Radiohead - Creep

"Creep" is a song by the English rock band **Radiohead**. It appears on their debut album, "Pablo Honey". The lyrics of this haunting track delve into feelings of self-loathing and alienation. Let's explore some fascinating facts about this iconic song:

1. Self-Reflection and Identity:
- The song's protagonist grapples with discontent and a sense of not fitting in: "But I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo."
- Thom Yorke, Radiohead's frontman, expressed his struggle as a man in the '90s, trying to assert himself without conforming to traditional masculine stereotypes.
- Guitarist/keyboardist Jonny Greenwood described the song as a way of recognizing one's true self.

2. Origins and Composition:
- Yorke wrote "Creep" in 1987 while studying at Exeter University in England, even before the band formed.
- He initially recorded an acoustic version and later shared it with Colin Greenwood, who helped assemble the band.
- The song wasn't released in the US until Radiohead's debut album in 1993.

3. Influences and Songwriting Credits:
- Yorke drew inspiration from the song "The Air That I Breathe," written by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood in 1972.
- After its release, Radiohead agreed to share songwriting royalties, crediting Yorke, Hammond, and Hazlewood.

4. Radio Edits and Sentiment:
- The album version features Yorke singing, "You're so f--king special," but for radio, he changed it to "You're so very special."
- Yorke regrets altering the line, as it softened the song's raw emotion.

5. The Music Video:
- The video was filmed at The Zodiac, a club in Oxford.
- Kieran Hebden (Four Tet) appears as an extra in the crowd scenes.

6. Popularity and Nickname:
- Initially, "Creep" flopped in England but gained traction when re-released.
- Despite its ubiquity, the band playfully nicknamed it "Crap."