Harry Patch (In Memory Of)

"Harry Patch (In Memory Of)"
Single by Radiohead
Released	5 August 2009
Recorded	2009
Genre	Chamber pop, chamber music
Length	5:33
Label	Self-released
Songwriter(s)	Colin Greenwood Jonny Greenwood Ed O'Brien Philip Selway Thom Yorke
Radiohead singles chronology
"Nude" (2008) "Harry Patch (In Memory Of)" (2009) "These Are My Twisted Words" (2009)

"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 added to streaming services on Remembrance Day 2016.

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. The lyrics are from the perspective of a soldier in the First World War, and include modifications of quotations from Patch. While reception 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 message and the charitable use of the proceeds.