The Numbers Lyrics
[Verse 1]
It holds us like a phantom
It touches like a breeze
It shines its understanding
See, the moon is smiling
Open on all channels
Ready to receive
'Cause we're not at the mercy
Of your chimeras and spells
Your chimeras and spells
Mm-hmm
We are of the earth
To her we do return
The future is inside us
It's not somewhere else
It's not somewhere else
It's not somewhere else
[Chorus]
(One day at a time)
One day at a time
[Verse 2]
We call upon the people
The people have this power
The numbers don't decide
The system is a lie
The river running dry
The wings of butterflies
And you may pour us away like soup
Like we're pretty broken flowers
We'll take back what is ours
Take back what is ours
It holds us like a phantom
It touches like a breeze
It shines its understanding
See, the moon is smiling
Open on all channels
Ready to receive
'Cause we're not at the mercy
Of your chimeras and spells
Your chimeras and spells
Mm-hmm
We are of the earth
To her we do return
The future is inside us
It's not somewhere else
It's not somewhere else
It's not somewhere else
[Chorus]
(One day at a time)
One day at a time
[Verse 2]
We call upon the people
The people have this power
The numbers don't decide
The system is a lie
The river running dry
The wings of butterflies
And you may pour us away like soup
Like we're pretty broken flowers
We'll take back what is ours
Take back what is ours
About
Genius Annotation
This folksy, reverb-laden song has drawn comparisons to Neil Young. Originally performed in December 2015 by Thom Yorke at the Pathways to Paris concert as “Silent Spring.” The title change may have partially been motivated by a desire to adjust the track’s position on the track list while maintaining the album’s alphabetical track order.
Thom once said that if he tried to write a protest song about climate change, “it would be shit”. Well, here’s a protest song about climate change. You underestimate yourself, Mr. Yorke.
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
Are there alternate versions of this song?
Genius Answer
Thom and Jonny recorded a live-ish version of the song using a Roland CR78 drum machine in Tarzana, California.
- 2.Daydreaming
- 3.Decks Dark
- 5.Ful Stop
- 6.Glass Eyes
- 7.Identikit
- 8.The Numbers
- 11.True Love Waits
Credits
Producers
Writers
String Orchestra
Programmer
Conductor
Double Bass
Choir
Engineer
Choir Arranger
Strings Arranger
Distributor
Publisher
Recording Engineer
Assistant Recording Engineer
Mastering Engineer
Video Director
Mixing Engineer
Label
Released on
May 8, 2016
Songs That Sample The Numbers
The Numbers Translations
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