About Gabe Johnson Expertise I am an expert on the material in Radiohead`s songs. I can answer nearly any question related to lyrics interpretations and changes from album to album. I can also answer many questions related to specific band members such as their upbringings and musical influences.
Experience I have listened to Radiohead heavily for three years, and discuss/research Radiohead in order to further my appreciation and knowledge for the band.
I was reccomended by a Pink Floyd expert from this site to apply.
Publications Write monthly music review for school paper.
Question Hello. I have a question about the song "We Suck Young Blood" from Hail to the Theif. The lyrics to that song are quite disturbing, (especially in combination with the music). What is this song about?
I love Radiohead. Especially their songs that are in minor keys, because I love that sound. Though, I have noticed that some of their songs (like this one) take on a dark theme. (For example, "Street Spirit (fade out)"). I ran across a quote by one of the members (I think it might have been Thom,) that kind of explained the song's meaning. He said that they did not write the song, that it "wrote itself" and they were just its messengers and "biological catylysts". I may be interpreting this completely wrong, but is he insinuating that he was "possessed" when he wrote it? The song is called "Street Spirit", and I guess the quote in combination with the name of the song got me thinking this.
Here is where I found the quote, at the bottom of the page:
Also, another quick question if it does not trouble you too much. I have every Radiohead album except Amnesiac. For some reason I never got around to buying that one. Would you say it is a good album, or do you think it is a good idea to buy it?
Answer Dear Anonymous,
Good questions. It's always good to see some in-depth involvement among Radiohead listeners.
"We Suck Young Blood.", in my humble opinion (let's not restrict the definition of the lyrics in this song to just MY interpretation), this song represents one of the recurring themes of Thom hating greater forces. I'm not talking God here, of course, but I am referring to Thom's fascination with creating Orwellian pictures of government/corporation control reaching insane heights. Here, I believe Thom is referring to employment in a so-call irresistible company, where if one is "hungry," "sick," and "begging for a break." then he/she will be gathered because of (and the list of eligible qualities to WANT to participate in this company follows) "are you strug up by the wrists?"(or perhaps, 'are you ready to be harvested/involved in our actions?') "Are you torn at the seams? Would you do anything?" is Thom's way of creating a "desperate" appearance of the victims in this story.
As I said, I don't know his direct political parallels as the song is really just a general song about those exploting power on those that MUST give into things they don't support so that they can survive. It's a somewhat common theme of Thom, "desperation," "honesty tested by those corrupt individuals with power," and "weakness."
In short, I have never heard that quote from Thom and found it interesting of even the possibility of spirituality in Thom, as it's something that he keeps mostly separate from his work and/or his outlets to the public. That sounds interesting, anyway.
Also, if you like every other Radiohead album, especially Kid A, Amnesiac will be right up your alley. Also, be forewarned that Amnesiac is, by far, the LEAST accesible, although I believe it be one of the more rewarding Radiohead listens. Sure, it doesn't exist as an album entity like Kid A, but it still has a slew of great songs, notably "The Pyrmaid Song" "I Might be Wrong" and "You and Whose Army?" Check it out, as while it isn't as significant as their other releases, it still has a ton of great shit on it.
Thanks for the question; sorry if my format seems a little unorganized, I'm a little random tonight.
Sincerely,
Gabe Johnson
