Radiohead

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Everyone
Everyone around here
Everyone is so near
It's holding on
It's holding on

[Verse 2]
Everyone
Everyone is so near
Everyone has got the fear
It's holding on
It's holding on

[Interlude]
It's holding on
It's holding on
It's holding on

[Outro]
Smile

The National Anthem by Radiohead is an iconic third track from their experimental album “Kid A”. It features lead singer Thom Yorke's short, ambiguous lyrics that create a sense of isolation and fear through voice distortion and feedback echo. This song showcases Radiohead's unique musical style that blends elements of rock, electronic, and jazz into a cohesive sound.

About The National Anthem

The National Anthem was recorded after Radiohead's failed attempts to record it twice, in 1994 and 1997. The band had released the song as the third track of their album “Kid A” with the title “The National Anthem” in 2000. The track would go on to be one of the most celebrated songs of their entire discography. Despite its initial struggles, the song's composition and production has won universal praise from fans and music critics alike.

The looping heavy bass line that leads the song was originally composed by Thom Yorke when he was just 16 years old. The song features some unique instruments that contribute to its one-of-a-kind sound. The early electronic instrument called ondes Martenot, played by Jonny Greenwood, was a major inspiration for the track. Additionally, the free-jazz style brass section played by musicians and conducted by Greenwood and Yorke takes inspiration from the work of Charles Mingus.

The National Anthem is a masterclass in how to experiment with a rock band’s sound. The track has a unique structure that features different instrumental layers that complement each other perfectly. Radiohead's use of sound effects and mysterious samples adds to the song's eerie mood. However, it is Thom Yorke's voice that stands out amongst all of these elements. His voice distortion and feedback echo make the track truly stand out and create a sense of confusion, echoing the sense of confusion in the world surrounding us.

In summary, The National Anthem is a unique and impressive track from Radiohead. Its short, ambiguous lyrics and unique instrumentation make it stand out from any other song of the time. The song has since become an iconic addition to their discography, and a must-listen track for any fans of the band's unique sound.

• Release Date: October 2, 2000
• Artist: Radiohead