Radiohead

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Please, could you stop the noise?
I'm trying to get some rest
From all the unborn chicken voices
In my head

[Chorus]
What's that?
(I may be paranoid, but not an android)
What's that?
(I may be paranoid, but not an android)

[Verse 2]
When I am king
You will be first against the wall
With your opinion
Which is of no consequence at all

[Chorus]
What's that?
(I may be paranoid, but no android)
What's that?
(I may be paranoid, but no android)

[Bridge 1]
Ambition makes you look pretty ugly
Kicking, squealing, Gucci little piggy
You don't remember, you don't remember
Why don't you remember my name?
Off with his head, man, off with his head, man
Why don't you remember my name?
I guess he does
[Bridge 2]
Rain down, rain down
Come on, rain down on me
From a great height
From a great height, height
Rain down, rain down
Come on, rain down on me
From a great height
From a great height, height
That's it, sir, you're leaving (Rain down)
The crackle of pigskin (Rain down)
The dust and the screaming (Come on, rain down)
The yuppies networking (On me)
The panic, the vomit (From a great height)
The panic, the vomit (From a great height)
God loves his children
God loves his children, yeah

Released in 1997, “Paranoid Android” is the first single from Radiohead’s critically acclaimed album, “OK Computer”. It is considered one of their most iconic and popular songs, known for its unconventional structure and themes of insanity, violence, and political objection to capitalism.

About Paranoid Android

The song is characterized by three distinct moods, which lead singer Thom Yorke referred to as three different states of mind. The lyrics were inspired by an unpleasant experience Yorke had at a Los Angeles bar. He was surrounded by strangers high on cocaine, and a violent altercation involving a woman in the bar left him feeling disturbed and afraid. This experience inspired the lyrics of the song, including the line “kicking, squealing Gucci little piggy” in the second section, which Yorke used to describe the woman he encountered at the bar.

“Paranoid Android” has often been compared to multi-part rock pieces by famous artists, and the band itself has likened it to Queen and the Pixies. Some critics have labeled the song as prog rock, but Radiohead has rejected this comparison, describing the song’s serious message as cartoon-like, with a kind of whimsical and playful vibe.

The song’s music is just as distinctive as its lyrics. It features the use of a Mellotron, an early electronic keyboard that was used to create a unique choir sound that imparts a slightly off-kilter character. The song itself is divided into three distinct sections, each with different musical motifs, vocals, and instrumentation. These sections create a sense of disorientation that reflects the themes of insanity and paranoia that pervade the song.

Despite its unusual structure and themes, “Paranoid Android” has become one of Radiohead’s most popular songs, and has been used in a variety of contexts over the years. In addition to its popularity on radio and streaming platforms, the song was used as the ending theme for the anime series, “Ergo Proxy”.

The Legacy of Paranoid Android

Over 20 years after its initial release, “Paranoid Android” remains not just one of Radiohead’s most iconic songs, but also one of the most unusual and melodramatic songs in the history of rock music. It has inspired countless bands and musicians, and continues to be a touchstone for fans of alternative music.

The song has also received extensive critical acclaim over the years. It was listed as one of the greatest songs of all time by publications such as Rolling Stone, NME, and The Guardian. It has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Sia, Weezer, and Amanda Palmer.

In many ways, “Paranoid Android” is a song that defies simple categorization. It is a complex, multi-layered piece of music that continues to challenge and intrigue listeners. Whether you consider it a masterpiece of 90s alternative music, or simply one of the most memorable songs of the era, there is no denying its impact on the world of rock music.

“Paranoid Android” is a song that will continue to captivate and fascinate listeners for generations to come.

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