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Radiohead — Street Spirit (Fade Out)
Album: The Bends
Avg rating:
8.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 4651









Released: 1995
Length: 4:09
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Rows of houses all bearing down on me
I can feel their blue hands touching me
All these things into position
All these things we'll one day swallow whole
And fade out again and fade out

This machine will not communicate
These thoughts and the strain I am under
Be a world child, form a circle
Before we all go under
And fade out again and fade out again

Cracked eggs, dead birds
Scream as they fight for life
I can feel death, can see its beady eyes
All these things into position
All these things we'll one day swallow whole
And fade out again and fade out again

Immerse your soul in love
Immerse your soul in love
Comments (506)add comment
 fzrfrxb1 wrote:

Don't want to say that it is a bad song but I find it depressing like many of their other songs...



There are a lot more great depressing songs than there are happy songs, I think. 
Don't want to say that it is a bad song but I find it depressing like many of their other songs...
 pktinkler2984 wrote:


Turn the volume down a tad.



 Can't do that, not for this track, will just have to wipe my ears afterwards!
 danc972 wrote:

I don't think I've ever heard a song by Radiohead that didn't make my ears bleed.



Turn the volume down a tad.
this could be paired with 

Jim Morrison - Indian Summer - UCP Berlin Bootleg

 david927 wrote:

"'Street Spirit' is our purest song, but I didn't write it. It wrote itself. We were just its messengers; its biological catalysts. Its core is a complete mystery to me, and, you know, I wouldn't ever try to write something that hopeless. All of our saddest songs have somewhere in them at least a glimmer of resolve. 'Street Spirit' has no resolve. It is the dark tunnel without the light at the end. It represents all tragic emotion that is so hurtful that the sound of that melody is its only definition. We all have a way of dealing with that song. It's called detachment. Especially me; I detach my emotional radar from that song, or I couldn't play it. I'd crack. I'd break down on stage. That's why its lyrics are just a bunch of mini-stories or visual images as opposed to a cohesive explanation of its meaning. I used images set to the music that I thought would convey the emotional entirety of the lyric and music working together. That's what's meant by 'all these things you'll one day swallow whole'. I meant the emotional entirety, because I didn't have it in me to articulate the emotion. I'd crack...

Our fans are braver than I to let that song penetrate them, or maybe they don't realise what they're listening to. They don't realise that 'Street Spirit' is about staring the fucking devil right in the eyes, and knowing, no matter what the hell you do, he'll get the last laugh. And it's real, and true. The devil really will get the last laugh in all cases without exception, and if I let myself think about that too long, I'd crack.

I can't believe we have fans that can deal emotionally with that song. That's why I'm convinced that they don't know what it's about. It's why we play it towards the end of our sets. It drains me, and it shakes me, and hurts like hell every time I play it, looking out at thousands of people cheering and smiling, oblivious to the tragedy of its meaning, like when you're going to have your dog put down and it's wagging its tail on the way there. That's what they all look like, and it breaks my heart. I wish that song hadn't picked us as its catalysts, and so I don't claim it. It asks too much. I didn't write that song."

— Thom Yorke 


*bump*
I don't think I've ever heard a song by Radiohead that didn't make my ears bleed.
 adroc wrote:

I think you are correct.  I recently ordered it in vinyl from Amazon... can't wait for it to arrive.




I completely agree with The Bends as the pinnacle of Radiohead.  While I love much of their later work. This whole album is just perfectly raw, haunting and inspiring. 
 Eclectic_Ears wrote:

And, up goes the volume. 8 becomes 9.



Same!
And, up goes the volume. 8 becomes 9.
Thanks Bill and Rebecca. One of my all time favourite
I love this song. Absolutely beautiful. The lyrics puzzle me though, as does Yorke's take on them: 

"Our fans are braver than I to let that song penetrate them, or maybe they don't realise what they're listening to. They don't realise that 'Street Spirit' is about staring the fucking devil right in the eyes, and knowing, no matter what the hell you do, he'll get the last laugh. And it's real, and true. The devil really will get the last laugh in all cases without exception, and if I let myself think about that too long, I'd crack."

It seems to me, that if Yorke is going to evoke Christian imagery, he might want to be curious about what the bible says about "staring the fucking devil right in the eyes." In the Bible, the devil definitely does not get the last laugh. 

