Meaning of Weird Fishes/arpeggi by Radiohead

The Radiohead song "Weird Fishes/arpeggi" from their album "In Rainbows" is a complex and captivating piece that delves into themes of vulnerability, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of an individual navigating the depths of their emotions and exploring the uncharted territories of their soul. Each line contributes to the song's overarching theme, offering unexpected and imaginative perspectives on love, perception, and personal growth.Beginning with the lyrics "In the deepest ocean, the bottom of the sea, your eyes, they turn me," the song immediately sets the tone for introspection and diving into the unknown. Here, the deep ocean is symbolic of the vast depths of one's emotions and the enigmatic nature of love itself. The idea of eyes turning someone suggests a profound connection and a sense of being drawn into someone's inner world.The lyrics "Why should I stay here? Why should I stay?" signify the protagonist's struggle with the fear of vulnerability. This passage explores the paradoxical nature of staying in a relationship. It questions the reasons to remain in a situation that can potentially lead to pain or disappointment. The theme of uncertainty and the bravery required to embrace vulnerability emerges, highlighting the transformative power of love when one dares to stay and grow."I'd be crazy not to follow, follow where you lead, your eyes, they turn me," reveals the immense influence another person can have on one's life. It signifies the protagonist's willingness to surrender control and follow their love interest into the unknown. This lyric beautifully portrays the theme of self-discovery in a relationship, as by following someone else's lead, they discover new depths within themselves."Turn me into phantoms, way out," suggests the transformative nature of love. This line evokes the idea of shedding one's old self and letting go of conventional expectations. By becoming phantoms, the protagonist embraces a sense of freedom, stepping into unexplored territory. The theme of personal growth and the liberation found in embracing one's true self is exemplified in this lyric."I follow to the edge, way out of the earth, way out and fall off," takes the exploration of the unknown a step further. It symbolizes the willingness to go beyond the limits, beyond the mundane, and embrace the intensity of emotions fearlessly. By falling off the edge, the protagonist enters a realm of endless possibilities, transcending earthly concerns and reaching a state of liberation."Yeah, everybody leaves, if they get the chance," confronts the transient nature of relationships. It underscores the theme of impermanence and the fear of abandonment. This lyric delves into the vulnerability that comes with investing emotions in a relationship, while acknowledging that eventually, everyone leaves in their own way. It highlights the bittersweet realization of the protagonist, embracing the impermanence of love and cherishing its transformative impact nonetheless."And this (Way out), is my chance," speaks to the transformative potential of embracing the unknown. It signifies the protagonist's realization that taking risks and venturing into uncharted territories offers an opportunity for personal growth. By embracing the uncertainty, the protagonist finds their chance to evolve, escape from their previous limitations, and become their authentic self.Finally, the chorus "I get eaten by the worms and weird fishes, picked over by the worms and weird fishes, weird fishes, weird fishes," introduces a striking metaphor for the cycle of life and death. Here, the worms symbolize the inevitability of mortality, reflecting on the transitory nature of existence. The lyric suggests that embracing vulnerability and diving into the depths of one's emotions, while risking pain and disappointment, is a crucial part of the human experience. It embodies the ultimate transformation that can arise from accepting the fragility of life itself.In conclusion, "Weird Fishes/arpeggi" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that explores the transformative journey of love and vulnerability. Through its poetic and imaginative lyrics, it delves into unexpected themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the acceptance of the ephemeral nature of life. It encourages listeners to embrace the unknown, take risks, and navigate the uncharted depths within themselves, finding liberation and transformation in the process. Ultimately, the song reminds us that by diving into the depths of our emotions, we can discover the weird and beautiful fishes that reside within us all.