Radiohead
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Reckoner
You can't take it with you
Dancing for your pleasure
[Verse 2]
You are not to blame for
Bittersweet distractor
Dare not speak its name
Dedicated to all hu–
All human beings
[Chorus]
Because we separate like ripples on a blank shore
(In rainbows)
Because we separate like ripples on a blank shore
(In rainbows)
[Verse 3]
Reckoner
Take me with you
Dedicated to all hu–
All human beings
Radiohead's Reckoner is a song off their seventh studio album, In Rainbows, released in 2007. The album's initial working title was Reckoner, but they later changed it to In Rainbows, borrowing the name from the song's lyrics. The song's lyrics revolve around the theme of separation, with the metaphor of ripples on a blank shore being used to illustrate this. This article aims to provide an in-depth description of the song and its features, as well as its significance in Radiohead's discography.
About Reckoner
The song's outro features the phrases, "We've got heads on sticks," and "You've got ventriloquists," on a loop, creating a haunting and eerie ambience. The song has been described as combining different elements of blues, folk and rock music, with a subtle touch of electronica, string instrumentation, and a soaring falsetto by lead singer, Thom Yorke.
Reckoner's music and lyrics were described by Pitchfork as "the prettiest anti-war protest song ever." The lyrics address the issue of casualties of conflict and are among the finest penned by Yorke. They represent a significant departure from the usual Radiohead's themes and lyrics, which confront mundane and existential issues, such as alienation, greed, angst and criticism of modern consumer society.
The song's melody and composition are distinct from the band's other works, with the rhythm and pace being more uplifting and joyful than their previous songs. It is characterized by a minimal percussion arrangement, supplemented by ethereal electronic sounds, which slowly build up to an explosive and cathartic finale. The song's structure and composition incorporate diverse musical styles, including blues, folk and rock genres.
Jonny Greenwood, the band's lead guitarist, described the song as the one that "made the record" and "something special," during an interview with Mojo magazine. He further explained how the song was created, and the process behind its recording.
The song's recording was a long and arduous process, which saw the band experiment with different sounds and arrangements until they found what they were looking for. According to Greenwood, the song is the perfect example of recording an idea that began as "just a bad break beat," and creating something that they were all proud of.
The song's arrangement and composition, especially the use of strings, introduced and cultivated the concept of string instrumentation, which became a hallmark of Radiohead's sound, particularly on their later albums. The band's introduction of such instruments demonstrated that they were willing to experiment and forge a new path in the ever-evolving music industry.
The song became an instant favourite among Radiohead fans and critics, who praised its melody, lyrics, and distinctive harmonies. The song's incorporation of different musical styles made it stand out from the rest of the tracks on In Rainbows.
In summary, Reckoner is a unique and beautiful song that incorporates diverse musical styles and themes, making it stand out as one of Radioheads finest works. As a result, Reckoner has cemented itself among the band's most beloved and iconic tracks.
- Release Date: October 10, 2007
- Artist: Radiohead