"But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, disputed about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a reviling judgment upon him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.”  But these men revile whatever they do not understand, and by those things that they know by instinct as irrational animals do, they are destroyed."--Jude 9-10, RSV

Jesus gave those who believe in him the power to cast out demons: 
"And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons...--Mark 16:7

This is not me proselytizing. I'm not a practising Christian. I do love to read scripture (including the scripture of several world religions), though, and wonder why so many who call themselves "Christians" don't seem to follow the teachings. When I see Christians threatening to kill, and killing, one another (not to mention those not of their faith), this comes to mind: 

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."--John 15:12
 
 
I was thinking just yesterday that I 've missed 
RH, and here they are.   Thanks B & R!
 jelgator wrote:

Same here.  I have seen it suggested that it would be fun to have a feature on RP with a custom-made list of bands that you never wanted to hear again get PSD'd automatically  (for suscribers of course).  I would take full advantage of that when it came to this band, since they get played waaaaayyy too much.


There's an RP channel already available for you: "My Favorites." I advise that you switch to it immediately. That way you can avoid any unpleasantness and remain in your bubble of perfection without interruption.  
 Sofa_King wrote:
The guitar riff in this song kinda reminds me of this 
 
The tone makes it a match with Michael Oldfield's Tubular Bells which is, after all, tangential, considering the elements...
A solid 10 any time in existence
  Still sounding great, 26 years later.  
Pink Floyd-Comfortably Numb, Portishead-Roads and Radiohead-Street Spirit, in a row, wow Bill and Rebecca, you trying to kill me? lol
 david927 wrote:


I think Yorke is a pretentious but talented guy who sees more than is there. The only devils that exist are those in our own heads. That's why a rabbi once said that the kingdom of God is within you. Both God and the devil are manifestations of the human mind.
 jelgator wrote:

Same here.  I have seen it suggested that it would be fun to have a feature on RP with a custom-made list of bands that you never wanted to hear again get PSD'd automatically  (for suscribers of course).  I would take full advantage of that when it came to this band, since they get played waaaaayyy too much.


No one is perfect. 
This like Floyd gets better every time I hear it!
ok..."we have an ENDING, we just need a song"

"nah, fukkit, good enough....
 JFL wrote:
I know I'm the minority here, but there is not one single Radiohead song that I like. I skip every time.
 
Same here.  I have seen it suggested that it would be fun to have a feature on RP with a custom-made list of bands that you never wanted to hear again get PSD'd automatically  (for suscribers of course).  I would take full advantage of that when it came to this band, since they get played waaaaayyy too much.
I know I'm the minority here, but there is not one single Radiohead song that I like. I skip every time.
Still my favorite Radiohead album (and I like them all).  Just phenomenal.
Was late to the RH party but love this track  it picks me up and carries me off somewhere else and for that i love it. Much greater than the sum of its parts. Magical stuff.

Long Live RP.
 Shmelo wrote:


YAY! More RH on RP!


 
more RH on RP! more RH on RP! more RH on RP!
more RH on RP! more RH on RP! more RH on RP!

(oh, hadn't even rated this as Fade Out always paralizes me)

 Sofa_King wrote:
The guitar riff in this song kinda reminds me of this
 
Before or after the Radiohead song ?
8, for me. I am not depressed, but it could have been a 9, even a 10, at a certain time.
 FranLoachamin wrote:
radiohead is the best of 90s
 
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

Wonderful track.  'The Bends' was the album that first got me into Radiohead - haven't looked back since.
Yum
The guitar riff in this song kinda reminds me of this
radiohead is the best of 90s
 lizardking wrote:
Yes! This is one of the handful of the RH tracks I've rated green (i.e. 7+) with an 8 on the verge of turning 9; 8.5 for now. 

Long Live RP!  

 
This is one of the few Radiohead songs that I really like.  I find most of Thom Yorke's stuff whiny and self-indulgent.

Supergrass — St. Petersburg
They Might Be Giants — Istanbul Not Constantinople
Antonio Vivaldi — The 4 Seasons: Summer
Radiohead — Street Spirit (Fade Out)

and my mind just exploded...


 Yep
These last four songs are a great segue sequence, IMO.
 

These last four songs are a great segue sequence, IMO.
I’m late to the Radiohead game...But I really love moon shaped pool now. Incredible band.
 lizardking wrote:
Yes! This is one of the handful of the RH tracks I've rated green (i.e. 7+) with an 8 on the verge of turning 9; 8.5 for now. 

Long Live RP!  

 
I'm at a 9 now on this track.  It amazes me how much I avoided the "new music" while I was in high school/college, in fact I wouldn't have known this album was from 1995 (my HS grad year) if it didn't say so in song info. 

