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Radiohead — Bullet Proof...I Wish I Was
Album: The Bends
Avg rating:
7.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1866









Released: 1995
Length: 3:25
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Limb by limb and tooth by tooth
Tearing up inside of me
Every day, every hour
I wish that I was bullet proof

Wax me, mold me
Heat the pins and stab them in
You have turned me into this
Just wish that it was bullet proof
Was bullet proof

So pay me money, take a shot
Lead-fill the hole in me
I could burst a million bubbles
All surrogate and bullet proof

And bullet proof
And bullet proof
Bullet proof
Comments (142)add comment
Hmmmm...Is this the best band since 2000? 
I nearly killed someone and myself driving drunk 20+ years ago, this album, kid A and Amnesiac were what I had on my minidisc player as I learned how to be a human again after disappointing myself so much that at points had me wanting to kill myself.  These songs, this music is important to people that struggle and suffer.  If even or mostly at our own hands...
Too bad there's no skip button for some of these lame comments... 
talk Talk the the Radiohead
What's this intro?... Sounds the way a mosquito bite feels...

Must be Radiohead!

NEXT.
 tinypriest wrote:
Every garage band writes a ballad like this. Three cord changes over and over and some atmospherics in the background, repeated until times up. Musical history will not be kind to RH, I suspect. Waiting for a Radiohead song that rises above tedious derivation. Oh, there's one from Badly Drawn Boy! 
 

 I'm not overly enthused by this song but there are more than three chord changes in this song - at least four chords in the verse alone and more chords in the chorus - not that it matters really.  I don't think you actually meant "cord" changes.  Musicians rarely switch out their cords while they are playing but I imagine each guitar and microphone had at least one cord.
  As to "musical history", these guys have been releasing music for about thirty years; they are an influential part of music history.
Always entertaining but this is a fantastic album
 tinypriest wrote:
Every garage band writes a ballad like this. Three cord changes over and over and some atmospherics in the background, repeated until times up. Musical history will not be kind to RH, I suspect. Waiting for a Radiohead song that rises above tedious derivation. Oh, there's one from Badly Drawn Boy! 
 Let it be was 3 or maybe 4 chords - just another garage band

 tinypriest wrote:
Every garage band writes a ballad like this. Three cord changes over and over and some atmospherics in the background, repeated until times up. Musical history will not be kind to RH, I suspect. Waiting for a Radiohead song that rises above tedious derivation. Oh, there's one from Badly Drawn Boy! 
 
As to musical history, they were just inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame.  Perhaps they are not to your taste, but they are in high demand for tours all over the world and IMHO are pretty much in a category all to themselves. 
 tinypriest wrote:
Every garage band writes a ballad like this. 
 
Perhaps you can list a half dozen or so examples.
Every garage band writes a ballad like this. Three cord changes over and over and some atmospherics in the background, repeated until times up. Musical history will not be kind to RH, I suspect. Waiting for a Radiohead song that rises above tedious derivation. Oh, there's one from Badly Drawn Boy! 
One of my favorites from The Bends. What a song!
The Bends made me a Radiohead fan. So many great songs, including this gem.
 old_shep wrote:
Way too many ludes.

the bends
TianGongZhong
(Quite close to the sun)
Posted: Jun 03, 2016 6:14
 

 DaidyBoy wrote:
12 people voted this a 1.  I don't understand. Really, I don't.

  
Update: now it´s 16 (including me).


I give it a 4 for effort and passion.  So I'm more generous than a mere 1. But on a scale of upbeat energy and happiness, sorry, it has nothing on the Dire Straits latte love which preceded it.  The quality of downbeat is usually true of most RH tunes. 


RP, please follow this song with Bones from the same album...one of my favorite Radiohead songs!


