2+2=5
BY:
RADIOHEAD
Radiohead:
2+2=5
LL
Y
Y
R
R
II
CC
SS
Are you such a
Are you such a
dreamer
dreamer
To put the world to
To put the world to
rights?
rights?
I stay home forever
I stay home forever
Where two and two
Where two and two
always makes up five
always makes up five
I lay down the tracks
I lay down the tracks
Sandbag and hide
Sandbag and hide
January has April
January has April
showers
showers
And two and two
And two and two
always makes up five
always makes up five
It’s the devil's way now
It’s the devil's way now
There is no way out
There is no way out
You can scream it, you
You can scream it, you
can shout
can shout
It is too late now
It is too late now
22
++
22
==
55
LL
YY
RR
II
CC
SS
Because
You
have not been
Because
paying
attention
You have
not been
paying
attention
paying
attention
paying
attention
paying
attention
paying
attention
paying
attention
You
have attention
not been
paying
paying
attention
You have
not been
paying
attention
paying
attention
paying
attention
paying
attention
paying
attention
paying
attention
You
have attention
not been
paying
paying
attention
You have
not been
paying
attention
paying
attention
paying
attention
paying
attention
paying
attention
paying
attention
paying
You
have attention
not been
paying
attention
You have
not been
paying
attention
paying
attention
paying
attention
paying
attention
paying
attention
paying
attention
paying attention
22
++
22
==
55
LL
Y
Y
R
R
II
CC
SS
I Itry
trytotosing
singalong
along
But
ButI Iget
getititall
allwrong
wrong
‘Cause
‘CauseI’m
I’mnot
not
'Cause
'CauseI’m
I’mnot
not
I Iswat
swat'em
'emlike
likeflies
fliesbut
butlike
likeflies
fliesthe
the
bugs
bugskeep
keepcoming
comingback
backNOT
NOT
But
ButI’m
I’mnot
not
All
Allhail
hailtotothe
thethief
thief
All
Allhail
hailtotothe
thethief
thief
But
ButI'm
I’mnot
not
But
ButI'm
I'mnot
not
But
ButI'm
I'mnot
not
But
ButI'm
I'mnot
not
Don't
Don'tquestion
questionmy
myauthority
authorityororput
put
me
meininthe
thebox
box
'Cause
'CauseI'm
I'mnot
not
'Cause
'CauseI'm
I'mnot
not
Oh
Ohgo
goand
andtell
tellthe
theking
kingthat
thatthe
thesky
sky
isisfalling
fallinginin
When
Whenit's
it'snot
not
But
Butit's
it'snot
not
But
Butit's
it'snot
not
Maybe
Maybenot
not
Maybe
Maybenot
not
22
++
22
==
55
Band
Biography:
Band Biography:
Radiohead is a British, indie, rock band that is very
successful in the indie rock genre. However, their success wasn’t
Radiohead
is a Like
British,
rock it
band
that
is very
achieved right
off the bat.
all indie,
musicians,
takes
awhile
to really
successful
in
the
indie
rock
genre.
However,
their
success
wasn’t
take off.
achieved
right
off the bat.
Like
all
it takesin
time
to take off.
The
band-mates
first
met
inmusicians,
Oxford, England
1989.
band-mates
first met in
Oxford,
1989.Colin
RadioheadThe
consists
of five members;
Thom
YorkeEngland
as lead in
vocals,
Radiohead
ofO’Brien
five members;
Thom
Yorke
as lead
vocals, and
Colin
Greenwood
onconsists
bass, Ed
on guitar,
Phil
Selway
on drums,
Greenwood
on bass,
O’Brien
on guitar,
Phil
Selway
onfrom
drums,
Johnny
Greenwood
asEd
lead
guitarist.
They got
their
name
a and
JohnnyHeads
Greenwood
as lead guitarist.
their Head”
name from
Talking
song entitled
non-otherThey
thangot
“Radio
off of a
the
Talking
Heads
song
entitled,
non-other
than
“Radio
Head”,
off
of the
album “True Stories.”
album “True
Stories.”
The first
album Radiohead launched was called “Pablo
The
first
album
Radiohead
launched
called
“Pablo
Honey”. Although this
album
was the bands
big was
break,
it did
get their
Honey”.