And....another request from the RH fans....how can I, a reluctant fan, best be introduced to the band?  I've tried Kid A and had trouble.  Maybe The Bends would be a good starting point for me?  Long Live RP!!


 michel_zws wrote:
The opening makes my tears start running... why?? Don't know. Somehow it's so touching. 

 
I cried during their show. My emotions just erupted. Some shows and songs just touch where you live. Thanks for sharing. Love RH. {#Cheers}
Yes! This is one of the handful of the RH tracks I've rated green (i.e. 7+) with an 8 on the verge of turning 9; 8.5 for now. 

Long Live RP!  
 mrmuss286 wrote:
entirely tooooo much rh on rp
 
{#No}{#No}{#No}{#Cool}
 Nice segue from The Unforgetable Fire
 mrmuss286 wrote:
ugh...more rh on rp

 

YAY! More RH on RP!


ugh...more rh on rp
entirely tooooo much rh on rp
Vivaldi to Radiohead... My head just exploded.  Bill, I'm going to have to charge you for cleaning the brain matter from my keyboard and monitor.  {#Notworthy}
Love me some Radiohead!!
I actually wish he would "whinge." Most of the RH tracks might be more engaging, but depressive angst whining is his m.o. 
Love this to bits. And he sings instead of whinges which adds to the beauty.
Mystical
NEWS
Radiohead remove themselves from the internet
https://www.music-news.com/news/UK/97183/Radiohead-remove-themselves-from-the-internet
The opening makes my tears start running... why?? Don't know. Somehow it's so touching. 
For the tower of love world children starts a pillow fight. Forming a towel higher than tower,. radio says don't fade out, so ready or not I radiate.


Amazing song! I listened to it so many times back in the 90s, and then it was one of the first songs I learned finger-picking-style with the guitar! :—)
 JasondotG wrote:

So you're more familiar with Steven Segal films than you are Radiohead albums? Ok, your comment makes sense. now. Happy New Year!

 
From what I wrote, you cannot extract any evidence for your conclusion that I am more familiar with Steven Segal movies than with Radiohead songs. In fact, I definitely know more Radiohead songs than Stevan Segal movies (belive it or not !)
In conclusion, your comment does not make sense at all ! 

What is more, based on the fact that you send me a "Happy New Year" mid of February one could come to the conclusion, that you are not quite up-to-date - unless you referred to the "Chinese New Year". In the latter case, I have to acknowledge your culture-bridging kindness, which compensates partly for the lack of logical reasoning.

Killer, killer song. I will never tire of it.

 

I've stopped dating girls who "don't get" radiohead. Deal breaker.


 TianGongZhong wrote:
Except for two or three songs of Radiohead, everything else (as far as I know) sounds very similar: depressing, whiny and non-energetic. So far, I have not understood, why this group is being praised so high. OK, not every group needs to play happy sound, but I have not recognized any significant variations in the songs of Radiohead.

They remind me somehow of Steven Segal:
Steven Segal: one face fits all scenes
Radiohead: one style fits all songs

Anyhow, I wish you all a Happy New Year ! 

 
So you're more familiar with Steven Segal films than you are Radiohead albums? Ok, your comment makes sense. now. Happy New Year!
Listening to this fantastical single, the comments and negativity within tell me that the world just doesnt get it. 
Except for two or three songs of Radiohead, everything else (as far as I know) sounds very similar: depressing, whiny and non-energetic. So far, I have not understood, why this group is being praised so high. OK, not every group needs to play happy sound, but I have not recognized any significant variations in the songs of Radiohead.

They remind me somehow of Steven Segal:
Steven Segal: one face fits all scenes
Radiohead: one style fits all songs

Anyhow, I wish you all a Happy New Year ! 

Be like little children, form a HUGE circle
And instead of going under
IMMERSE YOUR SOULS IN ME
Because I AM LOVE
{#Sunny} 


Ahhhh...the brilliance that IS Radiohead!  {#Sunny}
So not how I wanted to start my Friday.
Hard to rate this song, it's objectively a good one but at the same time, for some unexplained reason I don't like it, maybe because it's reminding me of some Muse stuff which I don't like either. Gave it a 6 for the benefit of the doubt and because at least it didn't leave me indifferent.
{#Meditate}
{#Meditate}
 Abraxas336 wrote:
I have the highest opinion of this radio station and its community. Normally, if something has a >8 rating here, its great music, period. Radiohead is the (only) exception for me and I find that confusing. Seeing the ratings and reading the comments, I can't help but conclude it has to be great music. Listening to it, its just annoying and makes my ears hurt. Just doesn't work for me. :(

 
It may just not work for you or several others who post on this site.  But if there were a poll of serious rock and roll fans of all ages and a poll of folks who listen to rock and roll for a living (aka critics) and most of all a poll of rock and roll musicians who have started their careers since Radiohead put out their first record, their percentage in each category of like would, I suspect, be as high as any band with the exception of the Beatles, the Stones,and very few others.

