Radiohead

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I'll drown my beliefs
To have your babies
I'll dress like your niece
And wash your swollen feet

[Chorus]
Just don't leave
Don't leave

[Verse 2]
I'm not living
I'm just killing time
Your tiny hands
Your crazy kitten smile

[Chorus]
Just don't leave
Don't leave

[Verse 3]
And true love waits
In haunted attics
And true love lives
On lollipops and crisps
[Chorus]
Just don't leave
Don't leave

Radiohead is one of the most innovative and influential rock bands of the past few decades. With a career that spans over 30 years, the band has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in popular music. One of their most beloved and hauntingly beautiful tracks is "True Love Waits." This song is a testament to Radiohead's ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

About True Love Waits

"True Love Waits" is a song that has evolved significantly over the years. It was first played in 1995 and has been a staple of Radiohead's live shows ever since. The song was eventually released on the band's live album, "I Might Be Wrong: Live Recordings," in 2001. Despite its popularity, "True Love Waits" did not make an appearance on either "Kid A" or "Amnesiac," two of Radiohead's most critically acclaimed albums. According to producer Nigel Godrich, the band attempted to record the song during these sessions but ultimately scrapped it.

The song is widely regarded by fans as one of Thom Yorke's best moments as a songwriter. Yorke, the lead singer of Radiohead, is known for his emotive and often cryptic lyrics. "True Love Waits" is no exception. The title of the song is an ironic reference to a Christian advocacy group that lobbies against premarital sex. The song suggests an intimacy further down the line in a relationship, an intimacy that is now at stake, according to the pleading chorus. The protagonist is persuading their lover to wait, hoping that time will soothe.

There is a sense of melancholy and loss that permeates "True Love Waits," which makes it all the more poignant. Yorke's haunting vocals are accompanied by delicate guitar arpeggios, creating a haunting atmosphere that pulls at the heartstrings.

Over the years, "True Love Waits" has taken on new meaning. In 2015, Yorke separated from his partner of 23 years, Rachel Owen. The song, as it appears on Radiohead's 2016 album "A Moon Shaped Pool," carries an even deeper melancholy tone in light of this event. Owen passed away the following year from cancer.

Despite the song's despairing tone, it has resonated deeply with listeners. An analysis of Radiohead's songs, using the Genius API, determined that "True Love Waits" is their most depressing song. While this may seem like a negative thing, it speaks to the emotional power of the song. Radiohead is known for creating music that is both challenging and deeply affecting. "True Love Waits" is a perfect example of this.

Diehard fans of Radiohead have noted that "True Love Waits" is the band's 100th LP song. While this may seem trivial, it speaks to the band's longevity and dedication to their craft. Radiohead has spent decades pushing the boundaries of what is possible in popular music, and "True Love Waits" is a perfect example of their ability to create music that is both innovative and emotionally resonant.

The Legacy of True Love Waits

"True Love Waits" has become one of Radiohead's most beloved and hauntingly beautiful tracks. The song's melancholy tone and cryptic lyrics have resonated with listeners around the world. Over the years, the song has taken on new meaning, becoming a testament to the emotional power of music.

Despite the song's melancholic tone, it has endured as a fan favorite. Radiohead's ability to create music that is both challenging and deeply affecting is on full display in "True Love Waits." The song's hauntingly beautiful melody and emotionally resonant lyrics have secured its place as one of Radiohead's greatest achievements.

As Radiohead continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in popular music, "True Love Waits" remains a testament to their ability to create music that is both timeless and deeply personal. It is a song that will continue to resonate with listeners for years to come, a haunting reminder of the power of love and loss.

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