Planet Telex

Radiohead's 'Planet Telex' delves into the pervasive sense of brokenness and the futility of trying to mend what seems irreparably damaged. The song opens with a series of paradoxes, suggesting that no matter how much effort one puts into forcing, tasting, or crushing something, it remains elusive and ever-present. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for emotional or psychological struggles that persist despite attempts to overcome them. The repetition of 'You can crush it, but it's always here' emphasizes the inescapable nature of these issues, haunting the individual and chasing them home.

The chorus, 'Everything is broken, everyone is broken,' serves as a stark declaration of universal disillusionment. It reflects a collective sense of despair and fragmentation, suggesting that this feeling of brokenness is not just personal but widespread. The use of 'everyone' and 'everything' broadens the scope, making it a commentary on societal or even existential malaise. The repetition of these lines reinforces the idea that this brokenness is a fundamental aspect of the human condition, something that cannot be easily fixed or forgotten.

The song's closing lines, 'Why can't you forget? Why can't we forget?' pose a poignant question about the difficulty of moving past these feelings of brokenness. It suggests a longing for release and a desire to escape the weight of these persistent issues. However, the repetition of the question implies that forgetting or overcoming these struggles is not a simple task. Radiohead's 'Planet Telex' thus captures the essence of human vulnerability and the relentless nature of emotional and psychological challenges, making it a powerful reflection on the complexities of the human experience.