I think they are the best band to have emerged from the nineties and still putting out fantastic product. 
 Abraxas336 wrote:
I have the highest opinion of this radio station and its community. Normally, if something has a >8 rating here, its great music, period. Radiohead is the (only) exception for me and I find that confusing. Seeing the ratings and reading the comments, I can't help but conclude it has to be great music. Listening to it, its just annoying and makes my ears hurt. Just doesn't work for me. :(

 
Exactly - this is by far their best song, and I just raised from a 4 to a 5.  It doesn't suck.

Most of the time, I hit PSD for Radiohead, I am afraid to say.
 david927 wrote:

"'Street Spirit' is our purest song, but I didn't write it. It wrote itself. We were just its messengers; its biological catalysts. Its core is a complete mystery to me, and, you know, I wouldn't ever try to write something that hopeless. All of our saddest songs have somewhere in them at least a glimmer of resolve. 'Street Spirit' has no resolve. It is the dark tunnel without the light at the end. It represents all tragic emotion that is so hurtful that the sound of that melody is its only definition. We all have a way of dealing with that song. It's called detachment. Especially me; I detach my emotional radar from that song, or I couldn't play it. I'd crack. I'd break down on stage. That's why its lyrics are just a bunch of mini-stories or visual images as opposed to a cohesive explanation of its meaning. I used images set to the music that I thought would convey the emotional entirety of the lyric and music working together. That's what's meant by 'all these things you'll one day swallow whole'. I meant the emotional entirety, because I didn't have it in me to articulate the emotion. I'd crack...

Our fans are braver than I to let that song penetrate them, or maybe they don't realise what they're listening to. They don't realise that 'Street Spirit' is about staring the fucking devil right in the eyes, and knowing, no matter what the hell you do, he'll get the last laugh. And it's real, and true. The devil really will get the last laugh in all cases without exception, and if I let myself think about that too long, I'd crack.

I can't believe we have fans that can deal emotionally with that song. That's why I'm convinced that they don't know what it's about. It's why we play it towards the end of our sets. It drains me, and it shakes me, and hurts like hell every time I play it, looking out at thousands of people cheering and smiling, oblivious to the tragedy of its meaning, like when you're going to have your dog put down and it's wagging its tail on the way there. That's what they all look like, and it breaks my heart. I wish that song hadn't picked us as its catalysts, and so I don't claim it. It asks too much. I didn't write that song."

— Thom Yorke 


I was trying to explain to my very scientific 9-year-old why I believe in a God and I guess this quote sums it up.  It's not an old man with a great beard in the sky, but a match in your pocket.  Thom says, "It is the dark tunnel without the light at the end," but what he doesn't realize is that the light doesn't have to be at the end.  It can be there within you — and yet it's not you.  There's no way you can do it.  It's something bigger than you that gives you hope when hope doesn't exist.  Thom says, "'Street Spirit' is about staring the fucking devil right in the eyes" and he's right, the devil will win every time.  Unless there's a match in your pocket, a match you never put there.


 Abraxas336 wrote:
I have the highest opinion of this radio station and its community. Normally, if something has a >8 rating here, its great music, period. Radiohead is the (only) exception for me and I find that confusing. Seeing the ratings and reading the comments, I can't help but conclude it has to be great music. Listening to it, its just annoying and makes my ears hurt. Just doesn't work for me. :(

 
^^ well put.

I find myself consciously resisting the Siren's pull into Radiohead's plodding path into moping and whining and....  well... you get what I mean.

On the other hand when Radiohead comes on and I haven't really noticed it I find myself humming and melting into the melody and really enjoying the damn stuff.

I'm just so damn conflicted! 
Abraxas and bdomm, over 800 people give it a rating of 10, while less than 30 give it the opposite.

May I suggest some high fidelity headphones? Sometimes immersing oneself totally helps to enlighten oneself.

