"Karma Police" (1997) is one of Radiohead’s most iconic and commercially successful singles, serving as a standout track on their landmark third album, OK Computer .
It begins with a "stately" acoustic guitar and a haunting piano melody—the latter of which has been compared to the Beatles’ "Sexy Sadie" . Karma Police
The song is a mid-tempo acoustic ballad that showcases Radiohead's ability to blend traditional rock elements with experimental flourishes. "Karma Police" (1997) is one of Radiohead’s most
It follows a unconventional structure, moving from a standard verse-chorus cycle into a transformative coda. It follows a unconventional structure, moving from a
Critics interpret the lyrics as a critique of modern life’s banality and the feeling of being constantly watched and judged by a society that values cold logic over human connection (e.g., "he talks in maths").
While the title originated as an inside joke within the band—members would jokingly threaten to call the "karma police" if someone was acting like a jerk on tour—the lyrics explore much darker, existential territory.