Gagging Order

Radiohead's song 'Gagging Order' delves into themes of personal autonomy, societal pressure, and the struggle for self-identity. The opening lines, 'I know what you're thinking / But I'm not your property,' immediately set the tone for a narrative of resistance against being controlled or owned by others. This sentiment is reinforced by the repetition of 'No matter what you say,' emphasizing a firm stance against external influence and manipulation.

The phrase 'Move along, there's nothing left to see' suggests a sense of resignation or defeat, as if the speaker is urging others to ignore their plight. This could be interpreted as a commentary on how society often overlooks individual suffering, reducing people to mere 'bodies' without acknowledging their inner struggles. The imagery of 'just a body, pouring down the street' evokes a sense of dehumanization, as if the person has been stripped of their identity and reduced to a mere physical presence.

The lines 'A couple more for breakfast / A little more for tea / Just to take the edge off' hint at the use of substances to cope with emotional pain. This could be seen as a metaphor for the ways people numb themselves to deal with the pressures and expectations placed upon them. The repetition of 'Move along' throughout the song reinforces the idea of being dismissed or overlooked, further highlighting the theme of isolation and the struggle to maintain one's sense of self in a world that often seeks to control and define us.