15 Step

Radiohead's '15 Step' is a song that encapsulates the feeling of disillusionment and the cyclical nature of making the same mistakes. The opening lines, 'How come I end up where I started? How come I end up where I went wrong?' suggest a sense of frustration and confusion. The protagonist seems to be caught in a loop, unable to break free from repeating past errors. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for life's challenges, where despite one's best efforts, they find themselves back at square one. The lyrics 'Won't take my eyes off the ball again' indicate a determination to remain focused and avoid being sidetracked, yet there's a resignation that despite this resolve, they are still led astray and let down ('You reel me out, then you cut the string').

The middle section of the song shifts to a more reflective tone, asking 'You used to be alright, what happened?' This could be seen as an internal dialogue or a question posed to another person. The mention of a cat getting one's tongue and strings coming undone one by one implies a loss of voice or control, leading to a gradual unraveling. The phrase 'It comes to us all, It's as soft as your pillow' suggests that the experience of failure or disappointment is universal and inevitable, yet it can be as comforting as a familiar object, perhaps because there is a shared human experience in this vulnerability.

The song concludes with the phrase 'Fifteen steps, then a sheer drop,' which might be a reference to the unexpected pitfalls that one encounters after making progress. It's a stark reminder that success is not linear and that setbacks can occur abruptly. Radiohead, known for their experimental sound and introspective lyrics, often explores themes of alienation and the human condition, and '15 Step' is no exception. The song's intricate rhythms and electronic elements complement the lyrical content, creating a sense of tension and unease that mirrors the song's themes.