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"No Surprises" is the third single from Radiohead's 1997 album OK Computer. The song peaked at #4 in the UK and is perhaps the most instantly melodic Radiohead track, thanks to its soft electric guitar riff. The sparkly backing contrasts with sad and resigned lyrics, which contributes to the emotion of the track.
Thom Yorke introduced the song to his bandmates and the members of R.E.M. on the R.E.M. Monster Tour. They were all gathered on 3 August 1995, in a dressing room in Oslo, Norway. The lyrics originally told the story of a man who has become fed up with the way things are working out for him and is having problems with his girlfriend. Two lines from this version are, "He was sick of her excuses / To not take off her dress when bleedin' in the bathroom." Preparing to record the song, Thom Yorke altered the lyrics dramatically; instead of telling a love story about a man and his girlfriend, the song now appears to figuratively reference taking one's own life (as evidenced in lyrics such as "I'll take a quiet life/A handshake/Of carbon monoxide") to illustrate contempt for the complacency of British "normality". Musically and lyrically more direct than most of Radiohead's work, this track was also seen to fit smoothly into an album as complex as OK Computer.
Jonny Greenwood has commented on the recording of the song, saying "'No Surprises' was used to try our new equipment out. We thought it wasn't good to save that recording. It still sounds a bit "careful" and that suits the song."
The song is prominently featured in the soundtrack of the 2000 film L'Auberge espagnole.