"The National Anthem" is the third track on Radiohead’s groundbreaking 2000 album Kid A. The song is renowned for its hypnotic, repetitive bassline, chaotic brass arrangements, and experimental fusion of rock and free jazz. It stands as one of the most distinctive and ambitious pieces in the band’s discography.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | Radiohead |
| Album | Kid A |
| Release Date | October 2, 2000 |
| Genre | Jazz rock, experimental rock, art rock |
| Length | 5:51 |
| Writers | Radiohead (Yorke, Greenwood, O'Brien, Selway, Greenwood) |
| Producer | Nigel Godrich, Radiohead |
Musical Style and Composition
- Bassline: The song is anchored by a relentless, fuzzed-out bass riff written by Thom Yorke when he was 16. This bassline drives the entire track, creating a sense of urgency and tension12.
- Brass Section: The centerpiece is a cacophonous horn section, inspired by the free jazz of Charles Mingus. The band directed the brass musicians to play as if they were stuck in a traffic jam, resulting in a sound that’s both chaotic and exhilarating132.
- Electronic and Experimental Elements: Jonny Greenwood adds ondes Martenot (an early electronic instrument) and radio samples, further contributing to the song’s disorienting, avant-garde atmosphere12.
- Vocals: Thom Yorke’s vocals are processed with a ring modulator, adding to the song’s sense of alienation and unease13.
Lyrical Themes
- Alienation and Anxiety: The lyrics are minimal and repetitive, with lines like “Everyone, everyone around here, everyone is so near, it’s holding on,” evoking feelings of social anxiety and disconnection42.
- Unity and Fear: The title references a symbol of national unity, but the song’s mood and lyrics suggest a collective anxiety or fear holding people together, rather than genuine unity.
- Interpretation: The repeated phrase “it’s holding on” can be seen as a metaphor for people clinging to routines, identities, or social structures in the face of overwhelming uncertainty.
Recording and Production
- Development: The track was first recorded in 1997 but was set aside until the Kid A sessions. The band experimented with adding and removing elements over time, embracing a process of “adding things to the stew” and returning with fresh ears13.
- Brass Recording: The horn section was recorded in a single, chaotic session, with Yorke and Greenwood energetically conducting the musicians. Yorke reportedly broke his foot jumping around during the session13.
- Influences: The free jazz chaos was directly inspired by Charles Mingus’s Town Hall Concert, which Yorke described as “just fucking chaos” and a formative influence on the track’s direction13.
Reception and Legacy
- Critical Response: The song’s experimental nature divided critics. Some praised its boldness and emotional impact, while others found the brass section abrasive. Over time, it has become recognized as a standout track on Kid A and a key example of Radiohead’s willingness to push musical boundaries32.
- Live Performances: "The National Anthem" became a staple of Radiohead’s live shows, often opening concerts with its intense energy and improvisational feel2.
Notable Lyrics
"Everyone
Everyone around here
Everyone is so near
It's holding on
It's holding on..."4
In Summary
"The National Anthem" is a bold fusion of rock, jazz, and electronic experimentation, reflecting Radiohead’s restless creativity at the turn of the millennium. Its chaotic energy, driven by a relentless bassline and a wild brass section, captures themes of alienation, anxiety, and the uneasy unity of modern life. The track remains a testament to the band’s willingness to challenge both themselves and their listeners132.
