Radiohead — Karma Police
Album: OK ComputerAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 6076
Length: 4:21
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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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 get, this is what you get
This is what you 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 get, this is what you get
This is what you get when you mess with us
For a minute there I lost myself, I lost myself
Phew for a minute there I lost myself, I lost myself
Oh for a minute there I lost myself, I lost myself
Phew for a minute there I lost myself, I lost myself
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 get, this is what you get
This is what you 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 get, this is what you get
This is what you get when you mess with us
For a minute there I lost myself, I lost myself
Phew for a minute there I lost myself, I lost myself
Oh for a minute there I lost myself, I lost myself
Phew for a minute there I lost myself, I lost myself
Comments (505)add comment
I've never voted 10 before...
i have now.
Pure Bliss.
i have now.
Pure Bliss.
I'm sure I'll get a lot of hate for this comment but William you're playing this song too much...
Where's the 11 button!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????!!!!!!!!!!
This album boxset has pride of place in my collection, such a wonderful band 
DrLex wrote:
There's nothing odd about it. Those who like a song will usually not be inclined to praise it over and over again every time it is played. Those few who hate the song though, will keep on trying to vent their frustration. This makes the negative comments come floating on top of the rest, like pieces of buoyant waste…
This comment is so true! And applicable to just about all online communication that passes through our lives these days. If you're not careful you might actually start to believe that hate, racisme, xenophobia, misogyny and what not rule the world. But RP comes to the rescue: for 499 comments (which are not all hate of course, I haven't counted) there are at present over 4200 ratings of 8 or higher. Fun thing to show the kids when what they see and hear of us human adults on tv, in newspapers and especially online gets them down...
One can really love RP for so many reasons 
There's nothing odd about it. Those who like a song will usually not be inclined to praise it over and over again every time it is played. Those few who hate the song though, will keep on trying to vent their frustration. This makes the negative comments come floating on top of the rest, like pieces of buoyant waste…
This comment is so true! And applicable to just about all online communication that passes through our lives these days. If you're not careful you might actually start to believe that hate, racisme, xenophobia, misogyny and what not rule the world. But RP comes to the rescue: for 499 comments (which are not all hate of course, I haven't counted) there are at present over 4200 ratings of 8 or higher. Fun thing to show the kids when what they see and hear of us human adults on tv, in newspapers and especially online gets them down...
One can really love RP for so many reasons
I'm not qualified to comment on this song, nor is anyone else with a semblance of awe at its greatness!
philinnz wrote:
probably not. You just get born again into a horrible existance. Like Trumpie is going to come back as a penniless Mexican and get shot trying to get across the wall he built
Boy this comment did not age well. In an age of Wrong speak, lawfare and overrun cities. I guess someone lost themselves.
probably not. You just get born again into a horrible existance. Like Trumpie is going to come back as a penniless Mexican and get shot trying to get across the wall he built
Boy this comment did not age well. In an age of Wrong speak, lawfare and overrun cities. I guess someone lost themselves.
Very serios problems! I crashed my pot of coffee this morning! With coffee! That is a Problem!
MattRudely wrote:
Hilarious and spot on. Thanks for that.
YouTube >> "reggie watts radiohead"
Hilarious and spot on. Thanks for that.
Everything except that ending!
jam420888 wrote:
Clearly a sign of mental deterioration caused by listening too much to Thom Yorke.
¡ ↳๏$τ m¥ $∉↳℉ ℉๏® ∂ m¡n
Clearly a sign of mental deterioration caused by listening too much to Thom Yorke.
¡ ↳๏$τ m¥ $∉↳℉ ℉๏® ∂ m¡n
The outro could have been the soundtrack to yesterday's very short SpaceX Superheavy flight.
eileenomurphy wrote:
Couldn't disagree more. This song is a masterpiece.
But hey, as my dad would say, "If everyone drove a Ford, there'd be no Chevys."
Nyet! ...Radiohead is hit or miss for me. ...this is a miss.
Couldn't disagree more. This song is a masterpiece.
