top of page

Karma Police -

"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 .

The shift in the second half to the line "For a minute there, I lost myself" represents a moment of personal breakdown or self-realization, providing a "cathartic release" from the song's earlier tension. Cultural Impact Karma Police

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" (1997) is one of Radiohead’s most

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. While the title originated as an inside joke

The song is a mid-tempo acoustic ballad that showcases Radiohead's ability to blend traditional rock elements with experimental flourishes.

The final minute of the song is its most experimental part. Guitarist Ed O'Brien uses a delay effect to create a "melting," self-oscillating wall of sound that eventually dissolves into feedback, a technique that foreshadowed the band’s shift toward electronic music on their follow-up album, Kid A . Lyrical Themes and Meaning

Join our mailing list Never miss an update

Thanks for submitting!

bottom of page