Confession time. For the longest time, I hated Radiohead. Oh, the music and musicianship was sterling and their record making excellent. It was Thom Yorke's voice. Oh, it was the whiniest of whines, thin and insubstantial. It grated. In me dotage, I've come to the juncture where the music is more important than the Yorke's timbre. Now, I (mostly) enjoy Radiohead. I still wish sometimes that his voice functioned as another instrument in the band, much like Stipe's with R.E.M., but you just don't get everything on your Christmas list.
9
 yuel wrote:

actually it's 163 ten-votes and not 16  {#Propeller}

 
It´s the context, stupid !
 TianGongZhong wrote:

Update: now it´s 16 (including me).

 
actually it's 163 ten-votes and not 16  {#Propeller}
 DaidyBoy wrote:
12 people voted this a 1.  I don't understand. Really, I don't.

 
Update: now it´s 16 (including me).
 DaidyBoy wrote:
12 people voted this a 1.  I don't understand. Really, I don't.

 
it does seem odd especially for anything from "The Bends"
 Jota wrote:
Music doesn't always have to be shiny and happy anymore than any other art form has to be.  Personal taste is personal taste and artists should not mitigate their work to please the mainstream.  In my view there's nothing worse than overt commercialism in art when the artist is more concerned with pounds and dollars than what it is they are producing.
 
{#Yes}
Music doesn't always have to be shiny and happy anymore than any other art form has to be.  Personal taste is personal taste and artists should not mitigate their work to please the mainstream.  In my view there's nothing worse than overt commercialism in art when the artist is more concerned with pounds and dollars than what it is they are producing.
We're now further away from The Bends than The Bends was from, say, Rumours. I'm not sure I have any idea what my point is, but this track is so lovely it's kinda distracting. 
Once again, RH and TY have created lovely dulcet dreamy music, but they need some magic elixir to mitigate their chronic melancholy. Two listens is plenty. 
 On_The_Beach wrote:
Song title by Yoda.

 
Bump!
Love the music. Hate the voice. PSD.
This is a great song, a lovely treat to hear Radiohead on the radio!
Song title by Yoda.
12 people voted this a 1.  I don't understand. Really, I don't.
I still think that there aren't any bands that could top this album overall.  Stiff 10.
Way too many ludes.
very nice!
a great song from my favorite Radiohead album. Thanks for playing this tonight. ( and following this up with The Smiths.....awesome!)
 romeotuma wrote:


This is soooo dreamy...  this is from a really great album...

 
 



Right there with you Romeo- this was the cd that got me into Radiohead back in the 90's. Been along for the ride ever since.
do it.
 Jacksonstat wrote:
Sigh. Soooooo good. As I sit here on my cube counting the minutes until I get to leave. Thank you for this much needed moment of music bliss.
 
This comment should be rated a 10. 
Aewsome.  Really great song and album.
Sorry RH - this is boring!
As good as it gets....
 katiediddler wrote:

I believe this was their sophomore realease, to be followed up with OK Computer. I love Radiohead in all their styles, King of Limbs to Pablo Honey. What an astounding body of work.

Why would you want them to flatten the arc?


 



I have to completely agree, with the amendment that bands/musical acts that continue to make the same album over and over don't seem to last very long. Just think of it from an artistic standpoint, the best bands all progress and digress over the course of their careers - it's their greatness that compels them to do so.
Indeed.... Jacksonstat wrote:
Sigh. Soooooo good. As I sit here on my cube counting the minutes until I get to leave. Thank you for this much needed moment of music bliss.
 


Sigh. Soooooo good. As I sit here on my cube counting the minutes until I get to leave. Thank you for this much needed moment of music bliss.
 rdo wrote:

OK, you owe an explanation here. I just Wiki-checked your statement, and on it's face it stands up about as well as your dubious taste in music (blimey! it's your own countryman).  I know you are an erudite man, but what the Dickens are you talking about?  Do you mean to say the fictional (or mythical) Sherwood Forest is not the same as the one in your neck of the woods that goes by the name of Sherwood Forest and attracts 500,000 tourists annually because of Robin Hood?
 