I will say, however, it didn't work for me and "Wrecking Ball."
Spot on Abraxas
I have the highest opinion of this radio station and its community. Normally, if something has a >8 rating here, its great music, period. Radiohead is the (only) exception for me and I find that confusing. Seeing the ratings and reading the comments, I can't help but conclude it has to be great music. Listening to it, its just annoying and makes my ears hurt. Just doesn't work for me. :(
 david927 wrote:

"'Street Spirit' is our purest song, but I didn't write it. It wrote itself. We were just its messengers; its biological catalysts. Its core is a complete mystery to me, and, you know, I wouldn't ever try to write something that hopeless. All of our saddest songs have somewhere in them at least a glimmer of resolve. 'Street Spirit' has no resolve. It is the dark tunnel without the light at the end. It represents all tragic emotion that is so hurtful that the sound of that melody is its only definition. We all have a way of dealing with that song. It's called detachment. Especially me; I detach my emotional radar from that song, or I couldn't play it. I'd crack. I'd break down on stage. That's why its lyrics are just a bunch of mini-stories or visual images as opposed to a cohesive explanation of its meaning. I used images set to the music that I thought would convey the emotional entirety of the lyric and music working together. That's what's meant by 'all these things you'll one day swallow whole'. I meant the emotional entirety, because I didn't have it in me to articulate the emotion. I'd crack...

Our fans are braver than I to let that song penetrate them, or maybe they don't realise what they're listening to. They don't realise that 'Street Spirit' is about staring the fucking devil right in the eyes, and knowing, no matter what the hell you do, he'll get the last laugh. And it's real, and true. The devil really will get the last laugh in all cases without exception, and if I let myself think about that too long, I'd crack.

I can't believe we have fans that can deal emotionally with that song. That's why I'm convinced that they don't know what it's about. It's why we play it towards the end of our sets. It drains me, and it shakes me, and hurts like hell every time I play it, looking out at thousands of people cheering and smiling, oblivious to the tragedy of its meaning, like when you're going to have your dog put down and it's wagging its tail on the way there. That's what they all look like, and it breaks my heart. I wish that song hadn't picked us as its catalysts, and so I don't claim it. It asks too much. I didn't write that song."

— Thom Yorke 

 
Thank you for the insight on this song.  I have thought about this and looked up a number of references on dealing with the devil.1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. James 4:7, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."  Not an easy proposition so gird your loins my brothers and sisters.
 kingart wrote:
kingart wrote:
Yes, I can appreciate the thoughtfulness of the music. And why people dig Radiohead. But I have a question: DOES THIS BAND EVER MAKE UPBEAT OR HIGH ENERGY OR POSITIVE AND EMPOWERING MUSIC? ALMOST EVERY FUCKING SONG IS A DIRGE. 

  
WE DO NO THROW PEARLS TO SWINE
We you should try to not spell like any swine, either.  
 

 
You tell him.
Nice-ish guitar riff... ok...

Erp, what was that?!? Oh, Thom Yorke's painful horrible very bad voice.

PSD.
Great song. Great album.
sends me drifting aimlessly in glorious wonder{#Music}..
kingart wrote:
Yes, I can appreciate the thoughtfulness of the music. And why people dig Radiohead. But I have a question: DOES THIS BAND EVER MAKE UPBEAT OR HIGH ENERGY OR POSITIVE AND EMPOWERING MUSIC? ALMOST EVERY FUCKING SONG IS A DIRGE. 

  
WE DO NO THROW PEARLS TO SWINE


We you should try to not spell like any swine, either.  
 
excellent tune!
I know they didn't mean it but I hear the Kansas in there.
 jessfine wrote:
Because we need our daily Radiohead!

 
Well said brother--and it is Sunday!
Because we need our daily Radiohead!
 kingart wrote:
Yes, I can appreciate the thoughtfulness of the music. And why people dig Radiohead. But I have a question: DOES THIS BAND EVER MAKE UPBEAT OR HIGH ENERGY OR POSITIVE AND EMPOWERING MUSIC? ALMOST EVERY FUCKING SONG IS A DIRGE. 

 
WE DO NO THROW PEARLS TO SWINE
{#Frustrated}  please make it stop...
 kingart wrote:
Yes, I can appreciate the thoughtfulness of the music. And why people dig Radiohead. But I have a question: DOES THIS BAND EVER MAKE UPBEAT OR HIGH ENERGY OR POSITIVE AND EMPOWERING MUSIC? ALMOST EVERY FUCKING SONG IS A DIRGE. 

  I would respectfully disagree with your concluding observation. Have you ever been to a RH concert and witnessed the energetically dancing crowd? The music is influenced by the listener. Perhaps you don't understand the lyrics?


