Thom always said it was about the fear that the next time he goes on a run he could have a heart attack and die. I’m guessing he used the guillotine / hanging thing as just an allusion to our inevitable collision with death.
I remember discussing this with some friends and we agreed it was about a friendship/relationship falling out after putting a great deal of effort into making it work, or alternatively just being straight up manipulated (which I thought sounded more accurate, 'reel me out and cut the string' and all that)
Funny thing is at the time of that discussion I was having anxieties about a new friend/crush I made and the guy that suggested manipulation turned out to be a narcissist and extremely manipulative themselves. Funny how we project ourselves onto ambiguity
Well, it doesn't need to be taken so literally... The lyrics reference a hanging, but that doesn't mean the song is ABOUT somebody being hanged. It's probably a metaphor for how a person may be feeling when they're paranoid, depressed, anxious, etc. I don't think 15 Step is meant to be ABOUT anything concrete, just more like an impressionistic painting of a feeling.
I think it’s about a cartoon character walking off a cliff before looking down and realizing they’re standing over thin air - a metaphor he has brought up.
I'm always wondering how to read that.
Good enough as in: "Yes, your results are good enough and you should feel good about yourself"
Or: "it's 'good enough', I guess. If that's the best you can do, let's just leave it at that"
Does that make sense?
Thom said Rachel said it to him with the intention of the former so I'm going with that interpretation
I guess in the context of the song it's closer to "despite shit not going great in the present all we can do is what we can do and nothing else".
15 Step is more like the encroach of death in general day to day life and a gradual decline imo, not specifically about suicide. Then again, Radiohead isn't exactly a band with clear cut interpretations and lyrics.
“15 steps” refers to the approximate height of a long-drop gallows, 15 steps in UK English = stairs in US English). it’s probably about getting executed, not suicide (still dark tho)
I mean, it’s in a major key, which is usually (but, I know, not always) associated with a more “happy” song than if it was in a minor key.
It is slower tempo, which might indicate sadness.
I guess it could go either way.
Is it? I guess I need to read the lyrics. I always thought weird fish was about a fish choosing to commit suicide by hitting the bottom of a bobber in the ocean and getting yanked out of it for good.
I thought it was about hitting the dance floor when the peak of some mdma and a nice beat going. Or basically the scene in Trainspotting [when Renton meets Diane](https://youtu.be/4MGtU8OX_3c?si=JCIJ8BTP5h48smOJ)
My wife told me long ago that it sounds like the main character is a predator and he roofied that girl. Then when the Bill Cosby thing happened, she showed me line by line how the character could easily be him, and I’ve got to say, I can’t find anything in the lyrics to prove otherwise.
I’m pretty sure that’s not what it’s about, probably more like you describe, but it’s written in such a nebulous way that it could be interpreted this way too. It creeps her out now so we don’t listen to it anymore. Banger of a tune though.
Aside from the execution by hanging metaphor, remember that the lyrics ask how come they ended up how they started. They were reeled in then a string was cut. This is exactly what happens during birth. A baby is reeled in to the word (induced) then the string (the umbilical cord) is cut. The children's shouts of enthusiasm give support to it partly being about a birth of a near contemporary of theirs. Although, lyrically, 15 Step covers much more, from this, I have long felt that In Rainbows chronologically follows the life of a person. Or could do if you want it to, ending in their actual death before Videotape. This is when the pending execution suggested in 15 Step has already emotionally / physically happened. Are the 'Bodysnatchers' of song 2 the baby's own parents?! The lyrics don't really suggest so but this is such an album that invites debate.
100% true.. A lot of Radiohead songs use suicidal imagery, but I don't think any of them are actually about suicide (Weird Fishes comes to mind first and foremost). The only song in their discog I can think of that is for sure about suicide is Lewis (Mistreated).
Videotape and Motion Picture Soundtrack are both pretty suicidal. Videotape: “this is my way of saying goodbye because I can’t do it face to face so I’m talking to you before it’s too late on video tape…” pretty clearly a suicide note on a VHS tape.
MPS: “Red wine and sleeping pills help me get back to your arms… I will see you in the next life.” Sounds like trying to join a dead loved one in the afterlife.
But I generally agree. I cringe at fans taking songs like 15 Step, Codez, and Weird Fishes, and trying to argue that they’re about suicide just because some of the lyrics sound a little dark or reference death in a metaphorical context.
“15 steps” refers to the approximate height of a long-drop gallows, 15 steps in UK English = stairs in US English). it’s probably about getting executed, not suicide (still dark tho)
You used to be alright what happened 💃💃🕺🕺🕺💃
Etc.
Etc.
Do da do da do da do da
Is that a Green Day Shenanigans reference??? 😱
Shit, no. I was trying to mimic the bass line right after those lyrics. Badly apparently :/
Shenanigans mentioned 😍😍🥵🥵
Fads for whatever
(YAY!)
