Radiohead - Street Spirit (Fade Out) REACTION 

This is my favourite Radiohead song. They have such an amazing catalogue, but this one hits deep. His voice is beautiful.

One of the most haunting, captivating songs ever. This is actually the last song on The Bends, which is the album before OK Computer. Also I totally agree about just wanting to close your eyes and be at ease when listening to Radiohead. Some say it's sad or depressing, but I think it is super comforting. I think Jigsaw Falling into Place is a great, groovy song that would show you a slightly different side to them.

This song is about realising there's no hope and conveys all our worst darkest emotions and feelings of hopelessness. "I see deaths beady eyes" there's no escaping death no matter what. Its the existential crisis most of us have at some point in our lives. This song should gnaw at your very bones.

Love your reactions and most especially Radiohead. Thom Yorke: "Street Spirit is our purest song, but I didn’t write it. It wrote itself. We were just its messengers; it's biological catalysts. Its core is a complete mystery to me, and, you know, I wouldn’t ever try to write something that hopeless. All of our saddest songs have somewhere in them at least a glimmer of resolve. Street Spirit has no resolve. It is the dark tunnel without the light at the end. It represents all tragic emotion that is so hurtful that the sound of that melody is its only definition. We all have a way of dealing with that song. It’s called detachment. Especially me; I detach my emotional radar from that song, or I couldn’t play it. I’d crack. I’d break down on stage. That’s why its lyrics are just a bunch of mini-stories or visual images as opposed to a cohesive explanation of its meaning. I used images set to the music that I thought would convey the emotional entirety of the lyric and music working together. That’s what’s meant by ‘all these things you’ll one day swallow whole’. I meant the emotional entirety, because I didn’t have it in me to articulate the emotion. I’d crack… Our fans are braver than I to let that song penetrate them, or maybe they don’t realise what they’re listening to. They don’t realise that Street Spirit is about staring the fucking devil right in the eyes, and knowing, no matter what the hell you do, he’ll get the last laugh. And it’s real, and true. The devil really will get the last laugh in all cases without exception, and if I let myself think about that too long, I’d crack. I can’t believe we have fans that can deal emotionally with that song. That’s why I’m convinced that they don’t know what it’s about. It’s why we play it towards the end of our sets. It drains me, and it shakes me, and hurts like hell every time I play it, looking out at thousands of people cheering and smiling, oblivious to the tragedy of its meaning, like when you’re going to have your dog put down and it’s wagging its tail on the way there. That’s what they all look like, and it breaks my heart. I wish that song hadn’t picked us as its catalysts, and so I don’t claim it. It asks too much. I didn’t write that song." ❤️❤️

Thom Yorke on Street Spirit (Fade Out) "Street Spirit is our purest song, but I didn’t write it. It wrote itself. We were just its messengers; it's biological catalysts. Its core is a complete mystery to me, and, you know, I wouldn’t ever try to write something that hopeless. All of our saddest songs have somewhere in them at least a glimmer of resolve. Street Spirit has no resolve. It is the dark tunnel without the light at the end. It represents all tragic emotion that is so hurtful that the sound of that melody is its only definition. We all have a way of dealing with that song. It’s called detachment. Especially me; I detach my emotional radar from that song, or I couldn’t play it. I’d crack. I’d break down on stage. That’s why its lyrics are just a bunch of mini-stories or visual images as opposed to a cohesive explanation of its meaning. I used images set to the music that I thought would convey the emotional entirety of the lyric and music working together. That’s what’s meant by ‘all these things you’ll one day swallow whole’. I meant the emotional entirety, because I didn’t have it in me to articulate the emotion. I’d crack… Our fans are braver than I to let that song penetrate them, or maybe they don’t realise what they’re listening to. They don’t realise that Street Spirit is about staring the fucking devil right in the eyes, and knowing, no matter what the hell you do, he’ll get the last laugh. And it’s real, and true. The devil really will get the last laugh in all cases without exception, and if I let myself think about that too long, I’d crack. I can’t believe we have fans that can deal emotionally with that song. That’s why I’m convinced that they don’t know what it’s about. It’s why we play it towards the end of our sets. It drains me, and it shakes me, and hurts like hell every time I play it, looking out at thousands of people cheering and smiling, oblivious to the tragedy of its meaning, like when you’re going to have your dog put down and it’s wagging its tail on the way there. That’s what they all look like, and it breaks my heart. I wish that song hadn’t picked us as its catalysts, and so I don’t claim it. It asks too much. I didn’t write that song."

My favourite Radiohead song..

Been with Radiohead since Pablo Honey. Their whole backcatalogue is amazing.

Respect Sir, for reacting to this, not seen anyone else do it - it really is stunning.

