The Smile - Bending Hectic

Taken from the new album Wall Of Eyes - available now: thesmile.ffm.to/wall-of-eyes-...
Limited edition blue vinyl: store-uk.thesmiletheband.com/
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An animation by Sabrina Nichols
Imagery by Stanley Donwood
#thesmile

[@LightsPersonalAcc]

Thom's voice ages like fine wine... Such a magnificent voice

[@sonsofliberty9630]

Especially the high notes

[@NinjaShadow47]

well aside from live performances

[@comradestannis]

@@NinjaShadow47 Shhhh!

[@TotoOrlanski]

​@@NinjaShadow47the performances with the smile have been sounding pretty good...

[@davidcastro3799]

​@@TotoOrlanski Come on hahah, dont fool yourself

[@rufiorules]

You only get one chance to listen to this song for the first time, make it count

[@marcandrzejczak6967]

I envy the ones that do

[@PhillyMTB]

So true. I let out an audible gasp when I heard the second chorus for the first time...such an amazing piece of music

[@Adamglamb]

Here I am. And I loved every second of it

[@honigkatze]

Omg yes! The first time I heard this was at their concert last week. I intentionally didn’t listen to most of their new stuff. There are no words to justify the intense beauty of this piece of artwork live! It filled my soul in ways I can’t express.

[@anglinoutdoors3544]

Only get once chance to listen to this song the 87th time, make it count. And the 150th, and the 264th...etc.

[@arnoliou6726]

Witnessing Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood's excitement for this new project is awesome and the result is magnificent

[@JJJameson.]

It is, but I still miss radiohead though

[@sajadnorouzi8108]

@@JJJameson. let it go and jump on the train!

[@micsunday14]

Well said

[@micsunday14]

​@@JJJameson.How could you miss Radiohead when this came out officially. .. today 🎉

[@vb2388]

@@JJJameson.well Radiohead’s true musicianship is from Thom and Jonny anyways…so Smile is Radiohead, just smaller in personnel..

[@CaveWang]

No words for this song. Those dissonant strings into the face melting guitars, holy lord above

[@mariocastillo8334]

At this point they're just flexing. Jonny showcasing his mastery on both string arrangement and post-punk guitar crunching and Thom pulling even more epic melodies out of thin air.

[@jeff-onedayatatime.2870]

Over the years, Jonny and Thom have inspired that feeling many times...HOLY LORD ABOVE! :)

[@Iam_diny]

I love u jonny & thom from radiohead❤❤❤❤

[@sarahisbomb]

When the strings hit, I lose my mind. When the guitars hit, I just wanna die. So good. So so good. ☠️

[@ashtonnewmanphotography7824]

!!!

[@TheMoroPL]

This really follows the typical Radiohead new song cycle, doesn't it? First listen: This is pretty weird, meh 2 to 4 listen: Okay, I can see this song is pretty good 5th listen and onwards: This is absolutely the best music I've listened to recently, how do they keep doing this?

[@natacha2797]

The typical Radiohead new song cycle is very true but what strucks me about Smile's songs is how much I love them immediatly.

[@SpanishRed]

Over and over. They just never stop.

[@ali4rt]

I had similar feelings about "if you say the word"

[@kilgoretrout321]

It's the keep-listening-until-you-like-it trick. Honestly, it works for almost anything haha

[@SpanishRed]

@@kilgoretrout321 Not everything. Just the good stuff. Some songs get worse on every listen.

[@en16ma_music]

I love how it goes from "I have these slings, I have these arrows" to "Despite these slings, despite these arrows". It really gives the emotional appeal of going from an uncertain and unconfident situation to one where you know you can do it and overcome the situation you are in to turn things around.

[@spiritualmachine4784]

I was just thinking “the same” thing 😉 Also I think it’s “I’ve got these slings/arrows”

[@divchynad]

The Smile have helped me through the hardest times. LOVE from Ukraine

[@NationalistsRuinAmerica]

💛💙

[@noyd4172]

long live Ukraine

[@divchynad]

@@noyd4172 Thank you

[@divchynad]

@@NationalistsRuinAmerica Thanks xxx

[@lerador5855]

Мені теж 💙💛

[@gpeddino]

Holy shit, this sound amazing. The string swell leading into the second chorus gave me major goosebumps.