Hmmmm.... I have to agree there - Sherwood Forrest is in Nottinghamshire... However, Loxely is a small village just outside Sheffield (and about a mile form where I grew up), and it's most likely that Robbin Hood came from there. Doncaster airport's even called Robin Hood Airport (much to Nottingham's chagrin, who are stuck with 'East Midlands Airport'). 
 bbryan wrote:
I may just be getting older, but I long for the days when Radiohead's music followed simpler song structures like this. Simple, beautiful melodies that I could hum. It's not that I don't like complex arrangements - it's just that I think Radiohead excels when stripped to bare essentials. 
 
agreed  - I like them more "ballad-y".

love it, tonight has been a sweet mix of tunes....it is keeping me out of my bed  {#Bounce}
Best album of all-time... or nearly so.
 Stingray wrote:
please tell me!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEEEEEEEEEASE!

Why I can't understand them?
WHYYYY NOT??
 

Ok ok already, do you know the secret handshake ? No ? Well how about the
totally secret password ? NO ?!?  WOW !!   Well . . . you  better send in $125 for the magic
decoder wrist band. If after 30 days your not totally satisfied,  well... your not worthy ! {#Eyes}

We accept all major credit cards .. . . .  

Although it has been met with mixed reviews, in my opinion "King of Limbs" is an incredible album.  But then again I am in the category of people who love just about everything they release. 


I believe this was their sophomore realease, to be followed up with OK Computer. I love Radiohead in all their styles, King of Limbs to Pablo Honey. What an astounding body of work.

Why would you want them to flatten the arc?


This was — and is - a brilliant album- melodic, rocking, lyrical, mesmerizing all in turns.
 lophrequa wrote:

with you Fred. i will allow on this track that Thom seems to have made an effort to be melodious - ya know, like actually adding to the music 
 
True enough, credit where it's due, he's pretty much in tune and harmonious on this number. I still feel the urge to slap him around the chops with a wet fish, mind.

I may just be getting older, but I long for the days when Radiohead's music followed simpler song structures like this. Simple, beautiful melodies that I could hum. It's not that I don't like complex arrangements - it's just that I think Radiohead excels when stripped to bare essentials. 
 Stingray wrote:
please tell me!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEEEEEEEEEASE!

Why I can't understand them?
WHYYYY NOT??
 
Sorry
this completely speaks to me today... i wish it didn't.
I especially like the Radiohead songs that don't sound like...
 

 Stingray wrote:
please tell me!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEEEEEEEEEASE!

Why I can't understand them?
WHYYYY NOT??
 

Everyone please remain calm!!! It is ok to hate or love Radiohead, it's all good! They are just another group, I happen to think they are very good, but it is ok if you dislike them, really, it is ok, a lot of people do. They don't help their cause by being such pretentious, self grandoising pricks either, but I like their music anyway.
B&R are kicking some ass with these (i think slightly older) playlists since yesterday evening..

on this tune, i'm going to kill RP after it's over and turn on Black Star as I cannot listen to bullet proof w/o black star in tow, like on the recording... :)
Brilliant as always
Simply. Awesome.
(There have been quite a few of these simply awesome songs this morning. Thanks Bill!)
 fredriley wrote:
Radiohead brill, Thom Yorke weak and whiny. I'd snap up any instrumental Radiohead album.
 
with you Fred. i will allow on this track that Thom seems to have made an effort to be melodious - ya know, like actually adding to the music 
quote: "ThePoose"
 There is a grammatical error in the title of this song. The title should be
rendered in the subjunctive: ''Bullet Proof..I Wish I Were.''
==================================================================

Leave alone the third missing "dot"...

please tell me!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEEEEEEEEEASE!

Why I can't understand them?
WHYYYY NOT??
 keller1 wrote:
Nowhere near as awful as a lot of their stuff.
 

agreed
 lemmoth wrote:
Another brilliant track not played on terrestial radio. Beautiful vocals by Thom on this one.  More straightfoward pretty singing - which by the way to all you haters out there -  he is totally capable of - see most of first three albums and collab with others - he just chooses to use his voice in unique ways as an instrument on many tracks in the later albums.
 

