Radiohead

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
It holds us like a phantom
It touches like a breeze
It shines its understanding
See, the moon is smiling
Open on all channels
Ready to receive
'Cause we're not at the mercy
Of your chimeras and spells
Your chimeras and spells
Mm-hmm
We are of the earth
To her we do return
The future is inside us
It's not somewhere else
It's not somewhere else
It's not somewhere else

[Chorus]
(One day at a time)
One day at a time

[Verse 2]
We call upon the people
The people have this power
The numbers don't decide
The system is a lie
A river running dry
The wings of butterflies
And you may pour us away like soup
Like we're pretty broken flowers
We'll take back what is ours
Take back what is ours
[Chorus]
One day at a time

The Numbers, a song by Radiohead, has been described as a folksy and reverb-laden tune that could be compared to the music of Neil Young. But this song is not just about melody and instrumentation; it is also about message and meaning. Originally performed in December 2015 by Thom Yorke under the title “Silent Spring” during the Pathways to Paris concert, the song’s title was changed to The Numbers when it was included on Radiohead’s ninth studio album, A Moon Shaped Pool. This change may have been a strategic move to adjust the track’s position on the album’s alphabetical list while still maintaining the album’s thematic unity.

But more than just a strategic move, The Numbers is also a protest song about climate change, a topic that has been close to Yorke's heart. In one of his interviews, Yorke can be quoted saying, “if he tried to write a protest song about climate change, “it would be shit.” But as it turns out, he, along with the rest of Radiohead, has produced a hauntingly beautiful song that voices out concerns about the environment while still being a work of art.

About The Numbers

The Numbers, with Yorke’s signature falsetto voice blended with a poignant guitar strumming, is a song that defies genre labeling. It is categorized as a folk rock song but has a distinct Radiohead twist to it. The multi-layered song, which also features horns and strings, starts with a delicate piano intro before building up to a crescendo with the chorus. The song’s lyrics, meanwhile, are a mix of sobering and introspective. The opening verse says, “We are of the earth/To her we do return/For the fate of the flights of birds and the bees/And the rivers and the trees depends on you and me.”

The song also takes on a more dissonant and brash tone in its bridge, which starts with the line: “It holds us like a phantom/It touches like a breeze.” The music suddenly shifts into a more chaotic rhythm, and Yorke’s voice becomes more haunting and urgent. The song goes full-on protest in its final chorus, where Yorke sings, “We are here/We are here/We are here for all of us/We are here for all of us/That’s why we are here/Why we are here/We are here because we’re not all there.”

But what makes The Numbers a standout track is how it embodies Radiohead's signature sound while tackling environmental issues. The band has always been known for its experimental and genre-bending music, but the song's message takes on a sense of urgency that resonates with listeners worldwide. Among the most memorable lyrics is the line, “The future is inside us/It’s not somewhere else/One day at a time.” This line speaks to the importance of taking action for the environment, even if it may seem daunting.

The Numbers is also a song that has grown with the times. When it was first performed, climate change and environmental issues were not as widely discussed as they are today. However, as the world has grown more conscious about the planet’s health, the song's message has become more relevant than ever. The song shows that the environment is not just a political or social issue but a human issue, and it calls on everyone to do their part in helping the planet.

Overall, The Numbers is a song that exemplifies Radiohead's ability to create music that is both captivating and meaningful. It is a song that calls on listeners to reflect on their relationship with nature and their responsibility towards the environment. As we face the consequences of climate change, this song is an essential reminder that we cannot afford to ignore our planet's health any longer.

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