[@drainme27]

Breathtakingly beautiful.Reminds me of “A Day In The Life” in places.

[@NotQuiteFirst]

Hey, spoilers 🙄

[@masonisgrey]

WOAH I JUST GOT TO THAT POINT BRO THIS IS SO GOOD

[@skywardstargaze1768]

HOLY SHIT I READ THIS AS IT HAPPENED WHAT THE FUCK

[@TheChasedanger]

@@NotQuiteFirstthen don’t look in the comments til after

[@Losfhc]

An instant classic, this is the greatest song I’ve ever heard.

[@fk5317]

1000000%

[@duncanmacphee200]

I had the privilege of seeing them play this live last year. It was such a beautiful, off-kilter song… then Jonny hit the distortion pedal. From that moment I was obsessed with this song. The vast majority of musicians create their best stuff early on, but Thom and Jonny somehow keep raising the bar. Can't wait to hear the stuff they put out when they're 80!

[@gloriahead]

Me too, one of my best experience in live Music ever, apart from Radiohead’s

[@ryanwalker3932]

@@gloriahead that part live is right in line with the delay before the first "you know you should, but you dont" on Morning Mr. Magpie. The anxiety goes through the roof

[@skywardstargaze1768]

Which show / venue, if you don’t mind me asking?

[@micsunday14]

You lucky

[@lms2932]

I saw them live in Nashville and this song is much better live without strings. I was disappointed with the recorded version.

[@the_silicon_senpai]

The Smile dropping new material, our days have been made.

[@IAmBombSon]

This is right up there with the Beatles A Day in the Life for me... I haven't felt this way about a song in years.

[@riahlexington]

The orchestra leading up to the final chorus definitely reminds men of ADITL

[@santiagovargas8278]

the point where it Sounds like a 60s horror movie lmao

[@derrickward6853]

This is definitely the best track of the decade. I'll debate it's the best track Thom Yorke has ever worked on. I'm so happy I live in this timeline. We are truly blessed! Thom and Jonny are at the top of their game and I can't get enough!

[@itsmemaaaar]

This is one of those perfect songs and nothing I could say could express how good it is. Every note, every transition, the lyrics, the meaning, everything is pure poetry and pure music and I'm just in awe about it

[@jimryan5480]

I wish I had a friend like you that appreciated any Thom York like u do

[@Fer-gn8ts]

Esperas alguna en especial en el próximo álbum?

[@itsmemaaaar]

@@Fer-gn8ts todas jajajajja

[@seankelly8906]

Surprisingly, can actually parse most of what's said without looking at lyrics

[@seankelly8906]

And it's great songwriting and message, symbolism

[@AnimatedLoopHD]

This song sounds like all era's of Radiohead and Jonny Greenwoods film worked crammed into one epic 8 hour adventure.

[@syzarn]

[Verse 1] I'm changing down the gears I'm slamming on the brakes A vintage soft top From the sixties [Verse 2] We're coming to a bend now Skidding 'round the hairpin A sheer drop down An Italian mountainside [Verse 3] Time is kind of frozen You're gazing at the view Now I'm sure I'm seeing double [Pre-Chorus] No one's gonna bring me down, no No way and no how I'm letting go of the wheel It might be as well It might be as well [Chorus] Despite my slings Despite the arrows I'll force myself to... I've got these slings I've got these arrows I'll force myself to turn, turn [Verse 4] The ground is coming for me now We've gone over the edge If you've got something to say Say it now [Pre-Chorus] No one's gonna bring me down, no No way and no how And I'm letting go Of the wheel [Chorus] Despite the slings I got my arrows I'll force myself to I got my slings I got my arrows I'll force myself to turn [Outro] Turn Turn Turn Turn Turn Turn

[@RJ1J]

That is some pretty grim lyrics. Hope he's okay.

[@aperturius]

​@@RJ1J He's been singing about car crashes for years. I'm sure he's fine.

