Radiohead
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
The breath of the morning I keep forgetting
The smell of the warm summer air
I live in a town where you can't smell a thing
You watch your feet for cracks in the pavement
Up above aliens hover
Making home movies for the folks back home
Of all these weird creatures who lock up their spirits
Drill holes in themselves and live for their secrets
[Chorus]
They're all uptight, uptight
Uptight, uptight
Uptight, uptight
[Verse 2]
I wish that they'd swoop down in a country lane
Late at night when I'm driving
Take me on board their beautiful ship
Show me the world as I'd love to see it
I'd tell all my friends but they'd never believe me
They'd think that I'd finally lost it completely
I'd show them the stars and the meaning of life
They'd shut me away
[Bridge]
But I'd be alright, alright
Mom, I'm alright, alright
[Chorus]
I'm just uptight, uptight
Uptight, uptight
Uptight, uptight
Uptight, uptight
Uptight
Subterranean Homesick Alien is a hauntingly beautiful song that offers a glimpse into the human psyche through the musings of Thom Yorke. The song delves deep into the feeling of isolation and detachment from society that many of us can relate to. It is a reflection of the darker aspects of life that we often try to ignore or forget.
About Subterranean Homesick Alien
The song begins with a dream-like quality, with the sounds of softly-strummed guitar chords that lead into Thom Yorke’s ethereal vocals. The lyrics talk about feeling like an outsider in this world, being unable to connect with other individuals and yearning for an escape from reality. Yorke’s emotive vocals perfectly encapsulate the sense of longing that the song exudes.
One of the most interesting aspects of the song is the juxtaposition between the calming instrumentals and the deeply emotional lyrics. The music has a dreamy quality that transports the listener to another world, while the lyrics speak of feeling trapped and desperate to escape. This contrast creates a sense of tension that perfectly encapsulates the inner turmoil of the narrator.
Another interesting fact about the song is the title itself. The phrase ‘Subterranean Homesick Alien’ is a nod to Bob Dylan’s ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’. However, the similarity between the two songs ends there. Radiohead’s version is a much more esoteric and introspective take on the phrase, and the elements of sci-fi and other-worldliness present in the lyrics add an interesting layer of complexity to the song.
In the song, the narrator dreams of being taken away by aliens to escape the pain and confusion of life on Earth. The lyrics talk about the appeal of being able to observe life as an outsider from a distance, free from the constraints of human existence. The theme of alienation and isolation is a recurring one in Radiohead’s music, and this song is no exception.
A key element that makes Subterranean Homesick Alien so memorable is the way that it builds to a climax. The dreamy instrumentals gradually build in intensity as the song progresses, culminating in an explosive guitar solo that perfectly captures the sense of frustration and desperation present in the lyrics. It’s a cathartic moment that provides the perfect finale to the emotional journey that the song takes the listener on.
Overall, Subterranean Homesick Alien is a beautiful and haunting song that perfectly captures the complexities of the human experience. It’s a reflection of the darker aspects of life that we often try to ignore, and it’s a reminder that even in our moments of greatest isolation, we’re not alone.
- Release Date: May 21, 1997
- Artist: Radiohead