Although
album
wasn’t“Creep”.
the bands
big time
break,
it did
get
name
out there
withthis
their
first single
By the
they
released
their
name album,
out there
with
their first
Bygain
the time
theyof
their
second
“The
Bends”,
they single
slowly “Creep”.
began to
a crowd
released
their when
second
album,
“Thethe
Bends”,
they slowly
began
toOut)”,
gain a
fans,
especially
they
released
song “Street
Spirit
(Fade
crowd
of fans,aespecially
which
became
top 10 hit.when they released the song “Street Spirit
(Fade Out)”,
which
became
a top
10 hit.
Although,
the
first two
albums
gained them quite a few fans,
Although,
the first to
two
albums gained
them
a number
the band really
sky rocketed
super-stardom
with
the quite
release
of their of
fans,album,
the band
sky rocketed
to super-stardom
with the
release of
third
“Okreally
Computer”.
The album
spent seventy-one
consecutive
theiron
third
“Ok“Ok
Computer”.
Theended
album
seventy-one
weeks
the album,
UK Chart.
Computer”
upspent
going
platinum, and
consecutive
weeks
on
the
UK
Charts.
“Ok
Computer”
ended
up going
was later considered to be 90’s most significant album.
platinum, and was later considered to be the 90’s most significant
album.
Band
Biography:
Band Biography:
The success from the third album, caused their fourth album, “Kid A”
The
from
the third
album,
caused
their
fourth
album,
to
gosuccess
straight
to number
one,
despite
the fact
that
there
was no“Kid A”
to go straight
to number
one,
fact that
there
was
no “Kid
major
marketing
plan and
no despite
singles the
released
prior
to the
date
major
marketing
plan
no singles
prior to
the date
A”
was on
the market
toand
purchase.
Theyreleased
later released
“Hail
to the“Kid
A” waslater
on the
purchase.
later released
“Hail
tomost
the
Thief”
on market
in 2003.toTo
this day They
it is considered
to be
their
Thief” later
on in 2003.
To this
day italbum
is considered
to be
most
politically
charged
album.
The latest
they have
puttheir
on the
politically
charged
album.
The
latest
they have
put
on the for
market
is “In
Rainbows”.
The
band
putalbum
the album
on the
internet
market to
is “In
Rainbows”.
TheyRadiohead
had put theisalbum
on the
internet
anyone
download
for free.
definitely
a band
not for
anyone
tomoney,
download
for free.
Radiohead
about
the
but purely
for
the fans. is definitely a band that is
unconcerned
abouthas
money,
purely making
for it’s
what
Radiohead
been but
recognized
over themusic
past two
decades
they
love,
and over
for the
of thehave
fans.been nominated for
for
their
music
thepassion
world. They
has been
recognized
over the
two
decades
fourteen Radiohead
Grammy Awards,
and
have one three.
In past
2005,
Rolling
for their
music over
the world.
They have
nominated
rd greatest
Stone
Magazine
ranked
Radiohead
the 73been
band for
ever.
fourteen
Grammy
Awards,
and
have
received
three.
In
2005,
Rolling
It has yet to be announced when Radiohead’s
latest
album
rd greatest band ever.
Stone
Magazine
the 73music
will
drop,
but it isranked
known Radiohead
they are making
as we speak. All
It
has
yet
to
be
announced
when
Radiohead’s
latest
album
that is known for sure for the time being is that there are
many
will drop,
it is afor
fact
that
they are
making music
as we speak. All
eager
fans but
waiting
more
music
("Biography
of Radiohead").
that is known for sure for the time being, is that there are many
eager fans waiting for the arrival of more music ("Biography of
Radiohead").
To put the world to rights?
To put the world to rights?
Historical Reference:
Historical Reference:
This line in the lyrics represents George W. Bush
declaring war on Iraq. The whole point of this being put into
the song is to explain how some people question Bush’s
This line in the lyrics represents George W. Bush
authority. Others also wonder as to why George W. Bush is the
declaring war on Iraq. The whole point of this being put into
one to declare war, and the public has no real say on the
the song is to explain how some people question Bush’s
matter.
authority. Others also wonder as to why George W. Bush is the
one to declare war, and the public has no real say on the
matter.
Back
Back
Where two and two
always makes up five
Literary Reference:
Personally, I take this lyric as the most important line
through
out the whole
song.
basically
the whole
Personally,
I take
thisIt
lyric
as the sums
most up
important
line
meaning
of
what
this
song
is
about.