[@aperturius]

@@Lumpiluk It's definitely slings and arrows

[@MicahBuzanMUSIC]

@@RJ1J He is ok, he forced himself to turn!

[@GOLEMUK]

Fairly sure first chorus is "I've" got these Slings / arrows and last chorus is "Despite" these slings / arrows till end. And this isn't really about a car crash, this is far far more global and ecological in scope. And about as grim as it gets. TURN! indeed.

[@jujudragon2000]

I swear, every song thom/johnny writes, on first listen I'm always like, "eh, it's alright" then after the eighth listen I'm like, "oh, this is one of the best things I've listened too"

[@TSWaves1]

I just listened on my phone and it sounds boring. Should I keep playing it over?

[@gursimarsinghkumar9127]

@@TSWaves1 headphones if u really want to feel despair

[@TheScottdavis86]

The dissonant orchestral section brings to mind Johnny's amazing score on There Will Be Blood.

[@TheWayofGrace89]

“I’m finished.”

[@beauwille2294]

Great lead in with throwback sound to Burn The Witch

[@hrdwrd2570]

I think it's very cool that they have a consistent visual identity. I hope they keep it for the whole of the second album.

[@crackbaby4444]

it kind of looks like the creatures from the artwork of king of limbs started drawing artwork from the kid a era

[@89.]

its gorgeous and so incredibly trippy how much acid has stanley donwood eaten

[@mathewmaccenzie5006]

An identity that ive learned to love

[@Despacheetos]

Fun fact: this is now the longest song Thom Yorke has ever written (excluding an instrumental track off Suspira). It’s a whole minute longer than the longest Radiohead song (Supercollider) Edit: completely forgot about the masterpiece that is Creep Very 2021 Rmx

[@iffiest.]

aside johnny, who wrote the rest of their songs? O'brien?

[@alexmalch]

It’s a bit strange because he’s a very experimental composer and experimental music is usually very long

[@reruarikushiteru]

Creep (Very 2021 Rmx) tho

[@lukemacducci]

@@alexmalch After Ok Computer, media started callIng them a Progressive Rock band, "the new Pink Floyd" and Thom hated that, so he avoided writing long songs

[@Despacheetos]

@@reruarikushiteru actually very upset (no pun intended) that I completely forgot about the greatest song ever made

[@pimposki6232]

that ending is magnificent. almost sounds like boris, but with a lighter, more uplifting edge to it. probably the heaviest thing thom and jonny have ever written, and god i want more like this. its monumental

[@steredekt]

Fun fact: Jonny is using a fuzz pedal based on Wata’s sound; Hizumitas by Earthquaker Devices.

[@_CoasterNinja]

Been wanting them to do a heavier album with this sort of sound. Hope there are more songs like this on the new record.

[@ciro_costa]

you!! :o

[@pimposki6232]

@@ciro_costa oh, hello again!

[@king_draculakid6711]

Reminds me of early Smashing Pumpkins.

[@eileentomarchio6213]

Omg the strings, Thom’s voice, woozy and epic and gorgeous. 🤯❤️

[@BB-es9pp]

You nailed it, woozy is the perfect descriptor.

[@sralairt]

As much as I love A Light for Attracting Attention, this song could have been the perfect closer. It's beautifully chaotic and cathartic. The studio version sounds huge.

[@skywardstargaze1768]

This is 100 percent gonna be the closer for LP2

[@zeth7109]

@@skywardstargaze1768 I think it's just a standalone

[@skywardstargaze1768]

@@zeth7109Damn, thought I was onto something. Perfectly happy with this as a single though

[@riahlexington]

@@zeth7109where did they say this? It better be on LP2 lmao

[@jimmybongos6190]

On LP2! Though not the closer surprisingly. Second to last track. Excited!@@riahlexington

[@genghischan69]

If they keep releasing songs like this, they might become my form of religion.

