Radiohead's Radiant Revival

By Lynn Beisheim

The 1997 album "OK Computer" by Radiohead . (Courtesy of Capitol Records)

In July 2025 Radiohead fans have some good news, what feels to be TikTok's current favorite song has just charted for the first time in 28 years. "Let Down" by Radiohead has gone through a surprising journey, from going from the top 30 in 1997 to being in the top 20 on the Billboard top 100 in 2025.  

Originally featured on the band’s critically acclaimed album "OK Computer", ‘Let Down’ was never released as a U.S. single but became a fan favorite over the years. Now the song is bigger than it's ever been. 

This leads people to wonder one big question, why now? That answer can single-handedly be credited to the fans . With the song gaining mass popularity in TikTok "edits". They can be described as "creative videos that often use fast-paced cuts, music, filters, effects, and transitions to tell a story, highlight a moment, or enhance a subject". With its dramatic and bold tone, the song is a perfect fit for these emotionally driven videos. 

The song's meaning could be and has been debated upon for a while now, with some saying the song is about hopelessness and loss, on the contrary others insist the song is about overcoming hardships and finding oneself.  

The debate comes from the tone of the song, and how it builds up in an almost theatrical way. With the lyrics hinting at both thoughts. With some of the lyrics hinting at addiction and other issues within modern society, the debate is with the main build of the song. (the same part that has been going viral on TikTok) with the lyrics... 

"One day, I am gonna grow wings/ A chemical reaction/ Hysterical and useless...."  

When people try to describe the wings, they argue that the wings could symbolize a losing battle, especially when paired with "hysterical and useless". The other argument is that the wings mean, finally escaping a hardship in one's life and growing from the experience, finally free after feeling "hysterical and useless" The chemical reaction, people theorize being, brain function and how one's brain can change when going though different experiences, positive AND negative. 

But despite all the disagreement about the song's true meaning, it is no argument that the song is beautifully unique. The experimental use of vocals shines through it all, creating a breathtaking experience for listeners, even in the algorithm-based world of TikTok.