Radiohead

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
It barks at no one else but me
Like it's seen a ghost
I guess it's seen the sparks a-flowin
No one else would know

[Chorus]
Hey man, slow down, slow down
Idiot, slow down, slow down

[Verse 2]
Sometimes I get overcharged
That's when you see sparks
They ask me where the hell I'm going
At a thousand feet per second

[Chorus]
Hey man, slow down, slow down
Idiot, slow down, slow down

[Guitar Solo]

[Chorus]
Hey man, slow down, slow down
Idiot, slow down, slow down

Radiohead's "The Tourist" is a soothing and introspective song that serves as the perfect ending to their iconic album, OK Computer. This song highlights the beauty of taking a moment to slow down and enjoy life, no matter how fast-paced it may seem in modern society. The captivating guitar solos and celestial vocals help create an unforgettable experience for the listener.

About The Tourist

The inspiration for this song arose when Jonny Greenwood, the band's guitarist, observed a group of tourists running through a small town in France. The fast-paced nature of the tourists' behavior resonated with the band, leading Greenwood to create a response with an instrumental in tribute to the "speed you live your life with."

Later, Thom Yorke, the band's lead singer, added lyrics about his personal experiences while on holiday in Prague. He saw a parallel between the behavior of the tourists and the fast-paced nature of everyday life. The lyrics tell the story of a tourist who moves quickly along their journey, trying to take in every experience, but ultimately misses the beauty of the destination.

The lyrics reflect on the value of slowing down and taking in the world around us. The song speaks to the feeling of being constantly rushed, as if we don't have enough time to truly appreciate the moments that make life worth living. The lyrics "slow down, slow down" remind us to take a step back and enjoy the present moment.

The musical construction of the song adds to the reflective mood it creates. The triangle chimes play a prominent role in the song, creating a sense of emotional intensity and closure. The song's unique sound features distorted guitars that evoke a powerful and emotional sense of urgency. Yorke's haunting vocals add to the song's captivating and introspective ambiance.

The Tourist is the perfect ending to OK Computer, drawing the listener into a world where the importance of taking a break to truly savor life is put on a pedestal. It embodies the emotions and experiences that we all feel as we navigate a fast-paced, technology-driven society.

In a world where everything moves faster and faster each day, Radiohead's "The Tourist" encourages us to slow down, breathe, and take in the beauty around us. It reminds us that sometimes it's the journey, not just the destination, that truly matters.

• Release Date: May 21, 1997
• Artist: Radiohead