A Punch-Up At A Wedding

Album: Hail To The Thief (2003)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Like a number of Thom Yorke's songs, the bitter social observations hinge on his self-awareness and role as an outsider.

Comments: 3

  • Mitchell from Adelaide, AustraliaThis was inspired by a negative review to a 2001 concert in Oxford - their home town. It made Thom angry as the band felt the show had been one of their greatest moments and the review had ruined it for them, hence "you had to piss on our parade" etc.
  • Connor from Oxford, CaI agree, it is an amazing song. i think the reason that is wasn't on the best of album was because Radiohead didn't sell the rights to the song to the record company. the record company came out with the album against their will. The only songs hey could legally use were the ones they owned the rights to.
  • Quentin from Sudbury, OnThis is one of my favourate songs by radiohead and quite frankly was often the only reason i would listen to the album "Hail to the Theif" when i used to listen to CDs rather than my iPod. I was slightly disappointed that it didnt reach their "Best of Radiohead" album. The song really gets me in a state where everything on my mind is exaggerated to quite a degree, whether good or bad, and thats what i think makes a great song!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Second Wind Songs

Second Wind SongsSong Writing

Some songs get a second life when they find a new audience through a movie, commercial, TV show, or even the Internet.

The Fratellis

The FratellisSongwriter Interviews

Jon Fratelli talks about the band's third album, and the five-year break leading up to it.

Eagles Lyrics Quiz

Eagles Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

Lots of life lessons in these Eagles lyrics - can you match them to the correct song?

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Rock Revenge Songs

Rock Revenge SongsMusic Quiz

John Lennon, Paul Simon and Lynyrd Skynyrd are some of the artists who have written revenge songs. Do you know who they wrote them about?

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.