But hey, as my dad would say, "If everyone drove a Ford, there'd be no Chevys."
philinnz wrote:
probably not. You just get born again into a horrible existance. Like Trumpie is going to come back as a penniless Mexican and get shot trying to get across the wall he built
And this has what to do with the music? I ask that question, as well, to the 43 ignoramuses who gave you a thumbs up.
probably not. You just get born again into a horrible existance. Like Trumpie is going to come back as a penniless Mexican and get shot trying to get across the wall he built
And this has what to do with the music? I ask that question, as well, to the 43 ignoramuses who gave you a thumbs up.
Piano has a Sexy Sadie vibe
fucking amazing!
Nice Segway
bronorb wrote:
I always know that I have to listen to Radiohead albums 6 times before I fall in love with them all. Its worth the effort try it everyone please or you won't know what you're missing.
I rated this a 3 probably many years ago (I've been listening to RP for a long time). I just bumped up my rating. Some songs are like that. They rub you the wrong way on the first listen but the more you hear them, the more they settle in.
I always know that I have to listen to Radiohead albums 6 times before I fall in love with them all. Its worth the effort try it everyone please or you won't know what you're missing.
DrLex wrote:
There's nothing odd about it. Those who like a song will usually not be inclined to praise it over and over again every time it is played. Those few who hate the song though, will keep on trying to vent their frustration. This makes the negative comments come floating on top of the rest, like pieces of buoyant waste…
I've got a personal policy on RP of not posting negativity, and just moving the hell on if I've got nothing better to say than "this sucks" (for the most part). I really wish more people would do the same. There's nothing to gained by being a jerk.
There's nothing odd about it. Those who like a song will usually not be inclined to praise it over and over again every time it is played. Those few who hate the song though, will keep on trying to vent their frustration. This makes the negative comments come floating on top of the rest, like pieces of buoyant waste…
I've got a personal policy on RP of not posting negativity, and just moving the hell on if I've got nothing better to say than "this sucks" (for the most part). I really wish more people would do the same. There's nothing to gained by being a jerk.
RoelantSiekman wrote:
Easy. They are all 10.
Problem: if I rate this a 10, how can I rate the even better songs on OK computer (Homesick Subterranean Alien)(No Surprises)?
Easy. They are all 10.
I never understood the appeal of Radiohead. Utterly mundane, monotonous songs, bordering on maudlin. Are they British? Must be a British thing. Is that it?
25th anniversary just 2 days ago, this album - hasn't aged one iota.
First song I've ever heard from them a few years ago, immediate 10. They do have much more interesting songs, but this is always a sing-along listen with touching emotions. I just can't seem to find any faults - from the flow, the lyrics, the singing, to stylistic choices and the record it's featured on, simply a great composition.
for a minute there I lost myself 
Problem: if I rate this a 10, how can I rate the even better songs on OK computer (Homesick Subterranean Alien)(No Surprises)?
I haven't played the album in its entirety for quite a while, but still it feels wrong that this is not followed by “Fitter, Happier.”
I just upped my rating. I guess it is starting to grow on me.
eileenomurphy wrote:
Not MY favorite RH tune, either, not bad, but not great!
Nyet! ...Radiohead is hit or miss for me. ...this is a miss.
Not MY favorite RH tune, either, not bad, but not great!
i cannot bear to score this above 1, so i did not
eileenomurphy wrote:
Love this comment... They're hit or miss for me too - but this is a hit... Goes to show that there's no right or wrong in music appreciation - we just like what we like!!
Thanks RP for just being here
Nyet! ...Radiohead is hit or miss for me. ...this is a miss.
Love this comment... They're hit or miss for me too - but this is a hit... Goes to show that there's no right or wrong in music appreciation - we just like what we like!!
Thanks RP for just being here
It's really weird, the older I get the more I appreciate Radiohead. I'm sixty four years young.
YouTube >> "reggie watts radiohead"
DrLex wrote:
There's nothing odd about it. Those who like a song will usually not be inclined to praise it over and over again every time it is played. Those few who hate the song though, will keep on trying to vent their frustration. This makes the negative comments come floating on top of the rest, like pieces of buoyant waste…
I wouldn't mind praising it over and over, but that is probably just as annoying.
