Radiohead

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Rows of houses all bearing down on me
I can feel their blue hands touching me
All these things into position
All these things we'll one day swallow whole

[Chorus]
And fade out again
And fade out

[Verse 2]
This machine will, will not communicate
These thoughts and the strain I am under
Be a world child, form a circle
Before we all go under

[Chorus]
And fade out again
And fade out again

[Bridge]
Ah-na-na, ah-na-na
Ah-na-na, ah-na-na
Ah-na-na, ah-na-na
Ah-na-na, ah-na-na
[Verse 3]
Cracked eggs, dead birds, scream as they fight for life
I can feel death, can see its beady eyes
All these things into position
All these things we'll one day swallow whole

[Chorus]
And fade out again
And fade out again

[Outro]
Ah-na-na, ah-na-na
Ah-na-na, ah-na-na
Ah-na-na, ah-na-na
Ah-na-na, ah-na-na
Immerse your soul in love (Ah-na-na, ah-na-na)
(Ah-na-na, ah-na-na)
Immerse your soul in love (Ah-na-na, ah-na-na)

Radiohead's Street Spirit (Fade Out) is a powerful and thought-provoking song that is a fitting end to their 1995 album, The Bends. The song's lyrics explore the futility of life and the inevitability of death, yet somehow also manages to find a glimmer of hope in the face of such bleakness. The music video for the song, which plays with the speeding up and slowing down of images, further emphasizes the twisted and uncertain nature of life and death.

About Street Spirit (Fade Out)

Street Spirit (Fade Out), which was released in January 1996, quickly became one of Radiohead's most beloved and recognizable songs. The track opens with a haunting guitar riff that sets the melancholic tone for the rest of the song. Thom Yorke's vocals weave in and out of the instrumentation, adding to the song's hypnotic atmosphere.

The lyrics to Street Spirit (Fade Out) are some of the most poignant and affecting in all of Radiohead's discography. The song explores the idea that life is futile, that there is no point to existence, and that death is the only certainty. Yet, despite these heavy themes, there is also a glimmer of hope present in the song's outro. The message is clear - love is the answer to all of life's problems, no matter how difficult they may seem.

The music video for Street Spirit (Fade Out) is equally haunting and thought-provoking. Shot entirely in black and white, the video plays with the speeding up and slowing down of images, adding to the sense of disorientation and confusion that permeates the song. In the video, Thom Yorke appears to commit suicide by jumping from a trailer. What follows are a series of incoherent and dream-like images that alternate time and place. The dancers in black that appear throughout the video are a stark representation of death, further emphasizing the song's themes of mortality and the fragility of life.

Despite the heavy subject matter of Street Spirit (Fade Out), the song remains a fan favorite to this day. Its hypnotic melody and powerful lyrics continue to captivate audiences around the world. Even within the context of The Bends, which is already considered to be a melancholic album, Street Spirit (Fade Out) stands out as a particularly poignant and affecting track.

It's clear that Radiohead put a great deal of thought and care into crafting Street Spirit (Fade Out). From the haunting guitar riff to the powerful lyrics and striking music video, every aspect of the song works together to create a cohesive and unforgettable experience.

Without question, Street Spirit (Fade Out) is one of Radiohead's greatest achievements, and remains a song that is sure to be treasured for many years to come. Whether you're a longtime fan of the band or simply someone who appreciates great music, there's no denying the power and resonance of this unforgettable track.

• Release Date: March 13, 1995
• Artist: Radiohead