Yes, I can appreciate the thoughtfulness of the music. And why people dig Radiohead. But I have a question: DOES THIS BAND EVER MAKE UPBEAT OR HIGH ENERGY OR POSITIVE AND EMPOWERING MUSIC? ALMOST EVERY FUCKING SONG IS A DIRGE. 
Gives me shivers every time. Only 10. To the naysayers, try to be less self-righteous and more appreciative of others' tastes. As for yorke's quote, I take it as it is meant and felt regardless of the dramatic flair. Thanks for sharing David :)
I mostly think Radiohead is just okay, but this song is a 10.
 rdo wrote:
RPeeps: read David's quote below.  Chilling...brings back so many complicated and unnerving feelings of what this music means to me...............................................................................

 
Our fans "T.....don't realize that 'Street Spirit' is about staring the fucking devil right in the eyes... and knowing, no matter what the hell you do, he'll get the last laugh...and it's real...and true."

Wow
Spiritual, contemplative music. The ratings tell the truth to the quality. Seldom does a group like this come along.
RPeeps: read David's quote below.  Chilling...brings back so many complicated and unnerving feelings of what this music means to me...............................................................................
 david927 wrote:
I don't remember where I found that quote, but Google turned this up:  https://citizeninsane.eu/streetspiritquotes.htm
Whatever you think of the quote, you have to admit it's pretty interesting.

 

Thanks, David.  I really enjoyed that.  When I have more time, I would like to comment more on this topic. 
I don't remember where I found that quote, but Google turned this up:  https://citizeninsane.eu/streetspiritquotes.htm
Whatever you think of the quote, you have to admit it's pretty interesting.
 MassivRuss wrote:
This pompous, narcissistic drivel captures all the pointlessness of Yorke's aimless noodling that I hear in every RH song.

{#Pray} Please make it go away.

——————————————————————————————————————————-

Sorry I beg to disagree. This is one man's observation of the futility he sees in the great cosmic cycle, without proselytizing. Take it or leave it but to label his music as drivel would be a self-imposition to a minuscule and trite group of one.

 MassivRuss wrote:
This pompous, narcissistic drivel captures all the pointlessness of Yorke's aimless noodling that I hear in every RH song.

{#Pray} Please make it go away.

david927 wrote:

"'Street Spirit' is our purest song, but I didn't write it. It wrote itself. We were just its messengers; its biological catalysts. Its core is a complete mystery to me, and, you know, I wouldn't ever try to write something that hopeless. All of our saddest songs have somewhere in them at least a glimmer of resolve. 'Street Spirit' has no resolve. It is the dark tunnel without the light at the end. It represents all tragic emotion that is so hurtful that the sound of that melody is its only definition. We all have a way of dealing with that song. It's called detachment. Especially me; I detach my emotional radar from that song, or I couldn't play it. I'd crack. I'd break down on stage. That's why its lyrics are just a bunch of mini-stories or visual images as opposed to a cohesive explanation of its meaning. I used images set to the music that I thought would convey the emotional entirety of the lyric and music working together. That's what's meant by 'all these things you'll one day swallow whole'. I meant the emotional entirety, because I didn't have it in me to articulate the emotion. I'd crack...

Our fans are braver than I to let that song penetrate them, or maybe they don't realise what they're listening to. They don't realise that 'Street Spirit' is about staring the fucking devil right in the eyes, and knowing, no matter what the hell you do, he'll get the last laugh. And it's real, and true. The devil really will get the last laugh in all cases without exception, and if I let myself think about that too long, I'd crack.

I can't believe we have fans that can deal emotionally with that song. That's why I'm convinced that they don't know what it's about. It's why we play it towards the end of our sets. It drains me, and it shakes me, and hurts like hell every time I play it, looking out at thousands of people cheering and smiling, oblivious to the tragedy of its meaning, like when you're going to have your dog put down and it's wagging its tail on the way there. That's what they all look like, and it breaks my heart. I wish that song hadn't picked us as its catalysts, and so I don't claim it. It asks too much. I didn't write that song."

— Thom Yorke 
 
  If this music is all that you say it is, then bring it on! Just because YOU do not like it, why should everyone else be expected to do so? That's a pretty odd way to look at things. Anyway, music appreciation is about as idiosyncratic as anything can be.


Post cryptic, keep 'em guessing...
 dkwalika wrote:
over-rated
 
There is music after 1980. Just saying by checking your 10  ratings.
over-rated
I adore Thom Yorke
This pompous, narcissistic drivel captures all the pointlessness of Yorke's aimless noodling that I hear in every RH song.