[@s0rr1.M0O0Se]

the best song of 2023

[@dghimkarim4200]

Never clicked so fast. We are lucky to have Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood among the living earthlings

[@francescocarnevali774]

I attended The Smile concert in Ferrara, Italy last year. I think that was the 3rd or 4th time playing this song live, and i remember listening to this made me fly. It felt so much like an In Rainbows track, much live and organic and so, so complicate and easy at the same time. I was curious about how they would record it in studio, sometimes in Radiohead they arranged some very organic tracks in a sort of eletronic way, same for Thom Yorke solo albums. This time, it is just strings, and they feel so amazing!!! The switch from the first to last part with that "disturbing" crescendo and then the guitar, it is so much on point it makes me want to scream. Very similiar to the live version, same mood and vibes. Just perfect.

[@soul-5]

mi dispiace un sacco essermi perso quel concerto. sai che conosco uno col tuo stesso nome? 😂 percaso conosci un certo Cesare Negro? non si sa mai che è una coincidenza pazzesca lol.

[@francescocarnevali774]

@@soul-5 Direi solo una enorme coincidenza ahahahah, ho un nome e cognome molto diffusi al nord, sono il Mario Rossi dell'Emilia Romagna

[@soul-5]

@@francescocarnevali774 mannaggia! tanti saluti e buon godimento Thom Yorkiano allora ;)

[@marcellofregni3616]

Presente, uno dei miei concerti preferiti... E in 10 anni ne ho visti un po'. Un abbraccio e lunga vita a Yorke & co.

[@gregkosinski2303]

Not to be confused with Ferrera, Ohio, which is of course between Youngstown and Pittsburgh.

[@timkgoodwin9287]

Stanley Donwood's imagery is mastery.

[@noodledog2849]

Hearing this live was unbelievable, seriously, the intensity of the end of the song can't be felt from a studio recording like this

[@thovex]

agree. saw them perform it here in philly and it was so powerful. the recording is amazing but doesn't do the live experience justice

[@wngmv]

Cleveland. By Tomorrow I was eagerly anticipating this one, and this was the last song of encore. Almost religious experience....I kept replaying this on my way drive home.

[@onedone2011]

LUCKY and SMART ....... i missed this tour .......

[@deadspace297]

​@onedone2011 Same and it was only 2 hours from me, couldn't take the time off work

[@liprincessprincess]

You're 100% correct. No studio recording or even live video can capture that feeling.

[@fede7289]

You can't understand how special and incredible this album is 'till you listen to the whole thing at least three times... Than you can get into his real vibe and love it forever as the masterpiece it is...

[@OkYasser]

Exactly my fellow Smile Radiohead friend! I admit that after the first listen I was like hmmm, but I LOVE the album now.

[@paulm7875]

Yep this album is definitely a grower. For me it went from good to great to stunning

[@SenorKraut]

It's early but I am confident to call this my song of the year already.

[@pablovf]

I'm certain The Smile is the best thing that's happened to music during the pandemic

[@KyloWRC]

This has me so hyped for their second album! Brilliant song guys!

[@victorruu4ee0]

When they will release?

[@cypoopie]

​@@victorruu4ee0I'm guessing autumn but I have no clue

[@WilliamDarko]

Later. They go back to studio after the tour

[@cypoopie]

@@WilliamDarko ah I see. Probably next spring then

[@NicholasSWilliams]

@@WilliamDarko They were already in the studio recording for several weeks this spring. Autumn -- if not sooner -- seems likely.

[@alisonmcleod6861]

You either get it or you don’t. I braced myself for my husbands response when I played this. I now question my relationship . This song is sublime.

[@hazelsegnitz3254]

lol I like to watch my hubby’s face contort when he listens to any music I like, after that mad bit is pure bliss, you have good taste tho ! I hope your relationship survives! 🤣🤭

[@japhyryder66]

In a music industry rife with mediocrity and shit, this, this right here, is a fucking masterpiece.

[@ThisUsernameSystemF-ckingSucks]

You act like that's not the same for any kind of art. You don't need to put other art down just to appreciate other art more.

[@ThisUsernameSystemF-ckingSucks]

There's no need to put other art down to bring other art up.