Radiohead (Thom York) is the modern Bach Beethoven and Mozert all rolled in one)
EDIT: note to myself: dont't forget John Greenwood
There's nothing odd about it. Those who like a song will usually not be inclined to praise it over and over again every time it is played. Those few who hate the song though, will keep on trying to vent their frustration. This makes the negative comments come floating on top of the rest, like pieces of buoyant waste…
I wouldn't mind praising it over and over, but that is probably just as annoying.
Radiohead (Thom York) is the modern Bach Beethoven and Mozert all rolled in one)
EDIT: note to myself: dont't forget John Greenwood
cavemanleong wrote:
What an amazing song!
What an amazing album
What an amazing song! kenslvr wrote:
Not sure how you get that from York?
Thom Yorke is a whiney little bitch, but you could surmise that just from his name.
Not sure how you get that from York?
The weirdly prophetic fact about this song is that when the GCHQ (the British NSA) started a covert surveillance programme they thought they were mightily cool guys when they named it after this song. The project was - if not counter-constitutional - at least without parliamentary oversight. Quite a double-edged wittiness, when this song is about folks just like them!
wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma_Police_(surveillance_programme)
Anywayz Bill, thanks for reminding us.
wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma_Police_(surveillance_programme)
Anywayz Bill, thanks for reminding us.
ThePoose wrote:
True. I didn't notice it until I read your post.
Sexy Sadieish
True. I didn't notice it until I read your post.
Thom Yorke is a whiney little bitch, but you could surmise that just from his name.
coloradojohn wrote:
The last time I heard anyone this mad it was Johnny Rotten.
It still strikes me how TY can sound more unhinged than almost anyone else when he delivers searing lyrics, and their music is so wow
The last time I heard anyone this mad it was Johnny Rotten.
Nyet! ...Radiohead is hit or miss for me. ...this is a miss.
bronorb wrote:
I rated this a 3 probably many years ago (I've been listening to RP for a long time). I just bumped up my rating. Some songs are like that. They rub you the wrong way on the first listen but the more you hear them, the more they settle in.
Same here, in fact RH might be the band BillG has changed my opinion on the most.
+1 to 7 with room to grow.
Long Live RP!!
*2 years later, April 2022, +1 to 8, crazy good with the new planar magnetic HiFimans
I rated this a 3 probably many years ago (I've been listening to RP for a long time). I just bumped up my rating. Some songs are like that. They rub you the wrong way on the first listen but the more you hear them, the more they settle in.
Same here, in fact RH might be the band BillG has changed my opinion on the most.
+1 to 7 with room to grow.
Long Live RP!!
*2 years later, April 2022, +1 to 8, crazy good with the new planar magnetic HiFimans
The Song Police rate this a NINE!
Without a doubt one of Radiohead's most accesible and best songs.
Sexy Sadieish
i LOVE that fade-out noise !!!!!!!!!!!
Tellement de souvenirs sur cette chanson. La première fois que j'ai entendu cette chanson,. j'ai pris une baffe. je donne un 10.
DrLex wrote:
There's nothing odd about it. Those who like a song will usually not be inclined to praise it over and over again every time it is played. Those few who hate the song though, will keep on trying to vent their frustration. This makes the negative comments come floating on top of the rest, like pieces of buoyant waste…
I rated this a 3 probably many years ago (I've been listening to RP for a long time). I just bumped up my rating. Some songs are like that. They rub you the wrong way on the first listen but the more you hear them, the more they settle in.
There's nothing odd about it. Those who like a song will usually not be inclined to praise it over and over again every time it is played. Those few who hate the song though, will keep on trying to vent their frustration. This makes the negative comments come floating on top of the rest, like pieces of buoyant waste…
I rated this a 3 probably many years ago (I've been listening to RP for a long time). I just bumped up my rating. Some songs are like that. They rub you the wrong way on the first listen but the more you hear them, the more they settle in.
kingart wrote:
"you know everyone has problems it doesn't mean you have to be a little crybaby about it"
OMG. Get this dude some happy pills for Jeez sake. One fookin RH song after another is a vehicle of angst and despair.
