Twist

Thom Yorke's song 'Twist' is a haunting exploration of inner turmoil and the delicate balance of love and despair. The lyrics open with a sense of revival, as the narrator acknowledges someone who has brought them back to life. This person seems to have a dual nature, symbolized by 'twisted thorns' that grow inside, suggesting both pain and growth. The imagery of 'shingle washing my old bones' evokes a sense of cleansing and renewal, yet it is tinged with melancholy, as the narrator reflects on past sorrows ('woe betides and woe begones'). The phrase 'just enough love to go 'round' hints at a fragile equilibrium, where love is scarce but sufficient to sustain them.

The song continues to delve into the complexities of the mind, describing it as a prison. The repetition of 'woe begones and woe betides' underscores the cyclical nature of suffering and the struggle to find solace. The mention of 'fireflies' being pulled from the inside adds a mystical element, suggesting moments of fleeting beauty and hope. However, these moments are ephemeral, leaving behind a 'tiny shell' that sings of sorrow. The recurring line 'just enough love to go 'round' reinforces the idea that love, though limited, is a crucial lifeline amidst the chaos.

The latter part of the song introduces a series of surreal and disjointed images, such as a boy on a bike running away and an empty car with the motor left running. These scenes evoke a sense of escape and abandonment, mirroring the narrator's internal state. The repeated comparison to 'weed' suggests something invasive and persistent, much like the narrator's thoughts and emotions. The final lines, 'Look, this face, it isn't me,' convey a profound sense of disconnection and identity crisis, as the narrator grapples with their sense of self. Through 'Twist,' Thom Yorke masterfully captures the intricate dance between love, despair, and the quest for self-understanding.