"My songs are my kids. Some of them stay with me, some others I have to send out, out to the war. It might sound stupid and it might even sound naive, but that's just the way it is"

Thom Yorke's quote is a metaphor for the imaginative process. He likens his songs to his children, indicating that he has a deep psychological connection to them. He acknowledges that a few of his songs will stick with him, while others he must "send to the war," implying that he needs to launch them into the world and let them look after themselves. He acknowledges that this might sound ignorant, however it is merely the truth of the creative procedure. He must let go of his songs and accept that they might not be accepted or valued by the public. It is a bittersweet procedure, however one that is required for any artist.