"How to Disappear Completely" is a haunting ballad by the English rock band Radiohead, featured as the fourth track on their 2000 album Kid A. The song is widely recognized for its ethereal atmosphere, emotional depth, and innovative use of orchestration.
Background and Writing
- Written: Mid-1997, during the OK Computer tour.
- First Performed: 1998; an early version appears in the documentary Meeting People Is Easy.
- Recording: Finalized in early 2000 at Radiohead's Oxfordshire studio. The string arrangement, composed by Jonny Greenwood and featuring the ondes Martenot, was recorded by the Orchestra of St John's in a nearby church.
The song’s title is inspired by Doug Richmond’s 1985 book How to Disappear Completely and Never Be Found. Thom Yorke has said the lyrics were influenced by advice from Michael Stipe of R.E.M., who told him to repeat “I’m not here, this isn’t happening” to cope with the overwhelming pressures of fame and touring23.
Musical Style and Composition
- Genre: Art rock, post-rock, ambient.
- Length: Approximately 5:56.
- Key Features:
- Acoustic guitar foundation.
- Lush orchestral strings.
- Subtle electronic textures and ambient effects.
- Use of the ondes Martenot for an eerie, otherworldly sound.
- The arrangement is noted for its seamless blending of acoustic and electronic elements, creating a dreamlike, immersive soundscape.
Lyrical Themes
- Alienation and Dissociation: The lyrics evoke a sense of detachment and unreality, reflecting Yorke’s struggles with identity and the pressures of success.
- Notable Lines: "That there, that's not me.
I go where I please.
I walk through walls, I float down the Liffey.
I'm not here, this isn't happening." - The chorus phrase “I’m not here, this isn’t happening” became emblematic of the song’s theme of disappearing from overwhelming reality.
Legacy and Reception
- Critical Acclaim: The song is often cited as one of Radiohead’s most emotionally resonant works and a highlight of Kid A.
- Influence: Its orchestral arrangement and ambient textures have been praised for pushing the boundaries of rock music.
- Appearances: The song has featured in TV series (Roswell), films (Life as a House), and documentaries (The Island President).
Additional Facts
- Included on Radiohead: The Best Of (2008) and the Kid A Mnesia (2021) reissue, which features the isolated string track.
- The song was dedicated by some accounts to Richey Edwards of Manic Street Preachers, who disappeared in 1995.
"How to Disappear Completely" stands as a testament to Radiohead’s ability to blend introspective lyricism with experimental sound, creating a piece that resonates deeply with listeners seeking solace in moments of alienation and uncertainty123.