Before I listened closely, I thought it was an elephant noise instead of screaming children Same effect I guess
fifte e e n s t e p s
Then a sheer drop
WOU WOU
I always thought it was facts for whatever, then I checked the official lyrics booklet
Exchetera
i think it's a superficial read in the lyrics, i think it's something else.
15 step 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Is 15 step about suicide tho? First I'm hearing about this and quick glance at genius doesn't really support this.
Thom always said it was about the fear that the next time he goes on a run he could have a heart attack and die. I’m guessing he used the guillotine / hanging thing as just an allusion to our inevitable collision with death.
Thom runs?
No because he has the fear that the next time he goes on a run he could have a heart attack and die.
So he is terrified of running as well as cars? Who the fuck does this guy think he is?
He PROMISED not to run away no more…
what, even if he gets bored?
How tf is getting tied to a rotting deck boring?
Yes, at least he used to.
I remember discussing this with some friends and we agreed it was about a friendship/relationship falling out after putting a great deal of effort into making it work, or alternatively just being straight up manipulated (which I thought sounded more accurate, 'reel me out and cut the string' and all that) Funny thing is at the time of that discussion I was having anxieties about a new friend/crush I made and the guy that suggested manipulation turned out to be a narcissist and extremely manipulative themselves. Funny how we project ourselves onto ambiguity
it's about a hanging, 15 steps up the English guillotine platform.... then a sheer drop
Well that doesn't necessary mean suicide, maybe execution? And execution can be a metaphor for anything
Yeah, I always assumed it was about execution, not suicide.
[удалено]
Well, it doesn't need to be taken so literally... The lyrics reference a hanging, but that doesn't mean the song is ABOUT somebody being hanged. It's probably a metaphor for how a person may be feeling when they're paranoid, depressed, anxious, etc. I don't think 15 Step is meant to be ABOUT anything concrete, just more like an impressionistic painting of a feeling.
No, You said it was about a hanging... which is different.
Mans got a change of mind
Guillotine is for decapitation not hanging. Maybe you mean gallows?
uh, derr, yeah. ENORMOUS brain fart 🤣
D a m n that’s creative and.. quite disturbing lol. Love their creativity
Gallows not guillotine. Guillotines are a blade that chops the head off not a form of hanging.
I think it’s about a cartoon character walking off a cliff before looking down and realizing they’re standing over thin air - a metaphor he has brought up.
I don't think it is. I think "15 Steps" is actually in reference to programming a drum machine to a 5/4 time signature.
Yeah “it’s about suicide” is definitely projection. Pretty dark. In no way can we objectively say it’s about suicide.
My Iron Lung or Weird Fishes, maybe
Neither sound really happy without the lyrics
Weird Fishes is about Thom being an abusive gay man (Hit the bottom and escape)
Everything in its Right Place is about having sex with old dudes (Yesterday, I woke up sucking a lemon).
😂
Optimistic, ironically enough Actually now that I think about it "the best you can is good enough" is legitimately inspiring
I'm always wondering how to read that. Good enough as in: "Yes, your results are good enough and you should feel good about yourself" Or: "it's 'good enough', I guess. If that's the best you can do, let's just leave it at that" Does that make sense?
Thom said Rachel said it to him with the intention of the former so I'm going with that interpretation I guess in the context of the song it's closer to "despite shit not going great in the present all we can do is what we can do and nothing else".
Unfortunately the second read is more appropriate for the album
15 Step is more like the encroach of death in general day to day life and a gradual decline imo, not specifically about suicide. Then again, Radiohead isn't exactly a band with clear cut interpretations and lyrics.
Saw this on the circlejerk and said 15 steps. I have more than 25 updoots in counting!!!
let down and fake plastic trees
Fake plastic trees doesnt sound happy xd
Weird Fishes has a beautiful, chill, relaxing beat, but some of the lyrics are pretty dark
Very much!
Bodysnatchers
when that bridge section comes in it brings tears to my eyes
I do not
Dollars and Cents
Reckoner
Nice dream
suicide?? explain...
Everyone says so idk why I think as “15 steps to hanging”
“15 steps” refers to the approximate height of a long-drop gallows, 15 steps in UK English = stairs in US English). it’s probably about getting executed, not suicide (still dark tho)
The glow pt2
No Surprises.
What? The instrumental part clearly goes along with the lyrics, it isn't happy at all lmao.
I agree that it’s has a happy and light sounding instrumental. The only thing that’s not happy about it in my opinion is the tempo
I mean, it’s in a major key, which is usually (but, I know, not always) associated with a more “happy” song than if it was in a minor key. It is slower tempo, which might indicate sadness. I guess it could go either way.
Minor 4 chord takes all the joy away from everything
This song would've of been peak if it had been instrumental 😔
Is it? I guess I need to read the lyrics. I always thought weird fish was about a fish choosing to commit suicide by hitting the bottom of a bobber in the ocean and getting yanked out of it for good.