The
reason
behind
this
through out the whole song. It basically sums up the whole is
because
is what
mathematically
politically
known
that
two
meaningitof
this song is and
about.
The reason
behind
this
is
plus
two
equals
four.
However,
what
this
song
is
implying
is
because it is mathematically and politically known that two
that
people
do not
have
to be told
what
the is
right
thing is
to do
plus two
equals
four.
However,
what
this is
song
implying
or
say.
So, todo
“sum”
it up,tosaying
that
two
two equals
that
people
not have
be told
what
is plus
the right
thing five
to do
demonstrates
verbally
a
rebellion
towards
politics
having
the
or say. So, to “sum” it up, saying that two plus two equals five
final
say in an
important
decision.
demonstrates
verbally
a rebellion
towards politics having the
final say in an important decision.
Back
Back
Sandbag
Sandbag and
and hide
hide
Historical
Historical Reference:
Reference:
The historical reference to this lyric is talking
The historical reference to this lyric is talking
about being in combat in the war of Iraq. When the
about being in combat in the war of Iraq. When the
word “Sandbag” is said, it refers to what the soldiers
word “Sandbag” is said, it refers to the sandbags you
hide behind to be protect from the dangers of enemy
are behind to be covered from enemy weapons. When
weapons. When the word “hide” is said, it is used to
the word “hide” is said, it is used to represent hiding
represent hiding from your enemies while fighting in
from your enemies while fighting in combat.
combat.
BackBack
January
April
January has
has April
showers
showers
Literary
Reference:
Literary Reference:
To me this is referencing towards the absurdness
and chaos politics can bring. By saying that January is
having April showers, it represents the quirkiness life
brings when things are taken completely out of your own
control. This line in the lyrics just really makes me
visualize a Dr. Seuss story.This
story, andline
they’re
really
quirky
paints
enough
a picture
as
it is.
in
your
This
mind.
line really paints a picture in your mind.
Back
Back
It’s the devil's way now
Literary Reference:
The
literary reference
reference to
to me
me here,
here, is
is how
how the
the word
word
The literary
“devil”
“devil” is
is meant
meant to
to represent
represent a
a person.
person. Although,
Although, it
it never
never
states
states that
that it’s
it’s a
a person
person that
that is
is being
being referred
referred to,
to, it
it is
is basically
basically
implied.
implied. It
It also
also tells
tells you
you that
that the
the “person”
“person” in
in the
the song
song they
they are
are
talking
talking about,
about, is
is evil,
evil, for
for that’s
that’s what
what comes
comes to
to mind
mind when
when you
you
think
of
the
Devil.
think of the Devil.
Back
Back
Paying
Paying attention
attention
Literary
Literary Reference:
Reference:
Thephrase,
phrase,“paying
“payingattention”
attention”is
issaid
saidover
overand
andover
over
The
againwhen
whenthe
thesong
songbreaks
breaksinto
intoaaquick
quickpaced
pacedtempo,
tempo.it
This
again
is
is an
example
of repetition.
I also
find
it clever
and
a bit
an
example
of repetition.
I also
find
it clever
and
a bit
ironicthat
that“paying
“payingattention”
attention”is
isplayed
playedrepetitively,
repetitively,
ironic
especiallybecause
becausewhen
whensomeone
someoneisn’t
isn’t“paying
“payingattention”
attention”
especially
youhave
haveto
torepeat
repeatwhat
whatyou
yousay
sayto
tosomeone
someoneover
overagain.
again.
you
Back
Back
II swat
'em
like
flies
but
like
swat 'em like flies but like
flies
the
bugs
keep
coming
flies the bugs keep coming
back
back
Historical
Reference:
Historical Reference:
Here, the artist is referring the bugs to the terrorists.
Here, the
artist
is referring
the it
bugs
to the
terrorists.
For instance,
when
it says
I swat ‘em,
refers
to the
first
For
instance,
when
it dealt
says I with
swat terrorists
‘em, it refers
to the
first
time
our nation
has
in the
ninety’s.
time
our
nation“the
hasbugs
dealtkeep
with
terrorists
in the
ninety’s.
When
it states,
coming
back”,
it represents
When
it states,
bugs keepcame
coming
back”,
it represents
9/11 and
how “the
the Terrorists
back
yet again
to attack
9/11
and how
the Terrorists
came
back
yet again when they
our nation
when
they hijacked
the
planes.
hijacked the planes.