I think haters are offended by pretty singing... they call it "whining".. I think this is gorgeous
Another brilliant track not played on terrestial radio. Beautiful vocals by Thom on this one.  More straightfoward pretty singing - which by the way to all you haters out there -  he is totally capable of - see most of first three albums and collab with others - he just chooses to use his voice in unique ways as an instrument on many tracks in the later albums.


Nowhere near as awful as a lot of their stuff.
 fredriley wrote:

I'd rather use a shotgun - much more efficient. Rabbit stew coming right up. Oh, and Sherwood Forest isn't in Nottingham,or even in Nottinghamshire. Strange but true, Robin Hood is more likely to have been ploughing his furrow around Doncaster way, in Yorkshire, 'appen.

Radiohead brill, Thom Yorke weak and whiny. I'd snap up any instrumental Radiohead album.

 
OK, you owe an explanation here. I just Wiki-checked your statement, and on it's face it stands up about as well as your dubious taste in music (blimey! it's your own countryman).  I know you are an erudite man, but what the Dickens are you talking about?  Do you mean to say the fictional (or mythical) Sherwood Forest is not the same as the one in your neck of the woods that goes by the name of Sherwood Forest and attracts 500,000 tourists annually because of Robin Hood?

 rdo wrote:

Go hunt bunny rabbits with your bow and arrow in Sherwood Forest.  Run along now. 
 
I'd rather use a shotgun - much more efficient. Rabbit stew coming right up. Oh, and Sherwood Forest isn't in Nottingham,or even in Nottinghamshire. Strange but true, Robin Hood is more likely to have been ploughing his furrow around Doncaster way, in Yorkshire, 'appen.

Radiohead brill, Thom Yorke weak and whiny. I'd snap up any instrumental Radiohead album.

 fredriley wrote:
Thom Yorke again? It's not been long since we heard him whining away with PJ Harvey. There's never a wet haddock when you really need it... :(
 
Go hunt bunny rabbits with your bow and arrow in Sherwood Forest.  Run along now. 
Thom Yorke again? It's not been long since we heard him whining away with PJ Harvey. There's never a wet haddock when you really need it... :(
Very nice.  If you're a RH fan, check out this free concert recording from the summer of '08 on NPR.

https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94315732

*Sigh* Quite possibly my favorite Radiohead song.


Ditto
 linz_bobinz wrote:
a great song from my favourite Radiohead album!
 