So glad you're continuing the Radiohead journey! There's so much more to discover with these guys, they're so versatile and creative! How to disappear completely is one of my favorites by them but they're whole extensive catalog is amazing!

truly one of the most beautiful songs ever written. please go back and listen again and again. there is a lot going on here. the lyrics are so meaningful. the last phrase is so tear jerking. this is on THE BENDS. completely underrated album. love your reactions so heartfelt. Radiohead such an iconic banc. 💖

Don't forget to check out "Exit Music (For A Film)", "Talk Show Host", "True Love Waits", "Reckoner", and "Jigsaw Falling Into Place". Honestly, the entire In Rainbows album is a masterpiece and comes with my highest recommendation.

This track is simply amazing! Radiohead is something else

Great choice for a reaction 🌟 It’s worth a read of Thom’s own thoughts about this song, how it came to be written & how he feels performing it.

Would love to see lots of Radiohead reactions, they have a lot of great music 👍

This machine will, will not communicate the thoughts and the strain I am under… a lyric I’ve thought of more and more during this work from home covid period.

There's a live version. I think it was a radio show or maybe MTV recording of just Thom and Jonny on guitars and Thom's voice is immaculate. ♥️

ngl my favorite radiohead song, it has a haunting and a sad aura you can't explain but at least have a few ideas on

The Darkness has a cover of this song on their album ‘Hot Cakes’

When you said you just wanted to close your eyes,I realised I'd closed my eyes!xx

I absolutely love watching your videos and your response to these songs. I'm over the pond in the uk and I grew up on this music, I'm 44 now and this song still sends shivers up my spine. I was young when this first came out lol.

I love watching you react. You don't listen to music, you feel it, just like me, and every micro-emotion that cascades over your face, as you listen to the bands that I love, is an absolute joy. Thank you :)

A terrifying song when you understand the meaning behind it and one that Yorke struggles with and often doesn’t perform anymore.

I remember loving this song so much I wrote a small creative story about it. Don't know what I done with it would be interesting to read it again

There’s just a different texture to all they do , they leave space even though the the sound surrounds you . Talking about music is like dancing about architecture

Your happiness is infectious brother Spread it far and wide Great reaction as always

Check out Black Star by Radiohead too.

Aww yis! was wondering when you were going to cover this. Such a fantastic tune.

Always ahead of the game

From one of the most perfect albums ever, The Bends.

That entire album is PERFECT. This song, though... I mean 🤦🤯

Radiohead are an amazing band

Dude you’ve come back swinging! Good to see you covering more Radiohead. You definitely need to react to something from Kid A and also In Rainbows too. Keep ‘em coming my good man! 👍🏿

Radiohead are FAR from being a favourite band of mine. I like three of their songs, this being one. I like the video and the music to this song.

The live version is astonishing

If you feel like you're "fading out" listening to this, check out their song "How to Disappear Completely."

One of their best songs. -Yorke insisted that he didn't really write this, that it wrote itself. He claimed the band was merely its messengers, for something he called "our purest, saddest song."

Shameless next🎶❤️

Lenny Kravitz "Low"

Watching. Missed you J! Great band.

Do album reactions for them already bruv!!!

For my money this is their best song.

👍

Please react to wind of change by scorpions

you should listen to knives out

Thom Yorke has one the most beautiful voices. Ever. Hands down. Radiohead is my favorite band, and Street Spirit is just unparalleled. Fun fact: I have the phrase “immerse your soul in love” tattooed on my back. ❤️ Thank you so much for this reaction.

Had forgotten how beautiful this is. Slava Ukraini!

It's astounding to me that Radiohead have been providing the soundtrack to my life for nearly 30 years. Where does that time go?

One of the best British bands ever 🇬🇧

One of my favorite songs ever. Never gets old.

My sister can't hear this song without bursting into tears. It's just too beautiful. I particularly like how the lead vocal pulls against the backing vocals in the chorus.

Imagine being like 15 yo and deep in your feels and feeling alienated and dealing with puberty and all that shit. Then you hear that.... Radiohead for my generation... you can't underestimate. Great reaction.

If you want a nice and clean build up listen to ''You and who's army''! I am sure you will appreciate it!

I'm a child of the 60's and had thought that all the good music died in the late 1970's. Then in the 90's I heard Radiohead and my faith in music was restored. This particular track never fails to bring tears to my eyes. Beautiful music.

Love radio head, especially street spirit and fake plastic trees, just pure enjoyable music

Hauntingly beautiful song with Incredible lyrics.

J, check out Jon Secada. Just Another Day. I wouldn't lead you in a wrong direction. I think you'll enjoy it.

This is hands down one of my favorite Radiohead songs. It really penetrates your soul.

They evolve with every album. Masterful compositions. Thom Yorke's voice is beautiful on its own. See Exit Music (for a Film). Hail to the Theif is a brilliant album, too. Drunken Punch-up, Wolves at the Door - so frickin good.

It’s the last track on the bends. You’re right, it’s a stunning song. Always loved the riff, and the fact thom starts, then Ed starts playing, like u say, building the song up to the rest of the band playing. Also try (nice dream), my iron lung and blackstar from the same album, there there, knives out, climbing up the walls or nude.

There's a song on OK Computer called "Let Down." It has a similar soaring/uplifting quality to "Street Spirit."

