There There

The harmony of 'There There' is characterized by its restraint and modal focus. By eschewing the traditional major V chord (F#), Radiohead creates a 'murky' and 'dark' soundscape that aligns with the song's lyrical themes of temptation and uncertainty. The primary interest lies in the textures—three percussion kits and layered guitars—rather than complex functional modulations. The shift in the outro to a bVI-bVII-i progression provides a classic rock catharsis, contrasting with the hypnotic, looping nature of the earlier sections.

Radiohead began working on the track during the sessions for their 2000 album, Kid A. Thom Yorke intended the lyrics to be comforting, specifically the line 'It's alright, you're just imagining it.' The song's subtitle, 'The Boney King of Nowhere,' was inspired by a character from the animated series Bagpuss, which Yorke watched with his young son.

Drawing from post-punk and krautrock, the lead single from Hail to the Thief signals a return to layered guitar arrangements after the band's electronic-focused period. The recording is defined by its three-drummer setup and a slow-burning structure that eventually explodes into a frantic finale.