[@danieljamesmead]

Theres been many songs by Thom Yorke/Radiohead that on my first couple of listens I don't really take to. Something quite awkward or unsettling about it that jars me and confuses the melody or overall composition. Enough to make me feel a bit weird and skip that track. But there's a hook in there that makes me listen more and more and after around 5 listens my brain unscrambles it, it all clicks and becomes crystal clear and I'm completely sold. It's a pretty unique trait that for me, makes Radiohead/Thom my favourite ever music entity. This is one of those ones tracks.

[@oscarnav8]

Same here! Just my second time listening to it, but I already feel like it clicked in me. This song is just too beautiful

[@danwebb1756]

100 percent! I remember my first listen of Kid A. I was so confused, but had to keep listening over and over, because there was something there that I couldn’t fully comprehend, but then it clicked and there was no looking back. Radiohead has multiple albums like that. They are next level geniuses in my opinion. Right up there with The Beatles, Floyd, etc. for me.

[@nicholaslindenmeyer6472]

😂

[@wngmv]

It took me a decade to realize how good in rainbows is. Also codex.

[@sagittated]

​@@wngmvCodex clicked for me the moment they used it in Mad Men. I couldn't recall the name of the track, so I went looking, and in doing so, realized The King of Limbs was my favorite ever record.

[@stevehar9404]

Stratospheric stuff only these guys can deliver

[@ImmerseYourSoul_In_Love]

Immerse your soul in love.

[@knivesout33]

In an era of 2 minutes songs, The Smile releases a 8 minute track. 💌

[@tomoswald3191]

BM / BCNR still releasing 6-12 minute songs all the time - u just gotta find good artists

[@mensatico]

@@tomoswald3191 An era is not created by two artists/bands. Your comment doesn't change anything in the first person's assertion.

[@ThisUsernameSystemF-ckingSucks]

An era of two minute songs? tf are you talking about?

[@ThisUsernameSystemF-ckingSucks]

@@mensatico but plain fact does, the average song length is not 2 minutes...

[@zackzallie8735]

​@@mensaticoThat's why you should discover more artists. Bands like King Gizz, BCNR, and even rappers like Kendrick had been naking long composed songs in the past two years.

[@jameshutton7115]

woooooowwwwwww... the way it just kept building and building... those screaming violins...wowwww

[@carolem1413]

Reminds me of when I tuned my guitar, but usually the string would break 😂 When The Smile writes a magnificent song around that simple and fragile note. Thank you Jonny for that adrenaline rush. And Thom's singing these lyrics is magnetic.

[@scellyyt]

i'm getting vibes of many radiohead songs in this, pieces of sail to the moon around the first 2 minutes, daydreaming at around 3 minutes in, then pyramid song, the numbers, in limbo, and a few others rattling in the back of my head

[@JustPringless]

Damn... Looks like this is instantly my favourite The Smile song So beautiful and insightful

[@andrewtucker94]

First that is 100% Radiohead quality

[@southerntw]

That string induces an inevitable goosebumps. You can't prevent it.

[@michaelc4482]

It's not just the best song from The Smile, but I feel it's among the top 5 songs I have ever heard. The way it's presented along with the emotional roller coaster it brings out of the listener is shocking. It fills me with peace, then sadness, then terror, and finally a sense of over coming hardship that is something truly remarkable. I feel that I can't listen to it too often because it's exhausting to do so. I want to thank Thom, Jonny , Tom and anyone involved with creating this song. It's brilliant.

[@brightoneasterling9304]

It’s like they’ve transcended this realm and have gotten to a place of pure creative expression through music completely stripped of ego.

[@AuthorLaurieAnnSmith]

I've been off work for 6 months with a shattered shoulder and I decided to chill and heal listening to Thom's voice song by song from the beginning. If and when the nks start to fly, Radiohead songs are all I will be listening to. If I had a bunker, they would be my bunker music choice! Best live band, best vocals, best in studio. So many people agree that Thom's voice is the very best that's ever been and I absolutely agree. Thanks for keeping it honest 💯👍😎🤗🙏

[@qoqpop_poe6722]

u seem to be a very nice person, it's always infuriating to see the best suffer.

