Anyone Can Play Guitar

Radiohead's 'Anyone Can Play Guitar' is a song that delves into the yearning for significance and the desire to escape the mundane aspects of life. The lyrics reflect a deep-seated wish to be protected from the harsh realities of the world, as seen in the repeated plea for destiny to shield the narrator. This longing for protection is juxtaposed with the chaotic and confusing nature of life, which the narrator claims to not see, perhaps indicating a sense of denial or a desire to rise above the chaos.

The chorus, with its vivid imagery of standing on a beach with a guitar while the world turns and London burns, symbolizes a form of escapism through music. The beach represents a place of tranquility and detachment from the world's troubles, while the guitar signifies a means of expression and identity. The aspiration to be in a band in heaven and the assertion that 'anyone can play guitar' suggest a belief in the transformative power of music. It implies that through music, one can achieve a sense of purpose and escape the feeling of being 'a nothing.'

The references to Jim Morrison, the iconic frontman of The Doors, further emphasize the desire for rock stardom and the allure of a larger-than-life persona. By wanting to 'grow my hair' and be like Morrison, the narrator expresses a wish to embody the rebellious and charismatic spirit associated with rock legends. This desire to emulate a rock star highlights the theme of seeking identity and meaning through music, as well as the universal longing to be remembered and to leave a mark on the world.