Radiohead – The National Anthem Meaning

In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of The National Anthem by Radiohead. As of this writing, The National Anthem is ranked 96.

Radiohead’s “The National Anthem” is about feeling trapped and overwhelmed by the closeness and anxiety of the people surrounding us.

The song feels like a busy street with too many people talking at once. It sounds confusing, but also kind of exciting—like your heart is beating really fast.

When Thom Yorke repeats “Everyone is so near, everyone has got the fear,” we get this picture in our heads of a crowded place where no one can escape. The chorus, “It’s holding on,” almost feels like we’re clinging to something invisible while everything else spins around us. We feel what he feels: nervous, squished, wanting space but not knowing how to ask for it—just hoping we can hang on a little longer.

Please enter a valid email address

That address is already in use

The security code entered was incorrect

Thanks for signing up

The song reveals that sometimes the noise inside our heads matches the noise outside. That moment when you realize everyone else is just as scared as you are—that’s when the music hits hardest, like a secret shared in plain sight.