Harry Patch (In Memory Of)
2009 single by Radiohead / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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"Harry Patch (In Memory Of)" is a song by the English alternative rock band Radiohead. The song is a tribute to the British supercentenarian Harry Patch, the last surviving soldier to have fought in the trenches during World War I. Radiohead self-released it on 5 August 2009 as a downloadable single for £1 from their website, with all proceeds donated to the Royal British Legion. It was rereleased as a single on Remembrance Day 2016, with new artwork by longtime Radiohead artist Stanley Donwood.
"Harry Patch (In Memory Of)" | ||||
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Single by Radiohead | ||||
Released | 5 August 2009 | |||
Recorded | 2009 | |||
Genre | Chamber pop, chamber music | |||
Length | 5:33 | |||
Label | Self-released | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Radiohead singles chronology | ||||
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Recorded in an abbey shortly before Patch's death, the song consists of Thom Yorke's vocals and a string arrangement composed by Jonny Greenwood, absent of Radiohead's typical mix of rock and electronic instrumentation. The lyrics are from the perspective of a soldier in the First World War, and include modifications of quotations from Patch. While reception to the song was generally positive, with many critics praising the song's message, others criticised it as too sombre. The Patch family voiced their approval of the song's message and the band's charitable use of the proceeds.