RADIOHEAD: The ‘Just’ Video Solved & Explained!
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- Опубліковано 27 кві 2022
- Radiohead's 1995 music video 'Just' has inspired countless arguments, debates and theories about what it means, and most of all, about what the un-subtitled dialogue at the end actually says.
Here, for possibly the first time, is what I believe to be the definitive answer.
Watch the original video here: • Radiohead - Just
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Many thanks, JH.
At 2:11 on the official video here on UA-cam, you can see 11 people gathering around the man on the ground. Then around 2:40 is when the cop joins the group, making it a total of 12 people who hear and "fall" for the story the man on the ground tells them...
Later, the camera pans over all the people on the ground and there are easily dozens, but I think there was 12 in the first group.
I'm pretty sure this interpretation is generally correct.
Blimey you're right! 12 disciples too!
I didn't notice that. Good eye.
The evidence mounts ever higher!
@@JamesHargreavesGuitar Your video is awesome! I've been trying to figure out what must be a clue, but haven't gotten anywhere. The cop's uniform doesn't have any insignia or badges (unusual for a cop's uniform) except for "262" on the epaulette. I've looked for bible verses ( especially gospels 2:62 and 26:2) that might apply and haven't found anything compelling. Any thoughts on what (if anything) that might mean?
@@TheReallyDamian Sorry I meant to post this as a response to your question:
Re the number 262
Book 2 (Exodus) Chapter 6 Verse 2: And God spoke unto Moses and said unto him, "I am the Lord..."
@@cgallagher4501 Bravo. Really something. Thank you 🙏
@@TheReallyDamian isn't Judas always referred as the 12th apostles, who led him to the authorities. Also, if you look up angel 262 "an opportunity will be in the way.... you will soon be receiving a financial boost and a chance to do something of great value"
I always thought he said "I'm listening to Radiohead" because they're jamming right above them, then everybody joins him in laying down to listen to Radiohead.
Lol! Good one!!!
fantastic!
I love this.
i like this answer better
XD
"Simon says lay down"
If you actually found out we'd all be lying down on the ground right now
That´s exactly the kind of thinking that the song & video are trying to trash ;)
ive seen a way
Thom yorke himself said that
My take was that it was never about the man on the floor or what he said, it's about the people asking him. They won't leave him alone, they have to find out what's going on, even if they know it's not in their best interests. Hence, "You do it to yourself, you do." - The lyrics in the chorus.
When he took a bath, he saw the water going down the drain. He thinks that is the way.
@Craig Robinson Holy cow, you do it to yourself.
@@Bat_Boy why would he think that is the way, how do u know he thinks that?
Actually brilliant mate can tell you’re into etymology and eschatology as well!
That's what I always thought.
It doesn't matter what he said to make them join him, what matters is they joined him.
Knew someone who met Thom Yorke and asked him what the man in the Just music video said. Thom replied:
"If i told you, we would both be laying on the ground by now"
What the man lying down is really telling them is what's in the briefcase in Pulp Fiction.
"Radiohead is shooting a music video, lie down on the ground with me"
Just is one of my all-time favorite videos. When I saw this in 95, I thought the video was about people's curiosity. How curiosity can be so contagious and feed into a crowd. All the guy wanted to do is lay down but the mob wanted to know why. He then gives them what they want but curiosity killed the cat. But after watching this video, I see the religious theme. This was a great analysis of a great video.
I think I found another piece of the puzzle to support your theory. The clock in the room where the band are playing is always stuck at 20:25. In the Bible - John 20:25 - is a passage about doubting Thomas (Thom) - "So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” . Video ends with Thom and the band looking out the window and seeing the messiah for themselves.
Wow, great observation!
I was sceptical until this comment
This is awesome!
insane
Brilliant
He says "I've seen Oasis" True story
Could explain why he looks as if he's had enough of life
😁🤣🤣🤣
Ha ha very good
@@mhtbfecsq1 why would u have enough of a brilliant band?
@@frank9367 he says:
"anyways, here's Wonderwall."