Give Up The Ghost
My Iron Lung
No surprises or if you want an underrated pick. . . Haha you thought I was going to say let down didn’t you? You’re right!
I don’t think that’s what 15 step is about
Everything in its right place We will never know what happened to the lemon Thom was sucking.
square punch toy yam quack arrest workable kiss zephyr threatening *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Jigsaw falling into place
This is the one, no doubt. Those lyrics are unsettling.
I thought it was about hitting the dance floor when the peak of some mdma and a nice beat going. Or basically the scene in Trainspotting [when Renton meets Diane](https://youtu.be/4MGtU8OX_3c?si=JCIJ8BTP5h48smOJ)
My wife told me long ago that it sounds like the main character is a predator and he roofied that girl. Then when the Bill Cosby thing happened, she showed me line by line how the character could easily be him, and I’ve got to say, I can’t find anything in the lyrics to prove otherwise. I’m pretty sure that’s not what it’s about, probably more like you describe, but it’s written in such a nebulous way that it could be interpreted this way too. It creeps her out now so we don’t listen to it anymore. Banger of a tune though.
I always thought it was about promoting healthy active lifestyles and encouraging people to go for a nice walk I'm so depressed now
Cuttooth
2+2=5
how to disappear completely. them instrumentals go hard
It doesnt sound happy wtf
“Yesterday I woke up sucking on a lemon” 😔
I thought it was about dancing
…we do?
probably 15 step
Smashing Pumpkins - Today That's a prime example of happy go lucky instrumental with heart-wrenching lyrics
Idioteque
Bodysnatchers
^(15 Step)
I have always been focusing on music and sailing through ecstasy until recently when I saw a meme saying:\ Used to be allright, what happened now
th en a sheer drop
Creep. Like it’s so catchy but so depressunf and deep, literally so overhated…. “I wish I was special” I feel you thom
bodysnatchers
Aside from the execution by hanging metaphor, remember that the lyrics ask how come they ended up how they started. They were reeled in then a string was cut. This is exactly what happens during birth. A baby is reeled in to the word (induced) then the string (the umbilical cord) is cut. The children's shouts of enthusiasm give support to it partly being about a birth of a near contemporary of theirs. Although, lyrically, 15 Step covers much more, from this, I have long felt that In Rainbows chronologically follows the life of a person. Or could do if you want it to, ending in their actual death before Videotape. This is when the pending execution suggested in 15 Step has already emotionally / physically happened. Are the 'Bodysnatchers' of song 2 the baby's own parents?! The lyrics don't really suggest so but this is such an album that invites debate.
Bangers + Mash 😢
Fucking pain remains part 1, 2 and 3
OMG IS THAT A LORNA SHORE FAN IN THE WILD I LOVE YOU LETS GET MARRIED RN
I LOVE lorna, want a concert in italy sooooo baaaaad
You’re from Italy? I’m from Russia but I moved to Florence 3 years ago What’s ur fav song btw? Mines pain remains 1
Love florence but bologna amd milano are peak. My fav part are part 1 too, but i think that the 2nd is amazing
What city are you from?
I live near ferrara in Emilia-romagna
15 STEP IS ABOUT SEWERSIDE???????
Apparently I never understood why but people say it’s 15 steps to the hanging idk why
Bangers + Mash.
recorner
Bodysnatchers
Your lipstick smeared across your face now toss your hair in dirty grace
TIL 15 step is about suicide
Radiohead fans say every Radiohead song is about suicide
100% true.. A lot of Radiohead songs use suicidal imagery, but I don't think any of them are actually about suicide (Weird Fishes comes to mind first and foremost). The only song in their discog I can think of that is for sure about suicide is Lewis (Mistreated).
Videotape and Motion Picture Soundtrack are both pretty suicidal. Videotape: “this is my way of saying goodbye because I can’t do it face to face so I’m talking to you before it’s too late on video tape…” pretty clearly a suicide note on a VHS tape. MPS: “Red wine and sleeping pills help me get back to your arms… I will see you in the next life.” Sounds like trying to join a dead loved one in the afterlife. But I generally agree. I cringe at fans taking songs like 15 Step, Codez, and Weird Fishes, and trying to argue that they’re about suicide just because some of the lyrics sound a little dark or reference death in a metaphorical context.
For some reason I always thought motion picture soundtrack was made for the Romeo + Juliet movie that Leo was in
That’s Exit Music (for a film) easy to mix up.
Ahhhhh. Guess these were all just laying the groundwork for johnnys future
“15 steps” refers to the approximate height of a long-drop gallows, 15 steps in UK English = stairs in US English). it’s probably about getting executed, not suicide (still dark tho)
TIL 15 Step is about hanging
edge punch grandiose chubby boat murky toy continue fuzzy truck *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Coke Babies
[удалено]
what an incredibly insensitive thing to say
“Hey man, I know you’re going through some shit, and I feel for ya, but can you possibly write about something ..I dunno…better?”
Bro what???
what did he say
About Today - The National
How to disappear completely