The National Anthem Lyrics

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  • Type out all lyrics, even repeating song parts like the chorus
  • Lyrics should be broken down into individual lines
  • Use section headers above different song parts like [Verse], [Chorus], etc.
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About

Genius Annotation

In the 3rd song off of Radiohead’s experimental album “Kid A” lead singer Thom Yorke sings short, ambiguous lyrics, using voice distortion and a feedback echo that creates a sense of isolation and fear.

The looping heavy bass line that leads the song was composed by Thom Yorke when he was 16 years old. The early electronic instrument called ondes Martenot, played by Jonny Greenwood was inspired by Olivier Messiaen. The free jazz-style brass section played by musicians from the St. John’s Orchestra and conducted by Greenwood and Yorke was inspired by the work of Charles Mingus. Add to that some interlaced sound effects, some mysterious samples and you get a mood at once typical of early 2000s Radiohead and unique in their whole discography.

The band had attempted to record the song twice before, in 1994 and 1997, but kept it from releasing as a B-side because they felt the song was too good for it. The working title then was “Everyone”.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

Where does the name "The National Anthem" come from and what does it mean?
Genius Answer

As stated in the bio, the working title for the track was “Everyone”, which easily connects with the lyrics that are present within the song. According to Citizen Insane, a German website dedicated to Radiohead, “The National Anthem” was already considered as a title, but it wasn’t until 1999 that the song was retitled, most likely because of the orchestral instrumental piece that is heard in the final thirty seconds, along with the fact that band-member Jonny Greenwood included pieces that he heard on the radio.

Credits
Phonographic Copyright ℗
Publisher
Distributor
Additional Engineering
Assistant Producer
Mastering Engineer
Mixing Engineer
Sound Effects
Ondes Martenot
Trumpet
Trombone
Tenor Saxophone
Performer
Bass Trombone
Baritone Saxophone
Recorded At
Guillaume Tell, Paris; Medley, Copenhagen
Release Date
October 2, 2000
Songs That Interpolate The National Anthem
The National Anthem Live Performances
View The National Anthem samples
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