No Surprises

Radiohead

About No Surprises

"No Surprises" is a song by the English alternative rock band Radiohead, released as the fourth single from their third studio album, OK Computer (1997), on 12 January 1998. The music video features songwriter Thom Yorke singing inside a diving helmet as it fills with water. The single peaked at number 4 on the UK Singles Chart.


Year:
1997
3:48
17 
#1

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A heart that's full up like a landfill
A job that slowly kills you
Bruises that won't heal
You look so tired, unhappy
Bring down the government
They don't, they don't speak for us
I'll take a quiet life
A handshake of carbon monoxide

With no alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises
Silent, silent

This is my final fit
My final bellyache

With no alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises, please

Such a pretty house
And such a pretty garden

No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises, please

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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


12 facts about this song

Song Release
"No Surprises" was released as a single and as part of the album "OK Computer" in January of 1998.
Video Concept
The music video of "No Surprises" is unforgettable with Thom Yorke's head in a helmet gradually filling with water.
Song Meaning
The song carries a deeply melancholic tone, with lyrics suggesting a desire for a simple life without unexpected hardships.
Inspiration
The song was penned by the band's lead vocalist, Thom Yorke, who revealed that the lyric came out of a period of his life where he felt trapped and desired simple, peaceful existence.
Recording
"No Surprises" was reportedly recorded in one take; the first performance was used as it had the most emotion and freshness according to the band members.
Music Charts
The song peaked at number 4 on the UK Singles Chart and has remained one of Radiohead's most popular songs.
Dedication
The song was dedicated to the memory of Bill Hicks, a comedian admired by the band, primarily for his social commentary.
Song Style
Musically, "No Surprises" is a departure from the group's normally heavy sound, featuring a gentler, more melodic composition accentuated by a glockenspiel melody.
Cover Versions
Numerous artists have covered this track over the years due to its haunting simplicity and universally relatable lyrics, including Regina Spektor and Lianne La Havas.
In Media
The song was used in films and trailers such as "A Room for Romeo Brass", as well as in the opening credits of the French film "Comme des frères".
Concert Tradition
It is commonly recalled for being played as the final encore at the majority of Radiohead's concerts on their OK Computer tour.
Public Acclaim
In 2008, the song was featured in the Rolling Stone's list of the 100 greatest guitar songs of all time.

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