"Karma Police" is one of Radiohead’s most acclaimed songs, released on 25 August 1997 as the second single from their third album, OK Computer. The track is known for its haunting melody, cryptic lyrics, and its role as a defining moment in 1990s alternative rock12.
Background and Release
- Album: OK Computer (1997)
- Release Date: 25 August 1997
- Writers: Thom Yorke, Colin Greenwood, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O'Brien, Phil Selway
- Producer: Nigel Godrich, Radiohead
- Length: 4:24
The song was inspired by an inside joke among band members: when someone misbehaved on tour, they would say, "The karma police will get you." This playful phrase evolved into a song that mixes dark satire with social commentary23.
Musical Style and Structure
- Instrumentation: Features acoustic guitar, piano, and atmospheric effects.
- Key Elements:
- Melancholic chord progression, reminiscent of The Beatles’ "Sexy Sadie"
- Memorable refrain: "This is what you get when you mess with us"
- Eerie, distorted outro created with digital delay effects by guitarist Ed O’Brien
Lyrical Themes and Meaning
- Corporate Critique: The song is a satirical attack on corporate culture and middle management. Thom Yorke described it as "a song against bosses," expressing frustration with authority figures and the pressures of working for large companies.
- Alienation and Insanity: Lyrics evoke a sense of detachment and dissatisfaction, with lines referencing individuals who are out of place or disruptive ("He talks in maths / He buzzes like a fridge / He's like a detuned radio").
- Karma and Retribution: The recurring phrase "This is what you get when you mess with us" suggests a warning about the consequences of one’s actions—tying into the concept of karma.
- Irony and Humor: Despite its dark tone, the band has emphasized that the song is not entirely serious, using collage-like lyrics and irony.
Notable Lyrics
Karma police, arrest this man, he talks in maths
He buzzes like a fridge, he's like a detuned radio
Karma police, arrest this girl, her Hitler hairdo is making me feel ill
And we have crashed her party
This is what you get when you mess with us
For a minute there, I lost myself, I lost myself
Music Video
- Director: Jonathan Glazer
- Concept: Features Thom Yorke in the back of a car pursuing a man down a dark road. The surreal, unsettling visuals won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Direction in 1997.
Reception and Legacy
- Chart Performance: Number one in Iceland, number eight in the UK, and number 14 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
- Critical Acclaim: Frequently cited as one of Radiohead’s greatest songs; ranked #279 on Rolling Stone’s "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in both 2021 and 2024.
- Cultural Impact: Became a concert sing-along anthem and a symbol of late-90s alternative music.
Quick Facts Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Album | OK Computer (1997) |
| Writers | All Radiohead members |
| Producer | Nigel Godrich, Radiohead |
| Chart Peak (UK) | #8 |
| Key Themes | Corporate critique, karma, alienation |
| Notable Video | MTV Award-winning, surreal imagery |
"Karma Police" endures as a powerful statement on power, retribution, and the absurdities of modern life, blending irony and emotion in a way that is uniquely Radiohead123.