ThePoose wrote:
There is a grammatical error in the title of this song. The title should be rendered in the subjunctive: ''Bullet Proof...I Wish I Were.''
there are NO rules in art.......
the greatness of Radiohead............
a great song from my favourite Radiohead album!
Awesome! Regrettably I haven't heard this song in a long time.....today it is more than fitting. Thanks RP :)
A Radiohead song I don't despise. Amazing.
A more cynical, mean-spirited person might respond with something like: "Bulletproof? Let's test that theory..." Of course, that would be promoting violence and not a good thing.
ThePoose wrote:
There is a grammatical error in the title of this song. The title should be rendered in the subjunctive: ''Bullet Proof...I Wish I Were.''
AAWWWWLRIGHTY THEN
Goodness, how much I do love this song. Gives me goosebumps everytime.
There is a grammatical error in the title of this song. The title should be rendered in the subjunctive: ''Bullet Proof...I Wish I Were.''
Nooooo stop it, stop it! Make it go away!
ocsike wrote:
No no no, it is surely David Byrne and Talking Heads.
Well it sure ain't any of the Robert Fripp that I uploaded and it got "Sorry" within 10 minutes, with no votes.
Kaw wrote:
One of my favourite songs from Radiohead. This is why I listen to Radio Paradise
This album has so many good songs I sort of forget about a few. I really should revisit it
One of my favourite songs from Radiohead. This is why I listen to Radio Paradise
Is the "talent" of 50 Cent really something to aspire to? ...particularly as this gets an
thatch wrote:
Is Radiohead the most frequently played group on RP, or does it just seem that way?
No no no, it is surely David Byrne and Talking Heads.
thatch wrote:
Is Radiohead the most frequently played group on RP, or does it just seem that way?
I thought Peter Gabriel was? Either way, it's not like there's 5000 other free internet radio stations you can switch the channel to. Oh wait there is.
Is Radiohead the most frequently played group on RP, or does it just seem that way?
Great song, no bones about it....
They're at Bonnaroo in Manchester, TN this weekend if you want to catch 'em. Wish they'd allow their music to be sold on iTunes.
JCEntMan wrote:
Maybe a web translator would help? Pelvis otherwise
Wow, "pelvis" instead of "hip"? JCEntMan discovers some awesome new slang!
Ughh! We just head Radiohead 5 hours ago, and they weren't any better then. I've always found Radiohead to be mediocre at best. I guess I'll just never get them.
teo wrote:
Radiohead is really overplayed on RP.
I think all that puking might be caused by excessive head banging against brick walls.
Radiohead is really overplayed on RP.
Works pretty well in March also... ScottN wrote:
Automation has its rewards. Works just as well in December.
Tux wrote:
If you translate, do it right
This was meant as a joke. You need to stop taking yourself so seriously sometimes.
Automation has its rewards. Works just as well in December. shakitten wrote:
Wow... Radiohead - Bullet Proof..I Wish I Was Vast - Lost William Orbit & Beth Orton - Water from a V... Peter Gabriel - Sky Blue Great set, Bill...sweet vibes...
Wow... Radiohead - Bullet Proof..I Wish I Was Vast - Lost William Orbit & Beth Orton - Water from a V... Peter Gabriel - Sky Blue Great set, Bill...sweet vibes...
After being hooked on Creep from their first album I bought this one hoping I was on to something. Thank god.
Radiohead have revealed little details about the new album to be released in 2006. I have written a couple of articles, including an mp3 of "Arpeggi" and video link for "House of Cards." (click here) (click here)
JCEntMan wrote:
Maybe a web translator would help? ... bad translation skipped ... Or not. 8-<
If you translate, do it right "Yes, I remember a recent ... for PCO (Penguin Cafe orchestra, another favourite) ... little to do with music, but ok. A balance is self-evident too, just like your comments ... For every fan of every band there is most likely someone that hates it ... Rather useless to try to, consequently (and often blinded), tear to pieces the pleasure one person might takes from it preferably by offence... Penguin-advice: Not all that is huge, popular, and successful is inevitable bad! There is also a similar individual who feels compelled to proclaim all raggae music to be shit... Also balance probably... OK, have it your way Try to have a coffee in the Dutch forum here once in a while" As you see, I also read the remarks people have. Not that I agree to all of it. People are entitled to have an opinion, and IMHO I never offended anyone in person (though RonH is close to it, with his absurd personal attacks). It's OK to question someone's taste, but a taste cannot be wrong. It is most obvious in these fora that the people who like the `great' bands (U2, Beatles) do not accept it when someone does not like it. For whatever reason. They immediately counter attack in that they think you somehow suck because you like different music, or have rated some record over 8, that the other person considers not worth over 3. It's all about taste. I cannot say that often enough. U2, Radiohead and all U2 wannabees are NOT my taste. I also cannot say that often enough, and I am happy to see that I'm not the only one. I stopped puking long ago. Now just accept that we do not all like the same, and just *skip* reading the negative comments if they irritate you just because you happen to disagree instead of starting flame wars that lead to nothing.
