2 + 2 = 5

Lyrics to one of my current favorite Radiohead songs, from "Hail to the Thief." Might seem confusing, but it's supposed to be based upon Orwell's "1984." 2 + 2 = 5 is a nonsensical statement, as is "January has April's Showers." The song outlines the struggle of individual (and rational) thought when pitted against the Mis-information of a subversive totalitarian regime... The middle section (which totally rips, BTW) where "You have not been paying attention" repeats over and over and over, represents the impossible task of being vigilant against Big Brother... And in the final section, in which statements and assertions are repeatedly negated (I'm NOT), the singer/protagonist eventually capitulates, becomes muddled, confused, ambiguous, and vulnerable... "MAYBE not."

It was (and is often) thought that Thom Yorke intended this song as a critique of the Bush administration, something which he denies... Nevertheless, the lyric, "Hail to the Thief" tempts this assertion.

2+2=5
(We're on. Thats a nice way to start Jonny)
Are you such a dreamer
To put the world to rights?
I'll stay home forever
Where two and two always makes a five

I'll lay down the tracks
Sandbag and hide (oil?)
January has April's showers
And two and two always makes a five

It's the devil's way now
There is no way out
You can SCREAM and you can shout
It is too late now
Because...

You have not been!Payin' attentionPayin' attentionPayin' attentionPayin' attention
You have not been paying attentionPayin' attentionPayin' attentionPayin' attention
You have not been paying attentionPayin' attentionPayin' attentionPayin' attention
You have not been paying attentionPayin' attentionPayin' attentionPayin' attention

oohh
I try to sing along
But the music's all wrong'
Cause I’m not
'Cause I’m not
I swat 'em like flies
but like flies the buggers keep coming back NOT
But I’m not
All hail to the thief
All hail to the thief
But I'm not. But I'm not. But I'm not. But I'm not.
Don't question my authority
or put me in the box
'Cause I'm not. 'Cause I'm not,
Oh go and tell the king that the sky is falling in
When it's not. But it's not. But it's not.
Maybe not
Maybe NOT!