The sounds of English…
a listening experience
Creep Radiohead
Ometepe Island, Rivas, Nicaragua
Pablo Honey Album Radiohead
Radiohead is a British music band. It was formed in 1985 and is an alternative rock band with roots both in art-rock like R.E.M. and Pink Floyd and the alternative rock scene. Their iconic song, Creep, was released as a debut-single in 1992, and it immediately was successful, later becoming a world-wide hit by 1993. The song talks about an introverted guy that meets a beautiful girl and can’t face her because of his insecurity and low self-esteem. Thom Yorke, the composer, describes the song as the story of an of an inebriated man who tries to get the attention of a woman to whom he is attracted to by following her around. In the end, he lacks the self-confidence to face her and feels he subconsciously is her.
The lyrics
[Verse 1]
When you were here before
Couldn’t look you in the eye
You’re just like an angel
Your skin makes me cry
You float like a feather
In a beautiful world
I wish I was special
You’re so fuckin’ special
[Chorus]
But I’m a creep
I’m a weirdo
What the hell am I doing here?
I don’t belong here
[Verse 2]
I don’t care if it hurts
I wanna have control
I want a perfect body
I want a perfect soul
I want you to notice
When I’m not around
You’re so fuckin’ special
I wish I was special
[Chorus]
But I’m a creep
I’m a weirdo
What the hell am I doing here?
I don’t belong here
[Bridge]
She’s running out the door
She’s running out
She run, run, run, run
Run
[Outro]
Whatever makes you happy
Whatever you want
You’re so fuckin’ special
I wish I was special
But I’m a creep
I’m a weirdo
What the hell am I doing here?
I don’t belong here
I don’t belong here
Vocabulary
Couldn’t look you in the eye An expression that describes feeling very embarrassed or shy and not being able to face someone directly. After he stole my money, he could never look me in the eye.
You float like a feather He is describing how she moves and walks without effort and with a grace that distinguishes her. When she walks down the street, more than just walking, she floats like a feather!
In a beautiful world He is talking about her world is so much more than his own reality, which he sees as inferior compared to hers. She lives in her own beautiful world, apart from us mortals.
You’re so fuckin’ special Describes a person that is extraordinarily incredible or amazing. You’re so fuckin’ cool!
a creep A slang expression that refers to a disgusting, unpleasant, displeasing person. How can you be friends with him? He is such a creep!
weirdo A slang expression that means an odd, eccentric, or abnormal person. The new guy in school is a real weirdo.
what the hell… A slang expression that is used to emphasize surprise, shock, anger, disgust, etc. In this phrase, “the hell” is used as an intensifier. Also, it can mean: What does it matter? Why not? (Usually with the force of an exclamation. What the hell do you want at two am, can’t you see that everyone is asleep?
The Listening Exercises
Original version by Radiohead, very clear and easy to understand.
Creep – Vintage Postmodern Jukebox Radiohead Cover ft. Haley Reinhart
A great cover, it has a reminiscent 50’s nostalgic sound. The female vocalist has a powerful, clear, and her pronunciation is easy to understand.
Radiohead – Creep (acoustic cover by Jada Facer) lyrics [HD]
An easy-going acoustic version, easy listening, the female singer conveys a strong message. This version includes the lyrics, making it easy to follow through.
Scala & Kolacny Brothers – Creep (live)
This is an interesting version and listening experience. This cover is sung by a choir, so there are many voices at the same time. The rhythm is slow and reflexive, allowing the lyrics to be easy to understand.
Carrie Manolakos – Creep (Radiohead)
Carrie’s voice is a pleasant surprise, she starts to take it to a powerful ear-catching expression. Together with the backup vocals, it’s a good listening exercise in English and in music.
Creep – Prince at Coachella 2008 (Uploaded via Permission from Radiohead & NPG Music Publishin
This cover is an interestingly controversial video. Uploaded to YouTube, it was banned because of copyright issues. It was fought back on YouTube through Tweeter by Radiohead, their publishing company, and Prince as well. It is also a definite good listening experience, but a little more complicate and requires more effort.
Creep – Radiohead – FUNK cover!
An original rendition of this cover in its own peculiar funky way. It’s good fun, and the lyrics are in the easy range for the listeners.
Lucifer 4×01 Lucifer sings Creep
An excellent cover of the song with an amusing video. The lyrics are quite clear and make for a smooth listening exercise.
Korn – Creep (500 Days of Summer) [HD]
A great cover performed by the heavy-metal group from California, in a laid back, easy-going style. The video story is as impressive as the music. The vocals are clear and allow easy listening to the lyrics.
There are a variety of different voices singing the same beautiful lyrics. Each voice with its own pace, inflection, and personality. Listen to these different versions, and exercise your English listening skills, remember that learning is fun, so enjoy!