Put The Radio On

Keane's 'Put The Radio On' delves into the theme of escapism, using the metaphor of turning on the radio to create a private world where the outside noise and troubles are shut out. The lyrics suggest a desire to avoid confronting reality, as the act of putting the radio on serves as a barrier against the harshness of life. The repetition of 'Put the radio on' emphasizes the need for this escape, creating a sense of urgency and longing for a safe space where the protagonists can be alone together, free from external judgment and pressures.

The song also touches on the idea of mutual deception as a coping mechanism. The opening lines, 'You tell a lie, I'll tell one too,' indicate a shared understanding between the characters that lying makes it easier to deal with their situation. This mutual agreement to deceive themselves and each other highlights their desperation to maintain their illusion of control and happiness. The lyrics 'Let's make a world no one can touch, a world where there is only us' further underscore their desire to create an impenetrable bubble of intimacy and security.

Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of dreaming and wishing for an alternate reality. The lines 'Maybe I'm just dreaming, I wish I was dreaming' reflect a yearning for a different life, one that is perhaps more bearable or fulfilling. The radio, in this context, becomes a symbol of hope and comfort, a way to drown out the noise of their thoughts and the world around them. The imagery of feeling one's heart 'banging like a gun' and being surrounded by light 'like the song' suggests a powerful emotional connection to the music, which provides solace and a sense of belonging.