2 + 2 = 5

Radiohead

About 2 + 2 = 5

"2 + 2 = 5" is a song by the English rock band Radiohead, released as the third and final single from their sixth album, Hail to the Thief (2003). It reached number two on the Canadian Singles Chart, number 12 on the Italian Singles Chart, and number 15 on the UK Singles Chart. It was featured on Radiohead: The Best Of (2008).


Year:
2003
3:19
71 
#6

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Are you such a dreamer,
To put the world to rights?
I'll stay home forever,
Where two and two always makes a five

I'll lay down the tracks,
Sandbag and hide,
January has April showers,
And two and two always makes a five

It's the Devil's way now,
There is no way out,
You can scream and you can shout,
It is too late now

Because you have not been
Payin' attention,
Payin' attention,
Payin' attention,
Payin' attention

Yeah I feel it, I needed attention,
Payin' attention,
Payin' attention,
Payin' attention

Yeah I need it, I needed attention,
I needed attention,
I needed attention,
I needed attention

Yeah I love it, the attention,
Payin' attention,
Payin' attention,
Payin' attention

(Soon, oh)
I try to sing along,
I get it all wrong,
'Cause I'm not,
'Cause I'm not
I swat 'em like flies,
But like flies the buggers keep coming back

But I'm not,
Oh hail to the thief,
Oh hail to the thief

But I'm not,
But I'm not,
But I'm not,
But I'm not

Don't question my authority or put me in the dock,
'Cause I'm not,
'Cause I'm not

Oh go up to the king, and the sky is falling in,
But it's not,
But it's not
But it's not

Maybe not,
Maybe not

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Radiohead

Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke (lead vocals, guitar, piano), Jonny Greenwood (lead guitar, keyboards, other instruments), Colin Greenwood (bass), Phil Selway (drums, percussion) and Ed O'Brien (guitar, backing vocals). more »

6 fans

Written by: Colin Charles Greenwood, Edward John O'Brien, Jonathan Richard Guy Greenwood, Philip James Selway, Thomas Edward Yorke

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Band's Influence
The title "2 + 2 = 5" of the song is a reference to George Orwell's dystopian novel "Nineteen Eighty-Four", portraying how oppressive regimes manipulate truth.
Song Year
The track "2 + 2 = 5" is the opening song for Radiohead's sixth studio album, 'Hail to the Thief' which was released in 2003.
Album Theme
The entire 'Hail to the Thief' album, including the song "2 + 2 = 5", is said to be heavily influenced by the world's political climate at that time, particularly the American administration under President George W. Bush.
Chart Success
Even though it was not released as an official single, "2 + 2 = 5" managed to reach #2 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart in the United States.
Music Video
The music video for "2 + 2 = 5" is a live performance of the band, was directed by Dilly Gent, and is included in "The Most Gigantic Lying Mouth of All Time"—a compilation DVD of Radiohead's music and visuals.
Live Performance
"2 + 2 = 5" was the opening track for most of the concerts during their Hail to the Thief tour.
Song Structure
The song is known for its unconventional structure and layered guitar work characteristic of Radiohead's style.
Critical Reception
Many critics praise "2 + 2 = 5" for its political undertones and gripping, suspenseful musical progression. Some even consider it as one of the best tracks in the 'Hail to the Thief' album.
B-Side
The song has a B-side called "Gagging Order", also known for its melodic brilliance and emotive lyrics.
Song Lyrics
The lyrics of "2 + 2 = 5" can be interpreted in multiple ways. Some say it reflects feelings of frustration and disillusionment, while others view it as a critique of political manipulation or a lament about the state of the world.

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    "2 + 2 = 5 Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/32924043/Radiohead/2+%2B+2+%3D+5>.

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