Radiohead

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
This dance, this dance
Is like a weapon, is like a weapon
Of self-defence, of self-defence
Against the present, against the present
The present tense
No, I won't get heavy, don't get heavy
Keep it light and keep it moving
I am doing no harm
As my world comes crashing down
I'll be dancing, freaking out
Deaf, dumb, and blind

[Chorus]
In you, I'm lost
In you, I'm lost

[Verse 2]
I won't turn around or the penny drops
Won't stop now, won't slack off
Or all this love will be in vain
To stop from falling down a mine
It's no one's business but mine
Where all this love has been in vain

[Chorus]
In you, I'm lost
In you, I'm lost
In you, I'm lost
In you, I'm lost

Welcome back to another edition of our music-focused blog, where we delve deep into the intricacies of some of the best songs out there. Today, we're going to talk about Present Tense, a popular song by the renowned alternative rock band, Radiohead.

First, let's start by establishing some essential details about the song. Present Tense is a track from Radiohead's ninth studio album, A Moon Shaped Pool, and is heavily influenced by Brazilian Samba and bossanova music. The song was initially performed by the lead singer, Thom Yorke, at the 2009 Latitude Festival, where it became an instant favorite among fans. The studio version of Present Tense was highly anticipated and was well-received upon its release.

About Present Tense

Present Tense is not your average rock song. The lyrics are deep and thought-provoking, alluding to the Buddhist notions of escaping the present, blind, deaf, and dumb. The band has always had an affinity for the Tibetans, and this theme is evident in the song's lyrics. The track encourages the destruction of the inner world by being blind, deaf, and dumb, like the oriental image of the three monkeys.

The music and melody of Present Tense are just as captivating as the lyrics. The intro of the song features a unique chord progression that is quite reminiscent of a piece composed by Jonny Greenwood for the movie Norwegian Wood. The use of Brazilian Samba and bossanova music throughout the song give it a unique flair that sets it apart from Radiohead's other work.

The song begins with a rhythmic clinking sound that was originally interpreted as the sound of chains in some quarters. The sound is actually the Brazilian percussion instrument called a cuíca, a type of friction drum. The cuíca is an essential instrument in Samba music, and its inclusion in Present Tense is a testament to the band's experimentation with different sounds and music forms.

Present Tense is a perfect example of the band's ability to push boundaries and experiment with different genres. The inclusion of the Samba and bossanova music adds a Latin flavor to the track that is distinct from the band's typical alternative rock music. The song also features haunting vocals from Thom Yorke, who sings with a sense of urgency that draws listeners in and keeps them engaged until the song's end.

One thing that sets Present Tense apart from other Radiohead songs is the lack of electronic sounds. The band's music is typically characterized by its use of electronic sounds, but in Present Tense, they strip away these sounds, relying on conventional instruments to create something unique and utterly spellbinding.

Finally, the music video for Present Tense is another fascinating aspect of the song. The video features Jonny Greenwood and Thom Yorke performing the track while accompanied by a CR-78 for acclaimed director, Paul Thomas Anderson's camera. Anderson is famous for his work on movies like Boogie Nights, Punch-Drunk Love, and There Will Be Blood. The video is a work of art and beautifully captures the essence of the song.

Conclusion

Present Tense is undoubtedly one of Radiohead's most remarkable and unique tracks. It showcases the band's ability to experiment with different genres and sounds while retaining their unique sound that fans have come to know and love. The Brazilian influences, haunting vocals, and lack of electronic sounds all work together to create an atmosphere that is both mesmerizing and unforgettable. If you haven't listened to Present Tense yet, we strongly recommend you do so.

• Release Date: May 8, 2016
• Artist: Radiohead