Thinking About You

Radiohead's song "Thinking About You" delves into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and the complexities of dealing with someone's rise to fame. The lyrics express a sense of longing and a one-sided emotional investment, where the speaker reminisces about a person who has now become a star. The repeated line "Been thinking about you" suggests a persistent preoccupation with this individual, despite the apparent distance between them now.

The song also touches on the theme of alienation and the superficial nature of fame. The lines "These people aren't your friends / They're paid to kiss your feet" highlight the artificial relationships that often accompany celebrity status, contrasting them with the genuine connection the speaker once felt. The speaker's introspection and questioning, such as "Should I still love you?" and the acknowledgment of their own actions, "But I'm playing with myself," reveal a deep internal conflict and a sense of futility in their affection.

Lastly, the song subtly critiques the commercial aspects of the music industry and the sacrifices made for success. The mention of bribing a company to see the person and the speaker's claim of bleeding to please them suggest that the person's success has come at a personal cost, both to themselves and to those who care about them. The emotional rawness of the lyrics, combined with Radiohead's signature sound, creates a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the impersonal nature of fame.