Ooh, this is a super intriguing take on Just. I remember being so obsessed with the video when it came out that I enlisted my deaf mother to try and lip read the man, but she complained about the weird angles and also did not care about my fascination with the video enough to humour me. I love this take and I think there is more than enough evidence to support it, unlike a lot of theories I’ve seen over the years. Especially how the bath/baptism part fits, because that always felt like a bit of a loose thread in a lot of other takes. Excellent detective skills!
This is *important.* Excellent breakdown, solid interpretation. In 1995, I'd viewed the video as a showcase for pre-millennium fears: the character on the ground had seen the future, it's miseries, & decided to abandon the charade (he wouldn't have been off).
one of my favourite music videos ever made
really enjoyed this video mate, would love to see more videos like this, in depth theories about the meaning behind music videos has always been something i’m interested in🙌
I freaking loved this video. Such a smart analysis. I really like your way of looking at music culture.
Brilliant song and another great interpretation James and can't fault any of it - I think you are 100% spot on, great work as always!
I have always wondered about this but never bothered to look into it carefully. Really interesting insight! Great video.
I've seen this video so many times but you have given such an amazing take on it that I never noticed or really thought about. Thanks for that.
Another great video james, really inightful. I've been pondering this video since I first saw it all those years ago. You've really brought something new to this for me, and quite convincing too.
I’ve been intrigued over this video since it came out, like so many. Thank you for walking through your theory so beautifully. I’m “converted”, and believe you are correct.
❤ this, thank you!
This is brilliant James, I loved your last video as I expect many of the followers here too will have and will not have expected a personal video like that. I’d love to see more breakdowns of things like this/anything you’re knowledgeable about really! Top stuff 10/10 content
Seconded. James, you’re so watchable that you could make a video about almost anything & I’d watch it.
For example, more on why certain musical phrases and certain chord progressions grab the human heart would be brilliant.
Because we know it when we hear it, but most of us haven’t the foggiest how or why they work so deeply.
I’ve no theology, but I was a longtime choirboy in C of E when I was young & recall being deeply affected by Handel, Beethoven & especially Purcell. Thomas Talis too (not sure I’ve the right name, but there’s someone who’s considered utterly foundational to the sound of English choral music & who had a long career at it, centuries ago.
At this moment in human history, if anything I’m moving in the opposite direction to you, religiously. You had it beaten into you. By contrast, I was starved of it as a child & I think my personal choice to sing was something inside me wanting to be in those churches in the 1960s. I do remember gaining a tremendous sense of peace I’ve never had again or forgotten, after choir practise. Strange days.
Thank you, Mike
I agree with this extremely well done explanation. Specially considering the evident synchronicity. Well done and thank you as I wanted to know this for years. Finally!!
All your interpretations are so utterly convincing haha- from hidden deeper meanings to Noel Gallagher’s seemingly throwaway lyrics to the cleverly disguised religious undertones of Radiohead videos.. I believe them all now. Brilliant!
Noel Gallagher?
Fantastic song, amazing video, awesome interpretation of the song & video.Hats off to you James
Very thoughtful. Thank you for all the hard work and walking us through the concept you presented carefully. You sold me.
One of my favorite videos of all time. Brilliant analysis!
Wow. Amazing work. You've given soo much more depth to this video and I already held it in high regard as one of the best I'd ever seen. Thank you so much for doing this video. Fantastic work!
What a genius… your videos are so well put together… it must take you so much time and effort researching, planning, scripting, filming and editing your films…
Thanks brother, you are the best UA-camr in my opinion
Great break down, James. Always loved the song & video but, didn't truly understand the whole meaning, until today. Cheers mate.
For years and years i never understood the lyrics and music video until now your breakdown of both is pretty much spot on and makes a lot of sense thanks for explaining its been like an itch that has been scratched.
I've been waiting for someone to do this for quite a while and there's always the chance you've cracked it. A thorughly good analyzation.
I'm not sure 'analisation' is quite the word you wanted to use...