{#Pray} Please make it go away.

david927 wrote:

"'Street Spirit' is our purest song, but I didn't write it. It wrote itself. We were just its messengers; its biological catalysts. Its core is a complete mystery to me, and, you know, I wouldn't ever try to write something that hopeless. All of our saddest songs have somewhere in them at least a glimmer of resolve. 'Street Spirit' has no resolve. It is the dark tunnel without the light at the end. It represents all tragic emotion that is so hurtful that the sound of that melody is its only definition. We all have a way of dealing with that song. It's called detachment. Especially me; I detach my emotional radar from that song, or I couldn't play it. I'd crack. I'd break down on stage. That's why its lyrics are just a bunch of mini-stories or visual images as opposed to a cohesive explanation of its meaning. I used images set to the music that I thought would convey the emotional entirety of the lyric and music working together. That's what's meant by 'all these things you'll one day swallow whole'. I meant the emotional entirety, because I didn't have it in me to articulate the emotion. I'd crack...

Our fans are braver than I to let that song penetrate them, or maybe they don't realise what they're listening to. They don't realise that 'Street Spirit' is about staring the fucking devil right in the eyes, and knowing, no matter what the hell you do, he'll get the last laugh. And it's real, and true. The devil really will get the last laugh in all cases without exception, and if I let myself think about that too long, I'd crack.

I can't believe we have fans that can deal emotionally with that song. That's why I'm convinced that they don't know what it's about. It's why we play it towards the end of our sets. It drains me, and it shakes me, and hurts like hell every time I play it, looking out at thousands of people cheering and smiling, oblivious to the tragedy of its meaning, like when you're going to have your dog put down and it's wagging its tail on the way there. That's what they all look like, and it breaks my heart. I wish that song hadn't picked us as its catalysts, and so I don't claim it. It asks too much. I didn't write that song."

— Thom Yorke 
 


 david927 wrote:

"'Street Spirit' is our purest song, but I didn't write it. It wrote itself. We were just its messengers; its biological catalysts. Its core is a complete mystery to me, and, you know, I wouldn't ever try to write something that hopeless. All of our saddest songs have somewhere in them at least a glimmer of resolve. 'Street Spirit' has no resolve. It is the dark tunnel without the light at the end. It represents all tragic emotion that is so hurtful that the sound of that melody is its only definition. We all have a way of dealing with that song. It's called detachment. Especially me; I detach my emotional radar from that song, or I couldn't play it. I'd crack. I'd break down on stage. That's why its lyrics are just a bunch of mini-stories or visual images as opposed to a cohesive explanation of its meaning. I used images set to the music that I thought would convey the emotional entirety of the lyric and music working together. That's what's meant by 'all these things you'll one day swallow whole'. I meant the emotional entirety, because I didn't have it in me to articulate the emotion. I'd crack...

Our fans are braver than I to let that song penetrate them, or maybe they don't realise what they're listening to. They don't realise that 'Street Spirit' is about staring the fucking devil right in the eyes, and knowing, no matter what the hell you do, he'll get the last laugh. And it's real, and true. The devil really will get the last laugh in all cases without exception, and if I let myself think about that too long, I'd crack.

I can't believe we have fans that can deal emotionally with that song. That's why I'm convinced that they don't know what it's about. It's why we play it towards the end of our sets. It drains me, and it shakes me, and hurts like hell every time I play it, looking out at thousands of people cheering and smiling, oblivious to the tragedy of its meaning, like when you're going to have your dog put down and it's wagging its tail on the way there. That's what they all look like, and it breaks my heart. I wish that song hadn't picked us as its catalysts, and so I don't claim it. It asks too much. I didn't write that song."

— Thom Yorke 
 
WOW!  Thanks so much for sharing.  Where did you find that excerpt?  I'd love to know b/c I imagine there must be more juicy insights there too....  Please share!
Holy crap... I've always thought it was sinister. With no resolve.

david927 wrote:

"'Street Spirit' is our purest song, but I didn't write it. It wrote itself. We were just its messengers; its biological catalysts. Its core is a complete mystery to me, and, you know, I wouldn't ever try to write something that hopeless. All of our saddest songs have somewhere in them at least a glimmer of resolve. 'Street Spirit' has no resolve. It is the dark tunnel without the light at the end. It represents all tragic emotion that is so hurtful that the sound of that melody is its only definition. We all have a way of dealing with that song. It's called detachment. Especially me; I detach my emotional radar from that song, or I couldn't play it. I'd crack. I'd break down on stage. That's why its lyrics are just a bunch of mini-stories or visual images as opposed to a cohesive explanation of its meaning. I used images set to the music that I thought would convey the emotional entirety of the lyric and music working together. That's what's meant by 'all these things you'll one day swallow whole'. I meant the emotional entirety, because I didn't have it in me to articulate the emotion. I'd crack...

