Radiohead – Burn the Witch

Know something about this song or lyrics? Add it to our wiki.
Send "Burn the Witch" Ringtone to Cell

Avoid all eye contact
Do not react
This is a round-up
This a low-flying panic attack
Red crosses on wooden doors
If she floats, she burns
Loose talk around tables
Abandon all reason
Stay in the shadows
Cheer at the gallows
This is a low-flying panic attack
Six the song of sixpence that goes

Burn the witch

Send "Burn the Witch" Ringtone to Cell


Lyrics submitted by black_cow_of_death


Burn the Witch song meanings
Add your thoughts

6 Comments

sort form View by:
  • 0
    General Comment:Paints a very vivid picture of paranoia and fear growing in a small village, culminating in executions.
    Flag Crane42on May 01, 2013   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:Intriguing song indeed...the imagery of the witch hunt, "avoid all eye contact, do not react, this is a round-up," where all citizens are suspisious of one another and low key panic must be maintained in order to seem unassuming. Each person abandons reason and cheers at the gallows because they must conform and participate while secretly relieved to be unaccused. Reminds me of "The Lottery," and (in general) how society must maintain the "status quo." But the red cross on the doors, hmmm...Could refer to the (first) passover, but also the Holocaust...any historical and current event where the community as a whole could change what it is they accept, but do not, and cheer for themselves as they are not the one being burned. Or so that's my take.
    Flag madskinnyladon September 17, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:But what does it mean? Geesh! It is simply a song about paranoia and 'losing it"?
    Flag MissCharlotteSometimeson September 16, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:i heard it would Wallamanage. It seems very hail to the thief these lyrics, like "we suck young blood" and "the gloaming"
    Flag clovissexplosionon July 28, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:it's not on it
    Flag Wallamanageon January 30, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I can´t wait for the new album
    Burn the Witch
    Flag Missacion July 08, 2007   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

Back to top
explain