Back
Back
All
All hail
hail to
to the
the thief
thief
Historical
Historical Reference:
Reference:
WhenI Ifirst
firstread
readthe
thesaying
saying“All
“Allhail
hailtotothe
thethief”
thief”I I
When
thoughtofofthe
thePresident.
President.One,
One,because
becausethe
thePresidents’
Presidents’theme
theme
thought
songisis“Hail
“Hailtotothe
theChief”,
Chief”,and
andtwo,
two,because
becausewords
words“All”
“All”and
and
song
“Hail”ititmakes
makesme
methink
thinkofofpeople
peoplebeing
beingforced
forcedtotoworship
worshipone
one
“Hail”
person.This
Thisphrase
phrasein
inthe
thesong
songisiswhat
whatI Radiohead
represents
person.
believe represents
as President
George
W. Bush.
this because
when
President
George
W. Bush.
I sayTheysay
this because
when the
Warthe
on
Warwas
on Iraq
was declared,
people
had
in theand
matter,
Iraq
declared,
people had
no say
inno
thesay
matter,
they
andfelt
they
feltwere
as ifforced
they were
forcedit.to accept it.
also
as also
if they
to accept
Back
Back
There
There is
is no
no way
way out
out
Literary
Literary Reference:
Reference:
What comes
comes to
to mind
mind for
for me
me when
when II hear
hear
What
and read
read this
this line
line in
in the
the lyrics,
lyrics, is
is a
a
and
metaphor. II think
think this
this because
because it
it isn’t
isn’t stating
stating
metaphor.
that they’re
they’re trapped
trapped in
in a
a physical
physical place,
place, but
but
that
more of
of an
an emotional
emotional trapped.
state of being trapped.
more
Back
Back
Don't
Don't question
question my
my authority
authority
or
or put
put me
me in
in the
the box
box
Historical
Historical Reference:
Reference:
The phrase, “Don’t question my authority” represents
The
phrase,
questionthoughts
my authority”
represents
what the
public
felt “Don’t
the President’s
were on
the War.
what felt
the as
public
felt were
the President’s
thoughts
War.
Some
if there
no ifs, ands,
or butswere
whenon
it the
came
to
Some
felt as if
there istowards
no ifs, ands,
or buts
whenCitizens
it camealso
to the
the
ultimate
decision
the War
in Iraq.
ultimate
decision
towards
the War
in Iraq.
Citizens
felt
felt
as if some
of Bush’s
judgments
were
poor and
theyalso
began
as“question
if some ofhis
Bush’s
judgments
were
and
to
authority”.
When
thepoor
lyrics
saythey
“Or began
put meto
in
his authority”.
When the lyrics
saythey
“Or put
me in a
a“question
box”, it represents
the Government
putting
publics’
box”, itopinions
represents
Government
putting
they publics’
voiced
voiced
in the
a box
to be ignored
or shipped
off.
opinions in a box to be ignored or shipped off.
Back
Back
Oh
Oh go
go and
and tell
tell the
the king
king
that
that the
the sky
sky is
is falling
falling in
in
Historical
Historical Reference:
Reference:
The historical reference in this line of the lyrics is the
public are going to the President and voicing that the world is
historical
reference
in this line
of the wanted
lyrics is them
people
comingThe
to an
end, just
like Government
officials
are
going to the
the lyric
President
and this
voicing
that
world
is coming
to. However,
following
phrase
is the
“But
I’m Not”
to
an end,
them
to.
which
tells just
you like
thatGovernment
some aren’t officials
going towanted
listen to
what
they
However,
the
lyric
following
this
phrase
is
“But
I’m
Not”
which
want them to project and show them what they are really
tells
you that
goingit
tosays,
listen
to go
what
they
and
thinking
andsome
want.aren’t
Also, when
“Oh
and
tellwant
the King”
show
them
what
are really
thinking
and want.
Also, when
it seems
like
theythey
are saying
that
our Democratic
government
it
says, “Oh
and
tell the King” it seems like they are saying
almost
feels go
like
a monarch.
that our Democratic government almost feels like a monarch.
Back
Back
I try to sing along
But I get it all wrong
Literary Reference:
The literary reference to me is also a metaphor here. For
example,
it says,
“I try to
to me
sing
I believe that
The when
literary
reference
is along”
also a metaphor.