One of my fave Radiohead songs. Welcome back.

THANK YOU FOR REACTING TO THIS! Pure perfection - Radiohead at their best. I've loved this song for decades - from the first time I heard it.....hauntingly beautiful but dark with such overwhelming melancholy. It simply penetrates your soul 🖤

tehehe, he said RH puts you AT EASE… that’s right, at ease, no surprises, no longer frantic…there there…🤘😻

When The Bends album came out, Street spirit became my favourite ever song

I had heard a couple of Radiohead songs before (including Creep) but it's this one that sold them to me forever.

This is the best song ever, dude, I swear) Radiohead is a genius. Its my favourite song from them, a true masterpiece

High and dry is one of there weakest songs, try National anthem live!

This is such a beautiful song.

My Favourite radiohead song. Thom Yorke's voice is gorgeous ❤

Such a great song. It’s in my top ten radiohead songs. “Exit Music (for a film)” is my favorite. “True Love Waits”, “Where I End and You Begin”, “All I Need”, and “Nude” are all fantastic. There’s so much more. Thank you for continuing on your Radiohead adventure. 💜💜💜

Love this tune. I always loved The Pyramid Song. Proper moody.

This is my favorite song period. It’s the last song on “the bends”. Kind of precursor for what’s to come on Ok Computer. Their best album in my humble opinion 😎

From the album 'The Bends', excellent track - their first great album.

Best song on the album

One of the most haunting powerful song ever - you should hear Thom and Johnny (lead guitar) playing this live acoustic - just type' Street Spirit acoustic live' - stunning and beautiful performance. Ukraine One Love.

Thom York : "Street Spirit has no resolve. It is the dark tunnel without the light at the end."

I've been waiting forever for you to get to Radiohead. ❤️

One of my most favourite songs ever.

"Street Spirit" is only from their second L.P... Radiohead have released over 10 Albums. As well as releasing copious amounts of previously unreleased stuff, old & new, on their RU-vid Channel. You've a lot alot of Radiohead to experience yet ! .

Gives me goosebumps. They were and are in a league of their own especially at this peak during the 90s. Their music is timeless.

My fav band!...... "immerse your soul in love" are the last lyrics of the song. Their best stuff is from Kid A and Amnesiac, in my opinion. please check out: Everything in its Right Place I Might Be Wrong There There Lotus Flower

It's from the album 'The Bends'. The album before they did OK Computer!

Yess, love this song, pyramid song is one of my fav Radiohead songs, eerie

This song is so powerful in so many ways by Radiohead - it always moves me. IMO its one of those rare gems that means something personal to the person listening to it and Radiohead are geniuses regarding making it personal to the listener but so subtly you don't realize it until you've listened to it a few times. Live it's good too. As others have said definitely haunting and a moving melody.

The video is a masterpiece

Yes!!! Good work..... Check out Radiohead's Weird Fishes live on Later with Jools Holland. Perfection...

The Bends album ends with a Nightmare in Street Spirit... And Ok Computer Begins waking up from it with Airbag.

Check out “my iron lung” by them also, its fantastic. Thanks for the reaction Jay

I am not a fan of this type of music at all……BUT it’s a huge BUT back in the 90’s me and my one true love SASHA would always listen to this in the pub drunk and cry and hold each other it’s a very strong emotional song high if you don’t feel this song you might not have any soul

My brain teleport me to a far quit corner in space, when I listen to Street Spirit. It's such a special feeling, like a fourth dimension or something. I have no words, only a lot of tears, it's so awesome.

There is a lot "No Surprises," Talk Show Host," Karrma Police," Fake Plastic Trees, "Paranoid Android," and so many others it's insane.

You may be mature to jump to their 2000's songs and albums. Have a nice journey. Have a look to 'How to disappear completely'

You should check out post modern sleaze by sneaker pimps, ghost voices by Denge Fever and sour times by portishead. That would be cool. Keep up the good work my man. Best wishes from carl in england and sophea from cambodia x

oh wow..when you played fake plastic..i said to watch this..their best song....!...yey!... if you read somewhere..he was taken over by something when writeing this tune..so you are right if you think this is haunting..yep..high and dry..next..

Can someone tell me if this singer is part of Gorillaz? Sorry can't remember

maybe the only Radiohead song where they have the same guitar chords the whole song. Nothing wrong with that though... Thoms soaring vocals always keep me hooked. You're right about feeling somewhere else when listening to Radiohead. It's really bad background music... If you put Radiohead on... you're listening to it. it's just the way it is. I guess because it's often so sad/anxious that you don't usually put it on for guests etc.

Everything they’ve ever done is good. Something for everyone with Radiohead.

The first time I heard this song about 30 years ago (I was 14) and drunk, I listened to it dusk till dawn it blew me away, still get me even today

Great to see ya discovering my favourite band, also love that you have discovered Janet Jackson. Beautiful reactions !

I still don't get how he managed to sing that. The dynamics, the falsetto... The guitar riff is fun to practise.