My Iron Lung

Album: The Bends (1995)
Charted: 24
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • An "Iron Lung" is a cumbersome medical device used to help sick people breathe in the '50s. The lyrics reflect how restrictive the band felt when they became known simply for their hit "Creep." The song was written the day they had to drop out of the Reading Festival because of Thom Yorke's strained vocal cords. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France
  • The verses were recorded live from a 1994 MTV performance at the Astoria, London. These were then spliced together with the choruses from the earlier RAK studio version for the final recording.
  • This was featured in the 1995 movie Clueless when Tai meets Travis in the school cafeteria. The song was supposed to be used in a different scene when Alicia Silverstone's character criticizes Radiohead's music for being whiny, but "Fake Plastic Trees" was used instead.

Comments: 4

  • Bushpilot Bob from PhoenixThis song is about how Radiohead got damn sick of everyone pushing to hear Creep all the time, and they resented having to play it to make a living.
  • Joel2point0 from Nashville, Tnthis song also has metaphors on how we depend on machines
  • Bert from Pueblo, NmThis song reminds be of Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box." At least the intro, and the way the chorus starts with the guitar and screams.
  • Robby from New York, NyI think this song also has strong references to religion, in which an individual can feel that his source of life and vitality is a source which constantly manipulates him to live subjected to the standards of its laws and without it, the individual feels lifeless.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?

Steve Morse of Deep Purple

Steve Morse of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?