For it
means and
represents
intry
the
since are
peoplethat
trying
example,
when
it says, “I
toliteral
sing along”
I believe
it to
get what
someone
is saying
them,
upsomeone
misconstruing
means
and
represents
people to
trying
tobut
get end
what
is
the whole
meaning
they
emphasizing.
The
metaphorical
saying
to them.
Just like
a were
person
trying to sing
along
to a
since
is like
notknow.
knowing
the song,
up
tune
they
don’t
The next
part you
says,end
“But
I getting
get it allthe
whole thing
wrong”,
to mewrong.
that means in the literal since that when
someone tried to get what someone else is saying, but they
couldn’t because they couldn’t see the point in it. The
metaphorical since is like not knowing the song, you end up
getting the whole thing wrong.
Back
Back
Citations:
-"American Flag." http://www.hispanianews.com/archive/2004/09/09/9-11.jpg.
-"American-Flag." http://www.humesk9fund.org/buttons/American-Flag.jpg.
-"Biography of Radiohead." Rev. of Biography of Radiohead.
http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Radiohead-Biography/
97707EF56215071448256866000CEE61
-"Black and White Radiohead Photograph." http://www.rollogrady.com/wp-content/
uploads/2010/01/radiohead.jpg.
-"Bush Declares War." http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/
September-October-08/
On-this-Day--President-Bush-Declares--War-on-Terror-.html.
-"Distraction ." http://www.textually.org/textually/archives/2010/04/02/
distraction.jpeg.
-"Fly Photograph." http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2007/11/
FlyBikeBARCROFT_450x300.jpg.
-"In Rainbows Album- Radiohead." http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2399/
1586806527_fc3304322c.jpg.
Citations:
-"Out of tune singer." http://www.rtusp.lv/en/wp-content/uploads/image/
choir.jpg.
-"Photographed Box." http://traction.tractionsoftware.com/db/attachments/blog/
1055/1/open-box.jpg.
-"Photograph of Balloon Head Radiohead." http://www.portlandposterpole.com/
radiohead/emek-radiohead.jpg.
-"Photograph of Distracted Driver." http://blog.georgeweberchevy.com/
wp-content/uploads/2009/07/distracted-driver.bmp.
-"Photograph of George W. Bush." http://www.reform-america.net/
george_w_bush.jpg.
-"Photograph of Hail to the Theif album." http://www.d.umn.edu/~cstroupe/sp07/
3220/assets/radiohead_-_hail_to_the_thi.jpg.
-"Photograph of Jail Cell." http://prodigalsite.org/yahoo_site_admin/assets/
images/PSD_Prison_Cell.321114639_std.jpg.
-"Photograph of Music Notes." http://www.vestalny.com/UserFiles/
music_note%5B1%5D.jpg.
Citations:
-"Photograph of 'OK Computer.'" http://images.coveralia.com/audio/r/
Radiohead-OK_Computer-Frontal.jpg.
-"Photograph of Question Mark." http://www1.sulekha.com/mstore/arambhusal/
albums/default/question-mark.jpg.
-"Photograph of Rollingstone Cover 'Radiohead.'" http://thumbs.imagekind.com/
member/51462523-5be6-4f92-8f73-3f220a41b4da/uploadedartwork/650X650/
31495e99-55de-48ef-ac1b-edde10c4339b.jpg.
-"Photograph of the King." http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/images/
King_Solomon.jpg
-"Radiohead 'Art.'" http://www.andreaventuraart.com/portrait/1/img/big/
radio_head.jpg.
-"Radiohead Biography Part 3." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiohead
-"Radiohead Biography Part Two." http://www.greenplastic.com/band/
-"Radiohead Circus." http://postercabaret.com/ProductImages/
AustRadioheadBeck.JPG.
- "Radiohead Photograph." http://www.rollogrady.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/
radiohead1.jpg.
Citations:
"Rain Photograph." http://www.centralbasin.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/
02/Rain
-"Sand Bag Photo For Powerpoint." http://www.sheputts.com/storage/sand.jpg.
-"Song Lyrics." http://www.lyricinterpretations.com/
lyrics.php?songidx=03bfaf1aebf33fd
-"Troop Photograph." http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2009/07/
afghan-troops-415x318.jpg
-"War On Iraq Timeline." http://thinkprogress.org/iraq-timeline/.
-"World Map Photo Picture." http://www.getmarried.com/members/brides/16/s/
61085/images/blog/map.jpg.