I always thought Karma Police was a great name for a song and Radiohead live up to the name with their tune. There are three sections to the song, each made up of straightforward yet interesting chord progressions. The lyrics are funny, biting, challenging and fluid, like the music they accompany.
The song was originally released in 1997 on Radiohead’s third album, OK Computer. It reached the Top Ten in the UK and came close in the US, climbing to 14 on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart.
Karma police arrest this man
He talks in maths
He buzzes like a fridge
He’s like a detuned radio
Karma police arrest this girl
Her Hitler hairdo
Is making me feel ill
And we have crashed her party
This is what you’ll get
This is what you’ll get
This is what you’ll get
When you mess with us
Karma police I’ve given all I can
It’s not enough
I’ve given all I can
But we’re still on the payroll
This is what you’ll get
This is what you’ll get
This is what you’ll get
When you mess with us
For a minute there I lost myself
Words & Music by Mike Power 