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Paranoid Android
Radiohead
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- Album
- OK Computer
- Released
- 1997
- Genres
- art rock, alternative rock
- Length
- 6:27
- Tempo
- 164 BPM
- Label
- XL Recordings
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About this song
"Paranoid Android" was the first single from OK Computer. Thom Yorke wrote its three sections around three different states of mind, and the band compared it to multi-part rock pieces by other famous artists. Jonny Greenwood said the song features a Mellotron, which he had been inspired to use after hearing a Genesis record. The song was also used as the ending theme for the anime series Ergo Proxy.
What it's about
Yorke's lyrics were drawn from an unpleasant night at a Los Angeles bar, where he was surrounded by strangers high on cocaine and was frightened by a woman who turned violent after a drink was spilled on her. The song touches on themes common across OK Computer, including insanity, violence, slogans and political objection to capitalism.
Fun facts
- Sampled in 9 other songs, like “Klap For Fædrelandet by Zar Paulo”.
- Covered 11 times, including “Paranoid Android by Imperial Triumphant”.
- Written by Nigel Godrich, Radiohead, Thom Yorke, Colin Greenwood, Jonny Greenwood and Philip Selway.
- Produced by Radiohead and Nigel Godrich.
- Recorded at St. Catherine's Court.