Radiohead – Vegetable

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

I never wanted anything like this
I worked hard, tried hard
I ran around in domestic bliss
I fought hard, died long
Every time you're running out of here
Every time you're running I get the fear

I never wanted any broken bones
Scarred face, no home
Your words surround me and asphyxiate
And I burn all hate

Every time you're running out on me
Every time you're running I can see

I'm not a vegetable
I will not control myself
I spit on the hand that feeds me
I will not control myself

The waters spray, the waters run all over me
The waters spray, the waters run
And this time you gonna pay

I'm not a vegetable
I will not control myself
I spit on the hand that feeds me
I will not control myself

Send "Vegetable" Ringtone to Cell


Lyrics submitted by piesupreme

Track duration: 03:13

"Vegetable" as written by Thomas Edward/o'brien Yorke

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics powered by LyricFind


Vegetable song meanings
Add your thoughts

16 Comments

sort form View by:
  • 0
    My Interpretation:I quite like the Christ idea, but until I heard about it I always thought this song was about disabled people and how degrading it would be to have to rely on the care of others to survive.
    Flag jordypuffon April 18, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Love the lyric 'I spit on the hand that feeds me, I will not control myself'
    About an abused spouse who just ain't gonna take it anymore. See ya!
    I am not sure about the Christ comments. Unless he is referring to the abused fighting for themselves.
    Flag Fella33on March 02, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I think he's saying he won't be a victim and is responding with anger to abuse.

    Not that responding with anger is a good choice, but that's what I think's happening here.
    Flag Gay Christmas Treeon October 03, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I've never heard the Christ perspective on this song before...interesting...is Radiohead Christian or something? Or do they just like to incorporate spirituality into their lyrics?
    Flag Eyeconon December 16, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I think Pablo Honey is pretty good actually not as good as their other albums but still a solid release.
    Flag King of Some Islandon November 07, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:The Christ meaning is good. Fits.

    I think that Thom has broken up with someone and is angry at them.

    Translation:

    I was happy. (never wanted anything but this)
    Worked hard for it, but I was happy. (fought hard)

    But when you left... (everytime you're running out of here)

    I didnt want to be hurt by you. (scarred face)
    But you said some really mean things. (asphyxiate)
    And I use hate as a fuel. (burn all hate)

    Dont expect me to sit here and do nothing (chorus)

    The anger is flowing. (the waters break)
    Revenge time! (and this time youre gonna pay)
    Flag corduroy_boyon July 09, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:People might say that I'm thinking too deeply, but this song may be about Christ - told from his perspective as a human being, a normal person. It's about the burden of what he had to do ("I never wanted anything but this") and how it was recieved ("I never wanted any broken boes, Scarred face, no home, Your words surround me and asphyxiate"). Yet he stayed true to himself and his mission (" And I burn all hate"). He refused the world ("I spit on the hand that feeds me") and didn't let it make him who he was by changing himself ("I will not control myself"). Anyone who really knows the Christ story should agree, and if you haven't you should refer to it to understand where I'm coming from.

    I'm not religious at all, but just look on the back of the album case for "Pablo Honey" and you'll see an image of Christ on it. I think there are other Radiohead songs with similar meanings behind them (like "Prove Yourself" and "You").

    "Know yourself." - Christ
    Flag RadioKoRnon May 04, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I think the correct line is "on this tide you're gonna pay"
    Flag JeebusChristieon April 11, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Ramtharlikesguys. Just thought you should know:)
    Flag Ramtharlikesguyson March 31, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:bingo Rosethornn...
    Flag ukcufon October 23, 2005   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