Radiohead

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Nude album cover

Nude

Radiohead

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Don't get any big ideas
They're not gonna happen
You paint yourself white
And fill up with noise
But there'll be something missing

[Chorus]
Now that you've found it, it's gone
Now that you feel it, you don't
You've gone off the rails

[Verse 2]
So don't get any big ideas
They're not gonna happen
You'll go to hell
For what your dirty mind is thinking

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If you are a fan of Radiohead, then you must know about their song, Nude. The song, which was originally written and recorded during the OK Computer era, became an inspiration to its hardcore fans. However, the band was not satisfied with the results after they worked on it for over a decade. In 2007, Nude was finally released with a different arrangement as the second single off the album, In Rainbows.

About Nude

Nude, which was originally titled “Failure to Receive Repayment Will Put Your House at Risk”, was mostly recognized by fans as “Big Ideas (Don’t Get Any)”. The song describes the consequences of a world where only one idea is shared by everyone. If one has an idea that is different from the generally accepted one and could benefit the world, it would always be kept away from the public. The song features Thom Yorke’s vocal range amidst singer Jonny Greenwood’s soaring guitar movements.

The song’s arrangement underwent changes between 1997 and 2007, and its most notable change was the bassline composed by Colin Greenwood. Producer Nigel Godrich claimed that the new bassline restructured the song and gave it more of a rhythmic flow. It was as though the window where the song was most alive had opened with this new arrangement.

The lyrics of Nude are simple yet powerful. Thom Yorke’s singing invokes emotion, and his voice is so soothing that it’s hard to ignore the lyrics, which are a reflection of society’s obsession with conformity. He sings, “Don't get any big ideas/ They're not gonna happen/ You paint yourself white/ And feel up with noise/ But there'll be something missing”.

The song also features a section where Yorke repeatedly sings the words “You'll go to hell for what you're dirty mind is thinking”. It’s unclear what this section means, but Yorke has stated that he wrote it after hearing someone say that they couldn’t think about anything dirty anymore because they would go to hell.

Radiohead has been known for their unconventional style, and this song certainly is an example of that. The song offers a great blend of unique guitar riffs, soothing vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics that make Radiohead a fan favorite.

Nude has a great knack for engaging its audience emotionally, and this has made it one of the most loved songs by fans from around the world. The song's success lies in its ability to transcend barriers and connect with people from different backgrounds. Radiohead's music is timeless, and fans can’t wait to see what they do next.

In all, Nude is a song that offers a blend of creative genius and insightful lyrics. Fans will get lost in its beautifully woven melodies and enchanting singing. If you are looking for a song that will connect with you at an emotional level and make you think about the social constructs of today's world, then Nude is the perfect choice.

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