Radiohead
"Airbag" is the opening track of Radiohead's landmark third album, OK Computer, released in 1997. The song also serves as the title track of the EP Airbag/How Am I Driving? (1998), which collected B-sides and additional material from the OK Computer era. "Airbag" gained recognition as a powerful and innovative song, seamlessly introducing listeners to the sonic and thematic complexities of the album.wikipedia.org+1
Key Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | Radiohead |
| Album | OK Computer (1997) |
| Track Number | 1 |
| Length | 4:46 |
| Producers | Nigel Godrich, Radiohead |
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Release (EP) | April 21, 1998 (Airbag/How Am I Driving?) |
Inspiration and Meaning
- Personal Experience: The origins of "Airbag" trace back to a car accident involving Thom Yorke and his girlfriend in 1987; while she suffered only minor injuries, the event had a deep impact on Yorke, fueling a recurring anxiety about automobiles and technology that runs through OK Computer.songfacts.com+1
- Lyrical Themes: The song contemplates the rush and relief of surviving a near-death experience. The car crash becomes symbolic of sudden awakening or rebirth, with lines such as “I’m amazed that I survived / An airbag saved my life.” Yorke has described the track as a celebration of life and a reminder to appreciate each moment after escaping calamity.ultimateclassicrock.com+2
- Title Origins: The original working title, "An Airbag Saved My Life," referenced both a headline from a British Automobile Association manual and the classic Indeep song “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life.” The final title distills the idea to its essence.citizeninsane.eu+1
- Philosophical Elements: In addition to musings on physical survival, the song reflects influences from The Tibetan Book of the Dead and themes of reincarnation, suggesting a cycle of endings and new beginnings.ultimateclassicrock.com
Musical Composition
- Production: Inspired by the cut-and-paste techniques of DJ Shadow, the band constructed the percussion from chopped-up samples of Phil Selway's drumming, giving the rhythm a fractured, loop-based texture.ultimateclassicrock.com+1
- Atmosphere: "Airbag" features Jonny Greenwood’s soaring distorted guitar, a deep and complex bassline, ethereal Mellotron sounds, and intricate layers of glitchy effects. The dynamic arrangement bridges Radiohead’s earlier rock sound and the experimental direction of OK Computer.ultimateclassicrock.com+1
- Reception: Widely cited as a brilliant album opener, "Airbag" has been praised for its energetic, euphoric yet subtly ominous mood, serving as a perfect gateway into OK Computer's world.reddit.com
Notable Quotes and Interpretations
- Thom Yorke: “Has an airbag saved my life? Nah… but I tell you something, every time you have a near accident, instead of just sighing and carrying on, you should pull over, get out of the car and run down the street screaming, ‘I’m back! I’m alive! My life has started again today!’”ultimateclassicrock.com
Legacy
"Airbag" is celebrated as a pivotal track in Radiohead's discography and a resonant meditation on salvation, mortality, and transformation. Its innovative production and layered meaning have made it a favorite among fans and critics, and it remains a highlight of both the album and the band’s broader career.wikipedia.org+2
