Go To Sleep

Radiohead's 'Go To Sleep' is a hauntingly beautiful song that delves into themes of societal unrest and personal escapism. The repeated phrase 'Over my dead body' suggests a resistance to change or a refusal to accept the current state of affairs. This line, coupled with the mention of 'something big is gonna happen,' hints at an impending crisis or significant event that the narrator feels powerless to stop. The reference to 'someone's son or someone's daughter' adds a personal dimension, emphasizing that these societal issues affect real people, not just abstract concepts.

The chorus, 'I'm gonna go to sleep, let this wash all over me,' serves as a form of escapism. The narrator chooses to retreat into sleep, perhaps as a way to avoid confronting the harsh realities of the world. This sentiment is further echoed in the lines 'We don't wanna wake monster taking over' and 'We don't want the loonies taking over,' which suggest a fear of chaos and instability. The use of 'tiptoe round tie him down' implies a delicate balance, a need to keep these disruptive forces in check without provoking them.

The song concludes with a lullaby-like wish for 'pretty horses' to come as one sleeps, adding a layer of innocence and peace to the otherwise dark and foreboding lyrics. This juxtaposition highlights the contrast between the ideal world the narrator longs for and the troubling reality they face. Radiohead's musical style, known for its melancholic and introspective qualities, perfectly complements the song's themes, making 'Go To Sleep' a poignant reflection on the desire to escape from a world in turmoil.