trekhead wrote:
Now I'm all jealous. The only Dutch I KNOW is the verbal translation of "WHEELS ON A WAGON" where a kid comes home , looking for bread but only finds a mouse in the cupboard...(voorheis(?))
Maybe a web translator would help? "Yes , I remember my one recent. until PCO Penguin Cafe Orchestra , one other favorite ). little with music band within take , solely ranch. And scales is too yet self-evident , rope when yours annotation. Until each fan with each volume is yonder someone who 't sore probably hatred. Sufficiently senseless to try out 't pleasure who the one guy outward reaches , consistent ( and regularly blind ) the soil within within sink and by preference via scandal. Pinguin-advies: Not everything what wide , popular and successful is , is necessary wicked! Yonder is as well as a vegelijkbaar individual who themselves called upon palpable to worn nearly everyone reggae turn within shout who 't everything slush is. Too scales probably. Ranch , you yours way. Pelvis otherwise too off and on sometimes worn the coffee within 't NL panel here" Or not.
This is about the way I feel and the speed I am moving tonight! Love this song!
RichardPrins wrote:
Ja, ik herinner me een recente.... voor PCO (Penguin Cafe Orchestra, een andere favoriet)... weinig met muziek te maken, maar goed. En balans is ook al vanzelfsprekend, net als je commentaar... Voor elke fan van elke band is er iemand die 't zeer waarschijnlijk haat... Tamelijk zinloos om te proberen 't genot dat de ene persoon eruit haalt, consequent (en vaak blind) de grond in te boren en bij voorkeur via aanstoot... Pinguin-advies: Niet alles wat groot, populair en succesvol is, is noodzakelijk slecht! Er is ook een vegelijkbaar individu die zich geroepen voelt om op bijna elk reggae nummer te roepen dat 't allemaal bagger is... Ook balans waarschijnlijk... Goed, jij je zin... Kom overigens ook af en toe eens op de koffie in 't NL forum alhier ;)
Der foot ist en der boot. Der boot ist en der mouth. Der mouth ist en der head. Der head ist en der ass. Der ass ist kicked be Radiohead.
TheLoneIguana wrote:
An actual case of the bends would be more enjoyable.
This remark is a sure sign that you've never suffered such an actual case. Or, a sure sign you have. :-s
An actual case of the bends would be more enjoyable.
RichardPrins wrote:
Ja, ik herinner me een recente.... voor PCO (Penguin Cafe Orchestra, een andere favoriet)... weinig met muziek te maken, maar goed. En balans is ook al vanzelfsprekend, net als je commentaar... Voor elke fan van elke band is er iemand die 't zeer waarschijnlijk haat... Tamelijk zinloos om te proberen 't genot dat de ene persoon eruit haalt, consequent (en vaak blind) de grond in te boren en bij voorkeur via aanstoot... Pinguin-advies: Niet alles wat groot, populair en succesvol is, is noodzakelijk slecht! Er is ook een vegelijkbaar individu die zich geroepen voelt om op bijna elk reggae nummer te roepen dat 't allemaal bagger is... Ook balans waarschijnlijk... Goed, jij je zin... Kom overigens ook af en toe eens op de koffie in 't NL forum alhier ;)
Now I'm all jealous. The only Dutch I KNOW is the verbal translation of "WHEELS ON A WAGON" where a kid comes home , looking for bread but only finds a mouse in the cupboard...(voorheis(?))
Simply sublime.
mig7 wrote:
Tux--I think it's actually spelled Tucks
...or Tucker
Tux wrote:
Voorspelbaar, waarschijnlijk. Negatief: nee. Dan lees je mijn positieve commentaren dus niet. Ik hoop een balans te vinden.
Ja, ik herinner me een recente.... voor PCO (Penguin Cafe Orchestra, een andere favoriet)... weinig met muziek te maken, maar goed. En balans is ook al vanzelfsprekend, net als je commentaar... Voor elke fan van elke band is er iemand die 't zeer waarschijnlijk haat... Tamelijk zinloos om te proberen 't genot dat de ene persoon eruit haalt, consequent (en vaak blind) de grond in te boren en bij voorkeur via aanstoot... Pinguin-advies: Niet alles wat groot, populair en succesvol is, is noodzakelijk slecht! Er is ook een vegelijkbaar individu die zich geroepen voelt om op bijna elk reggae nummer te roepen dat 't allemaal bagger is... Ook balans waarschijnlijk... Goed, jij je zin... Kom overigens ook af en toe eens op de koffie in 't NL forum alhier ;)
I REALLY like this guitar sound. Very unique (and not typical for Radiohead i think). Gave it a straight 9.