@@captainfeedback1 a h
A well analyzed interpretation of the music video and song! This is a unique theory and one I never heard before. You could be very well be right sir! Some things to note is that if you seen any interviews of Radiohead during The Bends era, Thom said that what the man said in the MV is a secret between all the band members, the director and actor. So they only know what they said. Your theory also works well in the context in regards to the themes of The Bends. The Bends themes revolve around becoming famous and that rise to stardom quickly as Radiohead had become with “Creep.” This song made them become famous too quickly and they weren’t ready with critiques claiming they were “going to save rock.” Radiohead weren’t a fan of this and wasn’t sure how to react. This plays well into how celebrities become “false messiahs” and worshiped on the same level of Jesus. Radiohead weren’t really a fan of such fame and stardom thus The Bends was written as a reaction against that. A critique on American, Hollywood and Celebrity lifestyle. This theory makes sense when put into context with everything The Bends album is about. Well done sir and a unique theory nonetheless.
Fun fact: ‘Just’ was also a competition between Thom and Jonny to see how many chords they could put into the song lol.
They inspired muse clearly
Fascinating take. This video touched me deeply when I was in Uni. I thought about it for days n’ watched it over and over. Good work!
I always thought this song was about OCD.. and how if you have particularly bad OCD, you basically live a hellish existence that you bring on yourself, and yet it is a syndrome that no one would ask for. If people only understood what it was like, they would also have the same crippling phobias and fears. In a way, Radiohead's music represents those types of ideas, or should I say moods, and so once that mood is transmitted from one person to another, the other person is then cursed with those thoughts.
Brilliant! I would never have put this together. I have always wondered what the man said at the end, and the whole significance of the video eluded me. Now, it seems so obvious!
Never thought you'd do a radiohead video tbh but I'm so happy you did. Just finished listening to the bends album when this comes on my recommended 😂
Really enjoyed this! Every time you release a video I’m hooked!
Wow, what a great analysis, loved it.
Saw the title and immediately thought, sarcastically, "of course you have!" and was prepared for some random nonsense, which would be uncharacteristic for this channel as I like the other videos I've seen.
Watching this breakdown and now I'm completely sold: good job. Most music videos are disposable but this one has always stuck with me, more than even some of the other Radiohead films.
Absolutely brilliant analysis. Thank you
Would love more Radiohead content. Just is one of my favorite music videos of all time.
Big agree
Well done! 😀and it makes perfect sense that it was the directors concept and interpretation of the lyrics, but the beauty of Tom’s lyrics are that they are both evocative and vague so they can seem to have an almost personal meaning to MANY people.
I spoke to my sister, she was in the video, one of the crowd lying down. They filmed this outside Liverpool Street Station. When they discussed it was about, what if Jesus was to come again, and just be an ordinary bloke, how would life and those in it inadvertently treat him. Its almost says treat everyone like Jesus because you never know if he is incognito, quietly judging or taking note, making a list. Perhaps it judgement day.
Great theory though, l'm not sure if the man says I know a way. Maybe its f why?
Being Dutch, I always assumed this was filmed in a US city. Must have been the cop and his bike.
@@audiochris78 it's filmed near London Liverpool Street Station. The cop is a City of London police officer. Whilst it looks a little American and the bike looks a little like an American bike it's a British police officer in a tunic and you can see the City of London police badge on his helmet
Brilliant work. Thank you so much.
this is fascinating. great video
Loved this analysis!
A+ for your efforts!!! Great breakdown
Very interesting interpretation. Thank you for making your video.
Love the Radiohead content!
Fascinating interpretation. Good job.✌
This is Brilliant James, Great video. 😉👍
This is big brain stuff.
I’m convinced, great video pal.
Subscribed.
I love your channel. This interpretation is great 💖💜💙
Very well done interpretation! One of my all time favorite band!
I pretty much recognised this story from the first time I saw it. For years I've had many friends say I was wrong, that it couldn't be and yet to me it was so obvious. Probably because of my many years of church attendance from a child and familiarity with the Christian narrative. Plenty of friends said i was projecting etc so it was good to see someone seperate come to all the identical conclusions that I have (except for the untitled words).
I see a similar motif in Unkle's Rabit in your Headlight (Thom Yorke's on vocals.
