Lecture Notes on Radiohead's 'Creep'

Overview

• Song Title: Creep
• Artist: Radiohead
• Album: Pablo Honey (Collectors Edition)
• Release Date: September 21, 1992
• Producers: Chris Hufford

Song Themes and Analysis

• Concept:
  • Creep is about an inebriated man trying to get the attention of a woman he finds attractive.
  • The song explores themes of self-worth and insecurity.
  • The protagonist feels like a "creep" or "weirdo," reflecting a lack of self-confidence.
• Thom Yorke's Perspective:
  • Struggles with asserting a sexual persona while negating it.
  • Expresses the difficulty of being a sensitive man in the 90s.
• Jonny Greenwood:
  • Describes it as recognizing who you are, even if it seems negative.

Lyrics Breakdown

• Verse 1:
  • Highlights the protagonist's admiration for a woman, describing her as angelic and causing him emotional pain due to her beauty.
• Chorus:
  • Self-reflection on being a "creep" and "weirdo."
  • Expresses feelings of not belonging.
• Verse 2:
  • Desires for control, perfection in body and soul.
  • Emphasizes the need to be noticed and special.
• Bridge:
  • Woman distances herself, further intensifying the protagonist’s feelings of inadequacy.
• Outro:
  • Reiterates the chorus with a sense of resignation.

Cultural Impact

• Covers:
  • Notable covers by The Pretenders, Carrie Manolakos, Macy Gray, and others.
• Live Performances:
  • Rarely performed live post-OK Computer tour due to the mixed feelings of the band towards the song.

Additional Information

• Band Members Involved in Writing: Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, Colin Greenwood, Philip Selway.
• Label: Parlophone Records, Capitol Records, XL Recordings.
• Recording Location: Chipping Norton Recording Studios, Oxfordshire, England.

Noteworthy Quotes

• Thom Yorke: "To assert a sexual persona and on the other hand trying desperately to negate it."
• Audience Perceptions:
  • Some listeners relate to the feelings of inadequacy expressed in the song.

Conclusion

• "Creep" is a complex exploration of self-identity and romantic insecurity, reflecting Radiohead's distinctive style and vulnerability in songwriting.