Radiohead

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Flies are buzzing 'round my head
Vultures circling the dead
Picking up every last crumb
The big fish eat the little ones
The big fish eat the little ones
Not my problem, give me some

[Chorus]
You can try the best you can
You can try the best you can
The best you can is good enough
You can try the best you can
You can try the best you can
The best you can is good enough

[Verse 2]
This one's optimistic
This one went to market
This one just came out of the swamp
This one drops a payload
Fodder for the animals
Living on an animal farm

[Chorus]
You can try the best you can
You can try the best you can
The best you can is good enough
You can try the best you can
You can try the best you can
The best you can is good enough
[Bridge]
I'd really like to help you, man
I'd really like to help you, man
Nervous messed up marionette
Floating 'round on a prison ship

[Chorus]
You can try the best you can
You can try the best you can
The best you can is good enough
You can try the best you can
You can try the best you can

[Outro]
Dinosaurs roaming the earth
Dinosaurs roaming the earth
Dinosaurs roaming the earth

If you're a fan of alternative rock, you've probably heard of the song "Optimistic" by the iconic British band Radiohead. This track is a standout from their fourth studio album, Kid A, released in 2000. It's a song that explores the impact of consumerism on our society and how it affects our perspectives on life.

About Optimistic

"Optimistic" is the sixth track on Kid A, and it quickly became one of the most popular songs on the album. The song features a unique structure, with two sets of verses that provide differing views on the world around us. The first verse talks about the greed and exploitation that exists in our society. In the opening lines, lead singer Thom Yorke sings, "You can try the best you can, you can try the best you can, the best you can is good enough." These lyrics suggest that even when we give everything we have, it may not be enough to succeed in a world driven by material desires.

The second verse provides a slightly more optimistic view of the world. The lyrics suggest that the system we live in - whether that's the economy or the government - can sometimes work to our advantage. Yorke sings, "Flies are buzzing around my head, vultures circling the dead, pickin' up every last crumb, the big fish eat the little ones." These lines imply that even in a system dominated by power and wealth, there is still a chance for the little guy to succeed.

But it's the chorus of "Optimistic" where we find the true message of the song. Yorke sings, "If you try the best you can, if you try the best you can, the best you can is good enough." These lyrics suggest that while we may not always win in a world that's driven by consumerism, it's still crucial to try our best. The realization of our deontological limits might not result in an immediate happy ending, but it can bring a sort of fulfillment and contentment that isn't necessarily cheerful but is nonetheless essential.

In many ways, "Optimistic" serves as a cautionary tale of sorts. It recognizes the negative aspects of our society - the greed, the exploitation - but also encourages us to keep trying and striving. It's a reminder that our best is always good enough, even if we don't achieve the things we set out for.

Final thoughts

Overall, "Optimistic" is a powerful and thought-provoking song. It highlights the negative aspects of consumerism while urging listeners to keep trying even when success may seem impossible. With its unique structure and well-crafted lyrics, it's no surprise that "Optimistic" remains one of Radiohead's most beloved songs to this day.

• Release Date: October 2, 2000
• Artist: Radiohead