Our fans are braver than I to let that song penetrate them, or maybe they don't realise what they're listening to. They don't realise that 'Street Spirit' is about staring the fucking devil right in the eyes, and knowing, no matter what the hell you do, he'll get the last laugh. And it's real, and true. The devil really will get the last laugh in all cases without exception, and if I let myself think about that too long, I'd crack.

I can't believe we have fans that can deal emotionally with that song. That's why I'm convinced that they don't know what it's about. It's why we play it towards the end of our sets. It drains me, and it shakes me, and hurts like hell every time I play it, looking out at thousands of people cheering and smiling, oblivious to the tragedy of its meaning, like when you're going to have your dog put down and it's wagging its tail on the way there. That's what they all look like, and it breaks my heart. I wish that song hadn't picked us as its catalysts, and so I don't claim it. It asks too much. I didn't write that song."

— Thom Yorke 
 


"'Street Spirit' is our purest song, but I didn't write it. It wrote itself. We were just its messengers; its biological catalysts. Its core is a complete mystery to me, and, you know, I wouldn't ever try to write something that hopeless. All of our saddest songs have somewhere in them at least a glimmer of resolve. 'Street Spirit' has no resolve. It is the dark tunnel without the light at the end. It represents all tragic emotion that is so hurtful that the sound of that melody is its only definition. We all have a way of dealing with that song. It's called detachment. Especially me; I detach my emotional radar from that song, or I couldn't play it. I'd crack. I'd break down on stage. That's why its lyrics are just a bunch of mini-stories or visual images as opposed to a cohesive explanation of its meaning. I used images set to the music that I thought would convey the emotional entirety of the lyric and music working together. That's what's meant by 'all these things you'll one day swallow whole'. I meant the emotional entirety, because I didn't have it in me to articulate the emotion. I'd crack...

Our fans are braver than I to let that song penetrate them, or maybe they don't realise what they're listening to. They don't realise that 'Street Spirit' is about staring the fucking devil right in the eyes, and knowing, no matter what the hell you do, he'll get the last laugh. And it's real, and true. The devil really will get the last laugh in all cases without exception, and if I let myself think about that too long, I'd crack.

I can't believe we have fans that can deal emotionally with that song. That's why I'm convinced that they don't know what it's about. It's why we play it towards the end of our sets. It drains me, and it shakes me, and hurts like hell every time I play it, looking out at thousands of people cheering and smiling, oblivious to the tragedy of its meaning, like when you're going to have your dog put down and it's wagging its tail on the way there. That's what they all look like, and it breaks my heart. I wish that song hadn't picked us as its catalysts, and so I don't claim it. It asks too much. I didn't write that song."

— Thom Yorke 
I have probably said it here before but I simply adore this song.
This song always pleads for my attention - LOVE IT!
 sieversfam wrote:
The Original Floyd's "Crazy Diamond" and now, this?  The longest eargasm evah!!! 

I need a cigarette...
 
Oh, yes, same here.  And it's been 7 years since I 
 sieversfam wrote:
The Original Floyd's "Crazy Diamond" and now, this?  The longest eargasm evah!!! 

I need a cigarette...
 
No you need a joint. LOL.
Love this song and love the PSD button
Is there anything better....?
Haunting and brilliant 
The Original Floyd's "Crazy Diamond" and now, this?  The longest eargasm evah!!! 

I need a cigarette...


OH YES!  One of VERY few songs that could hold up after Shine On You Crazy Diamond Live!  
11
 Sasha2001 wrote:
Blah, Blah, Blah, 10.
 
LOL
 fredriley wrote:
Aargh! I've been assimilated! After seeming years of rating Thom "wet fish slap" Yorke 3 or below (though a consistent 7+ for the 'backing band') I'm actually rating some of his oeuvre above 5. RP's indoctrination programme is grinding me down.

 
Welcome Fred!!!!
Aargh! I've been assimilated! After seeming years of rating Thom "wet fish slap" Yorke 3 or below (though a consistent 7+ for the 'backing band') I'm actually rating some of his oeuvre above 5. RP's indoctrination programme is grinding me down.

same combination again :)

but good choice anyway :)

 
erraiva wrote:
Hey, seems this is your prefered combination:

Posted: Jul 08, 2011 - 10:25 < Reply >
Where else can you hear Shine on You Crazy Diamond followed by Street Spirit (Fade Out)?? Nowhere is my guess...FANTASTIC

Or is it a tape you're playing?
 


has been years since i last listened to this. cheers :)