OPTIMISTIC

Released:
Oct 2000
Length: 5:16
Disc: Kid A
Tablature: Guitar | Drum

Other Version:
Live @ Dublin - CMJ CD 04/01

Optimistic was touted as one of the few tracks on Kid A which could have been singles. It was played frequently across American alternative radio stations. It's one of the only guitar-based songs on the album, and is also, one of the only songs which doesn't differ too much from the Radiohead sound of old. Very catchy, and a fan favourite at live shows. Featuring Phil on what sounds like some kind of tribal village drums, the track has a certain historical feel to it. While managing to be one of those songs that can get stuck in your head for days at the same time.

Thom has been known to sing the chorus as "The best you can ain't good enough" at some live shows. The studio version chorus is "The best you can is good enough".

Flies are buzzing round my head
Vultures circling the dead
Picking up every last crumb
The big fish eat the little ones
The big fish eat the little ones
Not my problem, give me some

You can try the best you can
You can try the best you can
The best you can is good enough
You can try the best you can
You can try the best you can
The best you can is good enough

This one's optimistic
This one went to market
This one just came out of the swamp
This one dropped a payload
Fodder for the animals
Living on animal farm

You could try the best you can
You could try the best you can
The best you can is good enough
You can try the best you can
You can try the best you can
The best you can is good enough

I'd really like to help you, man
I'd really like to help you, man
Now this messed up millionaire
Flying around on a prison ship

You can try the best you can
You could try the best you can
The best you can is good enough
You could try the best you can
You could try the best you can
Dinosaurs roaming the Earth
Dinosaurs roaming the Earth
Dinosaurs roaming the Earth
Ed O'Brien "I really love the words, especially the line 'this one just crawled out the swamp' reminds me a bit of PJ Harvey's blues stuff." - Ed
  Go to - Previous Track | Next Track | Lyrics & Song Info | Fitter Happier