Thankyou. Very nicely put together.
Nice analysis. Always loved this video
Awesome! Well done. I think you’ve nailed it.
This is so well thought out. You've convinced me.
I believe you are correct. Thanks for solving the mystery, I’ve been waiting forever, haha. I would never have figured that out on my own.
Love this kind of stuff, thanks James. Would really like your interprations of great Indie songs especially The Stone Roses (what is an Elephant Stone or what is Waterfall about, etc)
I think you've nailed it. Bravo. Cheers.❤
Great analysis. In the end though, this song is so incredible, it renders everything else superfluous. This is, for me, the best song ever recorded. It's a work of musical genius.
Love your channel, cheers from Romania
Twist: he actually says "keep trying, sucker!"
Obviously not but in 1995 I thought it's something like that and that made me laugh
Might as well have been. He says nothing. That's what's really frightening.
You made my life better with this video. Thank you!
Wow, thank you for that interpretation! This song has always been important to me and now I know why
That’s a brilliant beautiful take. Very entertaining and fun video :-)
I always loved this song, even figured out how to play it on the guitar with tabs. But I forgot how much I wanted to know wtf he's saying until you popped up in my UA-cam! Thank you for making this I'm totally subscribing
Damn that was good. It's all fun and games guessing the lip reading but when you whip out your Theology credentials, it just hits the next level. Solid work.
Brilliant analysis!
Great analysis. As soon as you mentioned Messiah, I immediately thought of Burnweed and his OneLoveStory conspiracy from the Stone Roses Usenet group back in the late 90s. What the guy was able to read into Roses and Oasis lyrics and the twisted story he created was unbelievable. Look it up. You'll love it James 😉
Just read his 'Old Testament'. That was a wild ride... That man is obviously not well...
this is brilliant. subscribed immediately.
Another fascinating story James
Allways loved just video. Awesome piece of art
Great analysis mate
Great song and best radiohead album according to me too. Your interpretation seems to be good.
I never expected this. This is great.
Yes very good. Personally I think that your explanation makes a great deal of sense. Thanks for doing this.
Really enjoyed this.
Amazing analysis.
Started this loathing myself expecting clickbait but wow this was fantastic. The standard by which all videos on YT that promise great reveleations should be measured by. Thanks!
Very interesting take. Best one ive encountered.
Amazing Job! So deep that no one else would have got it!!
Brilliant work!
You have got it so right, how can it be anything else. Excellent
I like it, great work!
great video and theory. although i still feel like trying to know what the man says kinda takes out the magic of the video, but still good video cheers!
incredible video! I think you nailed it exactly. I think that though because I thought the same.
Once again a great video. Thanks for the effort you put in. Have you ever considered doing a video on Viola Beach?
Yep, i totally agree with this. you nailed. Bravo mate :) 👍👍👍👍
Dude...that was incredible. I think you're on it!
This is an insane theory and I think its right. Or another theory is its about the audience trying to interpret it when what he said is meaningless, and we as an audience have created the mystery.
"You do it to yourself"
Awesome job!
I had forgotten all about watching this video on MTV! I love your take on it. Back in the day, here's what I thought it was about...
In the first scene I assumed the man either attempted to or DID drown himself in the tub. So, if he survived a near death experience, maybe he saw nothing on the other side. He laid on the ground feeling helpless - there is no point in living & no point in dying (I know how dark this reads! - It seemed like more of a philosophical debate in my head)
OR, if the man had actually drowned in the tub, this was something that had to play out for him to process the "afterlife" I had thought it was possible that he was saying "God, forgive me" & "I can't tell you" because of what he did. The part without the subtitles would then have been him telling people (or confessing) about the way in which he died.
I like these takes too! So many good theories in the comments section 😅
Excellent video
Thanks for the interpretation
This is a brilliant interpretation of the music video for Just. It all makes sense now.
Haha! That's absolutely cracking that mate 👍
finally, after 27 years of seeing this video, someone had revealed, what that man actually says on "Just". good work, James.
Very interesting video...Never thought about it in this way...