Radiohead

2 + 2 = 5

Hail to the Thief (2003)

"2 + 2 = 5" is the opening track on Radiohead’s sixth studio album, Hail to the Thief, released in 2003. The song is notable for its urgent energy, political undertones, and dynamic structure, serving as a powerful introduction to the album’s themes of paranoia, misinformation, and resistance.

Background and Release

• Album: Hail to the Thief (2003)
• Writers: Radiohead (Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, Colin Greenwood, Phil Selway)
• Producer: Nigel Godrich
• Length: 3:19
• Single Release: Issued as a single in select countries, with B-sides including "Remyxomatosis" and "There There" (Live).

Title and Inspiration

• The title references George Orwell’s 1984, where the phrase “2 + 2 = 5” symbolizes the manipulation of truth by totalitarian regimes. It reflects the idea that facts can be distorted by those in power, a theme echoed throughout the song.
• The subtitle, “The Lukewarm,” is a nod to Dante’s Inferno, referring to those who remain neutral in times of moral crisis.

Musical Style and Structure

• The song opens with a deceptively calm, syncopated guitar riff before erupting into an aggressive, distorted rock section.
• Features shifting time signatures and dynamic changes, moving from a restrained verse to a cathartic, explosive climax.
• Thom Yorke’s vocals transition from a subdued delivery to an impassioned outcry, mirroring the song’s escalating tension.

Lyrical Themes

• The lyrics address themes of denial, complicity, and the dangers of unquestioning acceptance. They critique political spin, media distortion, and the suppression of dissent.
• Notable lines include: "Are you such a dreamer
  To put the world to rights?
  I'll stay home forever
  Where two and two always makes a five..."
• The repeated refrain, “You have not been paying attention,” serves as a warning against complacency and ignorance.

Legacy and Reception

• "2 + 2 = 5" is widely regarded as one of Radiohead’s most forceful and politically charged songs, praised for its intensity and relevance.
• The track became a staple of the band’s live performances, often used to open concerts during the Hail to the Thief era.
• Critics have highlighted the song’s ability to channel anxiety and outrage into a compelling musical statement, aligning with the album’s broader critique of early 21st-century politics and culture.

Notable Credits

In summary:
"2 + 2 = 5" is a dynamic, politically resonant track that encapsulates Radiohead’s anxieties about truth, authority, and personal responsibility. Its Orwellian title and urgent sound make it a defining moment on Hail to the Thief and a standout in the band’s catalog.