"you know everyone has problems it doesn't mean you have to be a little crybaby about it"
Will the Karma Police be pulling up to the White House in the near future? Please?!? Asking for a friend. 
Radiohead has written some excellent lyrics over the years!
Radiohead has written some excellent lyrics over the years!
Waaaay too much Radiohead being played lately on the RP machine. In a perfect world, there would be none played. I can dream...
This is getting a ten! Unidentified Musical Object 
Still one of my favorite songs off of one of my favorite albums of all time. When I first heard this album I identified with every song as though this was written for me.
DrLex wrote:
There's nothing odd about it. Those who like a song will usually not be inclined to praise it over and over again every time it is played. Those few who hate the song though, will keep on trying to vent their frustration. This makes the negative comments come floating on top of the rest, like pieces of buoyant waste…
Well said.
Great song, btw!
There's nothing odd about it. Those who like a song will usually not be inclined to praise it over and over again every time it is played. Those few who hate the song though, will keep on trying to vent their frustration. This makes the negative comments come floating on top of the rest, like pieces of buoyant waste…
Well said.
Great song, btw!
What an amazing song! Algis wrote:
For a minute there you lost me.
What an awful ending!
For a minute there you lost me.
in general, radiohead are at best, weird. this is a really good example of how weird bleeds into really bad.
What an awful ending!
This is what you get: 
And a 2.
Baby_M wrote:
probably not. You just get born again into a horrible existance. Like Trumpie is going to come back as a penniless Mexican and get shot trying to get across the wall he built
Wouldn't the Karma Police be arresting you for crimes you committed in a past life?
probably not. You just get born again into a horrible existance. Like Trumpie is going to come back as a penniless Mexican and get shot trying to get across the wall he built
It still strikes me how TY can sound more unhinged than almost anyone else when he delivers searing lyrics, and their music is so wow
Sexy Sadie changes therein
Un peu surfait, surjoué. La moitié de la chanson me fait penser à du "Frank Black" (Frank Black 1993).
Steely_D wrote:
Oh yes!!! That's exactly what I thought
Sexy Sadie
Oh yes!!! That's exactly what I thought
Still enjoying this song...
Wouldn't the Karma Police be arresting you for crimes you committed in a past life?
bam23 wrote:
There's nothing odd about it. Those who like a song will usually not be inclined to praise it over and over again every time it is played. Those few who hate the song though, will keep on trying to vent their frustration. This makes the negative comments come floating on top of the rest, like pieces of buoyant waste…
Isn't it odd that the rating at present is 8.2, suggesting that this piece is very favorably received by the listeners here, and yet all I find are dismissive rejections of the song? Anyway, I really like it and will not join in the Radiohead bashing exercise.
There's nothing odd about it. Those who like a song will usually not be inclined to praise it over and over again every time it is played. Those few who hate the song though, will keep on trying to vent their frustration. This makes the negative comments come floating on top of the rest, like pieces of buoyant waste…
Still just fucking awful.
what he said Isn't it odd that the rating at present is 8.2, suggesting that this piece is very favorably received by the listeners here, and yet all I find are dismissive rejections of the song? Anyway, I really like it and will not join in the Radiohead bashing exercise.
Steely_D wrote:
Once a plagiarizer, always a plagiarizer?
Sexy Sadie
Once a plagiarizer, always a plagiarizer?
It's not too bad, but I feel like RH started to slide right about here. The Bends had so much promise.
OMG. Get this dude some happy pills for Jeez sake. One fookin RH song after another is a vehicle of angst and despair.
freakin' railroad spikes on a freakin' chalkboard....feel free to remove this from your circulation
i'm not knocking Yorke's vocals, plenty has been said about that
but wouldn't it be great to listen to this album without the lead vocals
maybe keep the background vocals
but wouldn't it be great to listen to this album without the lead vocals
maybe keep the background vocals
It's my work, I am invisible
.Karma Police are part of peacekeping forces.
Dutch police are training eagles to take out drones ,
For years I felt like I was the only one that didn't enjoy listening to Radiohead, then came In Rainbows,which blew me away. That album is just fantastic.