[@samrjw8693]

Got an ad mid song. What fresh hell is this

[@rndmbs]

@@samrjw8693 when a video is 8 minutes long it is eligible for midroll ads

[@AuthorLaurieAnnSmith]

@@qoqpop_poe6722 thank you for your very kind words to me. I have been aware of the suffering of the world since I was very young. I was born into an abusive family and watched my entire family suffer and implode. I swore I would not continue the cycle. I had some amazing friends who helped me out when I was young and what they taught me saved my life from me. I know so many are hurting and my broken shoulder will heal as all my broken bones eventually healed. My heart goes out to all the broken people out there who have no help or hope. Big love and peace to you. 👍💗💯🤗

[@heavypiano]

Woah, that string build into the distortion was incredible.

[@rubayatraiyan9477]

Cover coming soon?

[@heavypiano]

@@rubayatraiyan9477 I'd love to cover this!

[@Barryislarge]

I love the renewed enthusiasm and joy in this band. It feels like they can make what they want without being boxed in to some old brand. While the music might be "down", the joy in the process shines through these tracks.

[@jumpedintheriverwhatdidise5499]

Agreed 100%

[@Fer-gn8ts]

También de alguna manera te mantiene tranquilo y sin presión para ellos y para nosotros de que tiene que ser genial como Radiohead, con esta banda a mi parecer se sienten mejor que nunca.. y nosotros sin esperar algo en especial lo tenemos todo.

[@vzdusnaciara]

im so happy this song was created.

[@sebastian98981]

That outro was very unexpected and epic 😎

[@matteocasarin3598]

Alright, now I'm courious to listen to Teleharmonic Phaser's studio version. This one was just astonishing. These guys are keeping me excited.

[@mikemerna7554]

Many will love this song, Many will hate it. But, NONE will ever forget it.

[@sudanbewaobdedebo]

This is definitely the best track on Wall of Eyes. It's nice and even sounds like Radiohead-esque

[@louisaconnell5168]

song of the year

[@BB-es9pp]

This is insanely good. I am so excited to hear how they arrange the rest of their unreleased songs for the album. And holy fuck, Stanley outdid himself on the artwork. Can’t wait to see them again live in July!

[@EzeICE]

This song was amazing a part of their set when they played it live in NYC this past fall. And yes, Stanley Donwood is brilliant indeed.

[@DibsEquipped]

How do these guys keep making masterpieces over and over again? I'll never understand.

[@Bruh_227]

By far their best work yet

[@clareemma5017]

Smile concert at alexandra palace was a life changing experience for the better ❤

[@blablaogist]

One of the greatest clean-guitar- into-distortion-moments I've listened to in a while.

[@MicahBuzanMUSIC]

This song is bending my mind. This, along with Thin Thing have been such an experience - love hearing Jonny crank that distortion pedal again.

[@jumpedintheriverwhatdidise5499]

The lyrics when you get the meaning are some of their best

[@sudanbewaobdedebo]

Do you know the lyrics?! If so, can you please print them. Thanks!!

[@jumpedintheriverwhatdidise5499]

@@sudanbewaobdedebo have you heard of Google?

[@musicismyfriend7919]

@@jumpedintheriverwhatdidise5499 Google? What's that?

[@edcommondeal16]

These guys just can't disappoint. No matter how hard you try, you will always find some sense of depth in virtually every single song this band has ever composed. Astonishing job! Can't wait to hear more!

[@divchynad]

so true! that's probably because you either have this depth or not. they do.

[@jacopasto3204]

i m crying tears of joy. music.....

[@chrisstockhorst7863]

This song came to me at the perfect time. I had a major setback during a surgery and found out I have a crohn’s. I choose to turn. Ty for this beautiful song uplifting me during this difficult time

[@rooftopsignals7313]

Simply put, it just makes me so happy to be here for new music from these guys. Can't thank you all enough, the band and other listeners Smile on

[@allwayscgood576]

This song is saving my life

[@tommygibb5066]

It took a few listens but now i cant get this out of my head

[@JohnLaRuffa]

I’m glad you turned Tom. You continue to improve everyone’s lives with your and your fellow chum’s music. Don’t let go!

[@zackbrown67]

I’ve probably listened to the live version 100 times. So glad for this song to finally be recorded for everyone to hear.

