recorded endless versions of the song, trying to find a better way to express their feelings. But in the end, they realized that the first version had everything they needed to express their emotions. The band found that their attempts at alternative versions of the song sounded like covers of the original, and so they went back to it. It was a wise decision that highlights the original recording's emotive power and serves as proof that sometimes, simplicity is the most effective approach.

Thom Yorke's vocals are particularly poignant in this song; his voice sounds fragile and vulnerable as he sings, "A heart that's full up like a landfill, a job that slowly kills you, bruises that won't heal." In his emotive performance, Yorke encapsulates the sense of numbness and helplessness that is often induced by the modern world's relentless pace. As the song progresses, Yorke's voice becomes even more insistent and forceful, and it ends up sounding like a desperate plea for change.

The song's instrumentation is similarly stripped down, with Yorke's voice, a guitar, some simple drums, and a glockenspiel forming the core of the track. The glockenspiel adds an ethereal element to the mix, providing a bit of delicate beauty to the otherwise sparse arrangement. The soothing instrumental contrast beautifully with the bleak lyrics to create a haunting and unforgettable song.

One of the fantastic things about No Surprises is how it manages to convey so much emotion without ever becoming melodramatic or overwrought. Yorke's lyrics are straightforward and direct, but their simplicity is also part of their power. The song creates an atmosphere of despair and hopelessness that is palpable, but it is not a song that wallows in its misery. Rather, it is a song that offers a sense of catharsis, a way of processing our fear and unease with the world.

In many ways, No Surprises is a song that feels as relevant today as it did when it was first released in 1998. Its melancholic and introspective tone is a perfect reflection of our times, where the news is often dominated by stories of political turmoil and environmental disaster. But despite its seemingly bleak outlook, the song ultimately offers solace and hope. Its message is a simple one: that we should hold on to our humanity, even when everything around us tries to rob us of it.

In Conclusion

No Surprises by Radiohead is a masterpiece of simplicity and raw emotion. It is a song that manages to capture the essence of our times with its mournful yet hopeful tone. Yorke's lyrics are stirring and profound, while the instrumentation is beautifully understated. The song has become one of Radiohead's most beloved tracks and remains a classic of the 90s era. It is a song that will continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come.

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