Somebody please give Yorke something to eat. At least his mouth would be full and unable to whin...sing. ;)
See, I like the baseline at the end. Each to their own. It would be very boring if we all liked the same thing
Not sure what you mean, but it made me smile. Perhaps I'm a card carrying member of the thought police..meet me in room 101 
rdo wrote:
Are you a commie 1wolfy? Be honest.
rdo wrote:Are you a commie 1wolfy? Be honest.
He's still whining ...
Always seems to bring the festivities here to a GRINDING HALT (before the horrid ending).
I think I read somewhere that Thom Yorke NEVER listens to Radiohead albums, so he's got that going for him.
I think I read somewhere that Thom Yorke NEVER listens to Radiohead albums, so he's got that going for him.
I distinctly remember trying so hard to like this song because something sinister and entirely exterior to my will compelled me to love Radiohead. I knew, at the bottom of my soul, how this band would ultimately grind my teeth to the gums.
This is classic rock my friends.
Sexy Sadie
:-) Merci Beaucoup
christoffel wrote:
Nah...just old, I guess
you're like a detuned radio
Nah...just old, I guess
Phew for a minute there I Lost Myself...
Emwolb wrote:
ALMOST liked this song....had it as a solid "6" right up til the extremely annoying ending which dropped it to a marginal...I really TRY to like this band but find them (for the most part) interminable
you're like a detuned radio MusiqueMusique wrote:
Sexy Sadie. Made me dislike this cut for a long time - but did draw my attention to it.
Distinct Beatles influence when he sings "This is what you'll get". Wouldn't you say ?
Sexy Sadie. Made me dislike this cut for a long time - but did draw my attention to it.
This song seems to be on multiple playlists here at RP.
I'd be much happier if it wasn't on multiple playlists.
I'd be much happier if it wasn't on multiple playlists.
Distinct Beatles influence when he sings "This is what you'll get". Wouldn't you say ?
Proclivities wrote:
It may seem that way from many of the comments but there's a lot of "in-between" or "grey area" for most people. Maybe among the people who fervently post in the comments for every Radiohead song there is a pronounced dichotomy, but the world is not actually binary, and neither are the aesthetics of most of its inhabitants.
I bet you're a blast at parties!
It may seem that way from many of the comments but there's a lot of "in-between" or "grey area" for most people. Maybe among the people who fervently post in the comments for every Radiohead song there is a pronounced dichotomy, but the world is not actually binary, and neither are the aesthetics of most of its inhabitants.
I bet you're a blast at parties!
ckcotton wrote:
It may seem that way from many of the comments but there's a lot of "in-between" or "grey area" for most people. Maybe among the people who fervently post in the comments for every Radiohead song there is a pronounced dichotomy, but the world is not actually binary, and neither are the aesthetics of most of its inhabitants.
Clearly Radiohead is a LOVE or HATE thing....
Almost nothing in between.
I'm on the Love side for anyone that cares
Almost nothing in between.
I'm on the Love side for anyone that cares
It may seem that way from many of the comments but there's a lot of "in-between" or "grey area" for most people. Maybe among the people who fervently post in the comments for every Radiohead song there is a pronounced dichotomy, but the world is not actually binary, and neither are the aesthetics of most of its inhabitants.
ALMOST liked this song....had it as a solid "6" right up til the extremely annoying ending which dropped it to a marginal...I really TRY to like this band but find them (for the most part) interminable
Bumped from 9 to 10. Great song,
ckcotton wrote:
Clearly Radiohead is a love thing as 82% of RP listeners rate Karma Police higher than a 7.
Clearly Radiohead is a LOVE or HATE thing....
Almost nothing in between.
I'm on the Love side for anyone that cares
Almost nothing in between.
I'm on the Love side for anyone that cares
Clearly Radiohead is a love thing as 82% of RP listeners rate Karma Police higher than a 7.
Bump 9 > 10. And with this simple gesture, I offer my homage to the sage wisdom of Karl Nehring, my editor at The $ensible Sound, for his recognition that Radiohead was one of the great rock bands of all time despite my insistence otherwise. You rock, old dude.
