The National Anthem
Radiohead
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Everyone Everyone around here Everyone is so near It's holding on It's holding on Everyone Everyone is so near Everyone has got the fear It's holding on It's holding on It's holding on It's holding on It's holding on
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Written by: Philip Selway, Jonathan Richard Guy Greenwood, Colin Charles Greenwood, Edward John O'Brien, Thomas Yorke
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Album Release"The National Anthem" is the third track off of Radiohead's critically acclaimed fourth studio album, "Kid A," released in 2000.
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Song CreationThe main bass line was written by frontman Thom Yorke when he was 16 years old. However, the song took a different shape once introduced to the band, moving into a more jazz-inspired direction.
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Live PerformanceNotably, Radiohead's performance of "The National Anthem" on Saturday Night Live in 2000 featured an additional brass section, reflecting the song's unique blend of electronic music and jazz influences.
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LyricsThe song is known for its minimalistic lyrics, with only fourteen words in total.
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Song MeaningWhile many have theorized about potential political meanings behind the song's title and Thom Yorke's ambiguous lyrics, the band has remained largely silent on the subject.
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InstrumentationThe song notably features a looping bass line, distorted vocals, and an experimental mix of electronic and traditional instrument sounds, including an ondes Martenot played by band member Jonny Greenwood.
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Reception"The National Anthem" is considered a landmark song in Radiohead's progression into more experimental music, and it has received widespread critical acclaim.
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Use in MediaThe song's raw and chaotic soundscape has made it a popular choice in soundtracks and trailers. Notably, it was used in the 2006 Academy Award-nominated film, "Children of Men."
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RemixesIn celebration of Kid A's 10th anniversary, the song was remixed by various artists for the album "TKOL RMX 1234567".
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Unique PerformancesDuring live performances, Radiohead often improvises the song's chaotic ending, giving each performance a unique twist.
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InspirationThe song's structure and execution draw heavily from free jazz and experimental music—an unusual step away from the band's earlier alternative rock sound.
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Cover VersionsSeveral artists have covered "The National Anthem," including the brass ensemble Hackney Colliery Band and the pop duo Phantogram, demonstrating the song's wide influence across different music genres.
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Citation
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