Introduction

Radiohead’s “How to Disappear Completely” is a hauntingly beautiful song that explores themes of isolation, disillusionment, and the desire to escape from reality. The lyrics are poetic and deeply emotional, and the music is atmospheric and ethereal. In this article, we will take a closer look at the lyrics of “How to Disappear Completely” and analyze their meaning.

Lyrics

That there
That’s not me
I go
Where I please
I walk through walls
I float down the Liffey
I’m not here
This isn’t happening
I’m not here
I’m not here
In a little while
I’ll be gone
The moment’s already passed
Yeah, it’s gone
And I’m not here
This isn’t happening
I’m not here
I’m not here
Strobe lights and blown speakers
Fireworks and hurricanes
I’m not here
This isn’t happening
I’m not here
I’m not here

Analysis

The lyrics of “How to Disappear Completely” are open to interpretation, but many fans and critics believe that the song is about Thom Yorke’s struggles with fame and the pressure of being in the public eye. The opening lines, “That there, that’s not me, I go where I please,” suggest a desire to escape from the persona that has been created for him by the media and the music industry. The line “I walk through walls, I float down the Liffey” could be interpreted as a metaphor for the ability to transcend the limitations of the physical world and escape into a realm of pure imagination and creativity.

The repeated refrain of “I’m not here, this isn’t happening” could be seen as a way of dissociating from reality and the pressures of everyday life. The lines “Strobe lights and blown speakers, fireworks and hurricanes” could be interpreted as a reference to the overwhelming sensory experience of being on stage and performing for a large audience.

Overall, the lyrics of “How to Disappear Completely” convey a sense of alienation and disconnection from the world, as well as a desire to escape from the pressures of fame and the expectations of others.

Conclusion

“How to Disappear Completely” is a powerful and emotionally resonant song that has touched the hearts of many Radiohead fans. The lyrics are poetic and deeply personal, and the music is hauntingly beautiful. Whether you interpret the song as a commentary on fame and the music industry, or simply as a meditation on the human desire to escape from reality, there is no denying the power and beauty of this classic Radiohead track.