This song is electronica, composed around sequenced drums and sampled percussive grooves; deriving from kitchen utensils (which provides the initial eastern-like timbres) and even samples of sheep bleats (weak and wavering cry of a sheep). The vocals are delivered in a passive manner which are emphasised by a robotic auto-tune effect.
Originally titled ‘Po Pad’, the now set in stone title suggests the imagery of a damaged car, referring back to Yorke’s previous obsession with ‘Stupid Car’ or ‘Killer Cars’. This fascination with automobiles strives from a near death experience Yorke faced when being involved in a car crash early on in his career. This of course is notable for being the backstory behind Ok Computer’s opening track, Airbag. During a special Later With Jools Holland BBC show in London, Thom Yorke dedicated the song to everyone who had travelled to the venue via London’s Westway (dual carriage way), which confirms the intent of the reference.
The vocal hook “I’m a reasonable man, get off my case” distressed Yorke’s overwhelming discomfort following the bands breakthrough success with Ok Computer during 1997/1998. There is also a sense of misplaced expectation, alluding back to the theme of ‘Let Down’.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hyden, S. (2020) This Isn’t Happening. Radiohead’s Kid A and the beginning of the 21st century.
Allen, W. (2021) Radiohead. Every album, every song.