Radiohead Redux, This One's Optimistic

[nadroj1985]

Let me see if I can adequately convey my interpretation.

I think it's because I don't see Karma Police as literal police to 'be summoned,' and therefore not so much focused on the concept of justice. I hear the lyrics as more of a self-admonishment about not-so-acceptable behavior, and the karma that must remain internally balanced. Although in sitting here thinking about it (exhaustively), maybe it's looking at the same thing you are from another angle.

Hmmm... I'm not sure if I understand you... are you saying it's more of a universal statement about karma, and not a judgment on other people, with their "talking maths" and "Hitler hairdos"? I could see that, if that's what you mean.

 

[Nico]

ok, i risk being very incoherent at the moment; but i believe that karma police are actually so very very very important to this belief in justice and it's intrinisic tie-in to shakespeare's king lear. first of all, police are so utterly linked to the concept of justice that i am thinking that it's impossibe to start to differentiate the 2. therefore, in 1 aspect, nadroj's analysis holds up. justice is linked to the authoritative responability known as police to be inforced; wether or not it is morally linked to the outlining of true justice or whomever is responsabile for its reprucussions is unimportant. furthermore, i wholeheartedly believe that within the lyrics, radiohead is summoning a type of police--whatever voice it stems from i don't know, but i definitely belive that they are actively asking for some sort of policing force. nadroj's analysis stands up in another aspect b/c not only is there the straightforward recognition of a desire for justice (good or bad is again subjetive), but the concept of karma is intrinsically linked to justice as well and actually is an excellent qualifier to the noun "police". karma is related to cause and effect just as justice is, and to link the 2 is a wonderfull analysis (imo) of eastern and western influence as is objectified in radiohead's lyriccs. i think king lear is a fantastic example of an artistic artform expressing, through lyrics, its opinion on justice and what i love the most is that nadroj was not expected to make such analysis, but thought outside of the box and was able to bring what one might think as disparate elements, together. i don't know, i totally see the relevance of karma police and the concept of justice, in fact i think that's the main subject of the song. and i do think that the singer is "summoning" some sort of karmic police for justice, and is infact deploring it. karma, police, and justice are ultimately related. i dont' see how the song is not summoning police...can you (arwen) go into more detail about your counterstatement????

 

[Arwen Undomiel]

I did originally say it was a good choice of song for his essay. I just look at the song differently, is all. Not so much a universal statement, nadroj, but an individual statement. In the context of Shakespearean tragedies, Karma Police says MacBeth or Hamlet more than King Lear to me, but it still works, and very well at that.

 

[Nico]

yeah, i see. i guess i was just confused when you said that you didn't think that, in the radiohead lyrics, when karma police are brought up, it's not a summoning of sorts. i was curious more as to what you thought of it then--radiohead's lyrics, as opposed to its parallels to shakespeare. i guess i'm curious as to your interpretation of the karma police and their role in the lyrics.....i have such a terrible time expressing myself, sorry

 

[nadroj1985]

You know what the funny thing is? Thom Yorke has always made it pretty clear that "Karma Police" was meant as a joke. But then, maybe the old saying holds true: "in every joke there is some truth."

 

[Nico]

a slap on my hand for getting all declamatory regarding a joke. no, i guess i liked how nadroj evoked the image of some guy asking these karmic police to carry out his idea of justice or how the world should look/act/think, when these ideas are really completely ridiculous. and seemed connected to lear in that way as lear seemed to have a skewed idea as to how he would personally like the world to be. the song always kinda reminded me of my mother (she's not a bad person), but she can get really judgemental about people--especially the way they look, when i always thought it was so unnecessary. the hitler hair-do's always hit that for me. she'd think that someone was one way just b/c they were more alternative than she when she hadn't even taken the time to talk to them. i used to push that button when i was younger w/my piercings and hair colors. i still get a kick out of bringing her around art school where people dress a little differently. but that's another topic all together.

 

[Arwen Undomiel]

Check out this discussion of OKC (warning: language) - http://ilx.p3r.net/thread.php?msgid=1235570

A very interesting site overall - these people are even more obsessed with music than we are. Not to mention a tad snooty too.

 

[traingosorry]

I loved their albums up until Kid-A. And even still I bought all the ones after!
I am TRYING my hardest to like Hail to the Thief, but it's not getting under my skin in a good way.

 

[nadroj1985]

I loved their albums up until Kid-A. And even still I bought all the ones after!
I am TRYING my hardest to like Hail to the Thief, but it's not getting under my skin in a good way.

Hail to the Thief was definitely a grower for me. At first I didn't like it all, probably because I was still hoping for another OKC. But now, I really enjoy the album; "Sit Down. Stand Up," "Sail to the Moon," and "Go to Sleep" are my favorites.

Nice to have a new fellow Radiohead fan

 

[traingosorry]

ha! yeah never been here before and now I am posting like nothing else!! to you too!