Nothing Touches Me

Radiohead's song "Nothing Touches Me" delves into the theme of emotional detachment and the construction of personal barriers. The lyrics describe a protagonist who has built metaphorical walls around themselves, three feet thick, to shield against emotional pain and vulnerability. This imagery of impenetrable walls suggests a deep-seated desire to remain untouched by external influences, whether they be emotional connections or societal pressures. The repeated assertion that "nothing touches me" underscores a sense of invulnerability, yet it also hints at isolation and the inability to connect with others.

The song also explores the struggle of communication and the breakdown of relationships. The protagonist's attempts to "make her listen" are met with failure, as the person they are trying to reach "splits" or leaves when they turn away. This recurring motif of failed communication highlights the difficulty of maintaining relationships when one is emotionally closed off. The phrase "sticks and stones can get through bones" juxtaposes physical vulnerability with emotional resilience, suggesting that while physical harm is possible, the protagonist has given up on emotional openness.

The closing lines, "Laugh if you can, if you can, if you can, at me now," convey a sense of defiance and resignation. The protagonist challenges others to mock their emotional detachment, perhaps acknowledging the absurdity of their self-imposed isolation. Radiohead, known for their introspective and often melancholic style, uses this song to explore the complexities of human emotion and the paradox of seeking protection through detachment, only to find oneself isolated and misunderstood.