[@user-wz9fs8ld1z]

His voice is so unique in this song. Just wow.

[@FreeFromReign]

this was incredible live. thom and jonny are unbelievably talented

[@anthok6911]

Best song of the album !!!

[@ORYAN99]

The definition of eargasm So beautiful

[@ApparentlyIamAaditya]

I'm changing down the gears I'm slamming on the brakes A vintage soft top from the '60s We're coming to a bend now Skidding 'round the hairpin A sheer drop down an Italian mountainside And time is kind of frozen And you're gazing at the view And I swear I'm seeing double No one's gonna bring me down, no No way and no how I'm letting go of the wheel It might be as well It might be as well I've got these slings, I've got these arrows I force myself to I've got these slings, I've got these arrows I force myself to turn, turn The ground is coming for me now We've gone over the edge If you've got something to say, say it now No one's gonna bring me down, no No way and no how I'm letting go of the wheel Despite these slings, despite these arrows I force myself to Despite these slings, despite these arrows I force myself to turn, turn

[@Domdin.houmbre]

Je n'ai jamais écouté d'aussi belle musique

[@navasaband]

Top shelf.

[@azroberts7567]

Thom, Jonny and co. out there bending time, space and cars ❤

[@Stoopjunk]

you can feel the acceptance in thoms gentle happy voice, its been a tough journey for him but now he has found a place of rest wheres hes still able to express, powerful stuff, love you guys.

[@erichruyalves]

if the next radiohead album sounds like this... i may rest in peace!

[@Wanderersea]

Thanks to Covid-19, in an alternate universe, if the the world hadn't took a detour into absurdity. This WOULD have been a Radiohead song.

[@onedone2011]

rest now. don't get greedy?

[@PixelNotesMusic]

The 3:18 transition is gorgeous.

[@bigcorky4687]

Goosebumps on the first listen is always a sign something is good

[@Omniicron]

Incredible. Lights off, lie down and headphones on full.

[@ernestovidales09]

This sounds like it could have been part of Amnesiac. Love it.

[@s0rr1.M0O0Se]

My favorite album

[@mustafasadmansakib]

shares a lot with pyramid song and spinning plates

[@okaberintaro3936]

Doesn’t sound that dark

[@AceDaLoaf]

@@okaberintaro3936 you sure?

[@GolfLikeWoods]

I agree, and it also references themes from OK Computer and even earlier! What a wonderful song.

[@vincenzostr4488]

The Smile's 'Bending Hectic' can be interpreted as a reflection on the uncontrollable and unpredictable aspects of life, particularly as one faces personal challenges and uncertainties. The song's lyrics depict scenes of driving through precarious situations, such as swerving around hairpin bends on steep mountain roads, which serves as a metaphor for navigating the complexities in life. The recurrent theme of 'letting go of the wheel' suggests surrendering to circumstances beyond one's control, and the mention of 'slings and arrows' points to the adversities faced along the way. Song Meaning The emotional journey of 'Bending Hectic' appears to begin with a feeling of tension and apprehension, much like the nerves one might experience when driving down 'the gears' on 'a vintage soft top from the sixties.' Imagery of 'skidding 'round the hairpin' introduces a sense of danger and the rush of confronting life’s steep challenges. Lyrics like 'A sheer drop down / The Italian mountainside' and 'time is kind of frozen' evoke a moment stretched thin with intensity, reflective of those instances when life feels both precious and perilous. As the song progresses, there's a transition into a state of resolve and acceptance with the lines, 'I'm letting go of the wheel.' This illustrates a critical juncture where resolve morphs into resignation, embodying that pivotal moment of releasing control and accepting that some things are beyond one's influence. This sentiment is further emphasized in the chorus through the repetition of 'I've got these slings / I've got these arrows / I'll force myself to turn, turn.' The repetition of 'turn' might symbolize the effort required to change direction or mindset amidst adversity. In the climactic verse, the lyrics 'The ground is coming for me now / We've gone over the edge / If you've got something to say / Say it now' convey a sense of urgency and finality. Here, the emotional journey reaches its peak as the song embodies the moment of confrontation with whatever fate lies ahead, emphasizing the value of the present and the need to speak one's truth before it's too late. The outro is a reinforcing swirl of the word 'Turn,' which in its persistent repetition, resonates as a mantra for change and adaptation. It's as if The Smile is using this conclusion to underscore the song's central message about enduring through hardship and the necessity of evolving through life's tumultuous bends. Quotes "A vintage soft top from the sixties" This lyric references a type of convertible car popular in the 1960s, likely symbolizing a journey in something classic and perhaps nostalgic, suggesting a connection between the past and how it influences the current emotional state or situation.