Clearly Radiohead is a LOVE or HATE thing....
Almost nothing in between.
I'm on the Love side for anyone that cares
Almost nothing in between.
I'm on the Love side for anyone that cares
He's whining again ....
lemmoth wrote:
Hey Artie - if you don't quite understand listen more closely. And over the course of 20 years of music making, Thom has expressed the whole range of emotions, not just anguish.
And from your info, you are a fellow Brooklyner who is my senior by a mere two years, but what speaks volumes is that the youngest artist you have given a 10 to is Dire Straits.
We have our first RP stalker!
Do you know what brand of TP Kingart uses on his tush, lemmoth?
kingart wrote:
Yeah, but my 10s are bigger than yours.
Maybe you two should get a room...
Hey Artie - if you don't quite understand listen more closely. And over the course of 20 years of music making, Thom has expressed the whole range of emotions, not just anguish.
And from your info, you are a fellow Brooklyner who is my senior by a mere two years, but what speaks volumes is that the youngest artist you have given a 10 to is Dire Straits.
We have our first RP stalker!
Do you know what brand of TP Kingart uses on his tush, lemmoth?
kingart wrote:
Yeah, but my 10s are bigger than yours.
Maybe you two should get a room...
1wolfy wrote:
Are you a commie 1wolfy? Be honest.
you made a fool of everyone
Are you a commie 1wolfy? Be honest.
...there are times when nothing will do except Radiohead. This is one of those times. Love those guys, you get me
thanks
thanks
..... it's G O D L I K EPiano is channelling Sexy Sadie.
BTW, FYI, A Day In the Life is the greatest song ever made.
Same artists for both of the above songs.
johnjconn wrote:
BTW, FYI, A Day In the Life is the greatest song ever made.
Same artists for both of the above songs.
johnjconn wrote:
Possibly the greatest song ever made
Not OK, Computer.
Biscobret wrote:
And yet, 44 Radio Paradise listeners think it's Sucko-Barfo.
I am not one of them, this gets a high 9 from me!
so good. so, so very good. long live RH!
(8.3? Wow! not too many songs that high!)
(8.3? Wow! not too many songs that high!)
And yet, 44 Radio Paradise listeners think it's Sucko-Barfo.
I am not one of them, this gets a high 9 from me!
Alexandra wrote:
Well said, my friend.
Don't know what it is about this song...the chord progression, the cryptic words....the emotion....the buildup of the bridge.....and the eerieness of this is what you'll get when you mess with us........but I never tire of hearing it.
Well said, my friend.
What's wrong with you naysayers? I've loved RH since my kiddo turned me on to them years ago. Their music always touches something deep down. I have to stop whenever I hear it to experience the full effect. Tom Yorke's vocals are part of the captivation.
so good. so, so very good. long live RH!
(8.3? Wow! not too many songs that high!)
(8.3? Wow! not too many songs that high!)
Don't know what it is about this song...the chord progression, the cryptic words....the emotion....the buildup of the bridge.....and the eerieness of this is what you'll get when you mess with us........but I never tire of hearing it.
kingart wrote:
Permanently!!
Stop whining off-key, Thom.
Permanently!!
rdo wrote:
This song is approved by The Workers' Party of Korea.
Yes, you DO like it (or it's off to the concentration camps).
I'll go to labour camp anyday if it keeps me away from this song.
This song is approved by The Workers' Party of Korea.
Yes, you DO like it (or it's off to the concentration camps).
I'll go to labour camp anyday if it keeps me away from this song.
Game changing.
kingart wrote:
Amen to that.
Stop whining off-key, Thom.
Amen to that.
rdo wrote:
This song is approved by The Workers' Party of Korea.
Yes, you DO like it (or it's off to the concentration camps).
...or the firing squad.
This song is approved by The Workers' Party of Korea.
Yes, you DO like it (or it's off to the concentration camps).
...or the firing squad.
you made a fool of everyone
This song is approved by The Workers' Party of Korea.
Yes, you DO like it (or it's off to the concentration camps).
It's really weird, the older I get the more I appreciate Radiohead. I'm sixty four years young.
Yeah--they grow on us old farts...