This song was composed as an expression of the longing for a simple and quiet life without the shocks and unwelcome surprises the world can bring. Lead vocalist Thom Yorke described the track as the expression of an overwhelming claustrophobia and the need to break free. Inspired by the pressures and stress fame brought along with the success of the bands previous album, The Bends.
Key: D
Introduction:
D
Gm
* (You can play the intro part for D and Gm * throughout the song)
D
A heart that's full up G7M/B Like a landfill
Em
A
A4
A job that slowly kills you, bruises that won't
D
Gm
Heal
D
You look so tired, unhappy G7M/B Bring down the government
Em
A
A4
They don't, they don't speak for
D
Gm
Us
D
I'll take a quiet life G7M/B A handshake of carbon monoxide and
Em
A
A4
No alarms and no surprises
Em
A
A4
No alarms and no surprises
Em
A
A4
No alarms and no surprises
D
Gm
Silent
D
Gm
Silent
D
This is my final fit G7M/B My final bellyache with
Em
A
A4
No alarms and no surprises
Em
A
A4
No alarms and no surprises
Em
A
A4
No alarms and no surprises
D
Gm
Please
A
Gm
A
Gm
Em
Gm
D
Such a pretty house and G7M/B Such a pretty garden