[@plenku]

Thom and Jonny needed to start a new band to fuze AMSP with 90's Radiohead again, and I'm all here for it

[@chrisrodney7599]

five minutes thirty three seconds... you're welcome

[@ymakams]

i feel lucky that the first time i had heard this it was at the perfect time for me. i felt every moment, all sincerity for my own reflection and resonance. some of the toughest moments of my life have all come to crumble onto me. i was in the kitchen after finding out i could move from the terrible home i was living in and into a safer one, after years. i stood in the kitchen with my cigarette, staring into the garden with radio 6 playing, and this song started the MOMENT i lit my cig and it was as if nothing else existed in that moment but me and the music. i cant even tell you how insane it felt listening to the lyrics as they kept on going, how the melodies were drawing all of my body into roaring shudders and i just was staring into space, in disbelief of how perfectly fittiing and beautiful the song was for my moment in time. in my haze of emotions, when that second chorus hit, whew..

[@CaveWang]

That's a great read mate. Hope you're doing well!

[@bottlewoman70]

I heard this for the first time today... I cried . Why does Thom have that ability to effect us so much with his music ❤

[@shaun7389]

I usually role my eyes at comments like this. but for a song as incredible as this, I'm not surprised it made you feel that way. It's a masterpiece in my opinion.

[@SpookyLuvCookie]

Thom's ability to communicate real true soul and emotion in his singing (and his lyrics) is like nothing else that has ever been or will be again.

[@AnnQuebecPolska]

​@@SpookyLuvCookie I totally agree ! The man is so talented..it is impossible for me to find such a prolific artist to compare to with 30 years of career behind him . He is for me the most accomplished artist !

[@pedrosolermartinez6273]

Is not enough, I need moooooore, noooooooowwwww. Hahahaha it’s what usually happens to me every time they release something new, I don’t want it to end. Perfect, as f… usual

[@JoyDrummer2]

This is the song that plays when each of us are being born. What a beautiful masterpiece that swells and grows and delivers in everyway. A metaphor of the beauty, hardship and ultimately the triumph that is life. So much emotion, so much power, so much beauty. Perfection

[@imnotbarney]

Actually the birdie song was playing when i was born

[@snipergaming8152]

Just got an ad in the middle of my first listen to this beautiful song... THANKS KZbin

[@confusedcryptid]

YEAH SAME

[@dikky1545]

Spot on.

[@genghischan69]

I really didn't expect to find a probable new all time brand new favorite song after turning 30. After all emotions fade over time. Yet here it is. Well done, geniuses.

[@Nokka10]

This tune is epic. Love the way it leads you into a false perspective then assaults your senses with outrageous amounts of chaos! More more more! i want more!!

[@kingofthewolds4120]

How do Thom and Jonny keep doing this? History says that artists, of any genre or media should be washed up by now and well past the peak of their creative powers. Cherish them whilst they're still doing this - they really are a gift from the Gods ❤

[@vesta1711]

words cannot describe this song... I feel like I'm near an amazing ocean then on the event horizon of a black hole in the space near to disappear.... genius of thom and jonny...

[@andresmagos6141]

I'm gonna hear this song tonight. I'm sure. MEXICO CITY IS BLESSED WITH THEIR MUSIC!!!

[@Fer-gn8ts]

Cómo estuvo???

[@mohammadjihad569]

mind blown. best smile song

[@stonekite4482]

DAMN, that switch-up was unexpected...looking forward to the new album!

[@dontcallmegus]

This is an absolute masterpiece.