Radiohead

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
When I'm at the pearly gates
This'll be on my videotape, my videotape
When Mephistopheles is just beneath
And he's reaching up to grab me
This is one for the good days
And I have it all here
In red, blue, green
In red, blue, green
You are my centre when I spin away
Out of control on videotape
On videotape, on videotape, on videotape
On videotape, on videotape, on videotape...

[Verse 2]
This is my way of saying goodbye
Because I can't do it face to face
So I'm talking to you before-
No matter what happens now
You shouldn't be afraid
Because I know today has been
The most perfect day
I've ever seen

If you're looking for a song that will completely immerse you, take you on a journey, and leave you feeling both emotional and energized at the same time, look no further than "Videotape" by Radiohead. This hauntingly beautiful masterpiece is one of the most impressive songs in the band's catalog, and it continues to captivate fans all around the world to this day. From its first live performance in 2006 to the “In Rainbows” recording sessions and the final track, “Videotape” is a song that has undergone many changes yet remains an all-time great to the band's fans.

About Videotape

The story of "Videotape" by Radiohead began in September of 2005, when a blackboard was photographed showing the list of songs which would feature in their upcoming album, 'In Rainbows.' “Videotape” was one of the songs listed on the board, and for the next few months, the track was the subject of much speculation and excitement among Radiohead fans. In March of 2006, the band revealed a new blackboard listing the songs they were rehearsing for their "In Rainbows" tour, with "Videotape" among those mentioned.

By May 18th, 2006, Radiohead debuted "Videotape" at their gig in London's Hammersmith Apollo venue. Fans who were present at the gig or who downloaded the bootleg recordings couldn't believe their ears, as they listened to a song that would go on to become one of the best songs the band had ever written.

In a 2007 interview with NME, Thom Yorke talked about the effort and attention to detail that went into the creation of “Videotape.” The song underwent many different phases before finally ending up with the "bare bones" version which appears on "In Rainbows."

The final version of "Videotape" is a slow and minimalistic recording, that has been interpreted in various ways by music critics and fans alike. The lyrics describe the final moments of a person's life, with a videotape serving as a metaphor for the memories that we leave behind. The song presents a melancholy, somber mood in which an airy drum and bassline, together with a simple piano melody, create the perfect complement to Yorke's hypnotic vocals.

The song's lyrics hint at the idea of a person’s final moments, made analogously by referencing the songs titular motif and how it 'records' the memories of a life. Thus, the emotional intensity of "Videotape" can be attributed to the way Yorke delivers the lines in the song, with its complex emotion and its final declaration of love, whether addressed to a partner or a mournful touch to the end of a life.

While the 2006 version of the song delivered a much more captivating and propulsive approach, with a continuously building and driving energy, the final version of “Videotape” employed a more vulnerable and minimalist style to complement the raw emotion of the song’s vocals. Using a drum track that mimics the sound of a reel of tape spinning, the song builds to a powerful climax before fading gently away.

Radiohead is renowned for producing music that is both sonically and emotionally complex. "Videotape" is no exception. It is a song that is open to interpretation and is one that fans can listen to repeatedly without ever getting bored. Whether you prefer the original or the final recording, "Videotape" is one song is that is guaranteed to stay with you, leaving behind a lasting impression on your heart and mind.

The Bottom Line

In summary, "Videotape" is a masterpiece of a song, that has undergone many changes from its embryonic beginnings to its final studio recording. It is undoubtedly one of Radiohead's most impressive recordings, showcasing the band's ability to create atmospheric and emotionally evocative music that touches the hearts of people, leaving them in deep contemplation. If you're looking for a song that will take you on a journey of raw emotion, then "Videotape" is a must-listen for all music enthusiasts.

• Release Date: October 10, 2007
• Artist: Radiohead