Written on the Forehead
PJ Harvey Lyrics
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In a sad circus by a trench of burning oil
People throw belongings, a life-time's earnings
Among the scattered rubbish and suitcases on the sidewalk
Take palms and orange and tangerine trees
With eyes that're crying for everything
(Let it burn, let it burn, burn, burn)
(Blood, blood, blood, blood and fire)
So I talked to an old man by the generator
He was standing on the gravel by the fetid river
He turned to me and answered, "baby, see"
Said, "war is here in our beloved city"
Some dove in the river and tried to swim away
Through tons of sewage they'd written on their foreheads
Take palms and orange and tangerine trees
And eyes that're crying for everything
Let it burn, let it burn
Let it burn, burn, burn
Let it burn, let it burn
Let it burn, burn, burn
The lyrics of "Written on the Forehead" are a poignant commentary on the horrors of war, seen through the lens of a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world. PJ Harvey uses vivid and evocative imagery to paint a picture of chaos and turmoil, where people are reduced to throwing their belongings and life savings amidst the ruins of burning oil wells and scattered rubbles. The singer, who seems to be a witness and a survivor of the destruction, meets an old man by the generator. The old man, who has resigned to a life of despair and suffering, explains that the city they once loved is now a battleground, ravaged by war.
The chorus of the song, "Take palms and orange and tangerine trees, with eyes that're crying for everything", suggests a yearning for peace, a desire to go back to the days where life was simple and beautiful. The repeated refrain, "Let it burn, let it burn", is a reflection of the futility and hopelessness of the situation. The war has destroyed everything, and there seems to be no way to stop it.
The song can be interpreted as a metaphor for the human condition, where war and destruction are recurring themes. It speaks to the universal experience of loss and despair, urging us to remember the cost of war, to mourn what has been lost, and to hope for a better tomorrow.
Line by Line Meaning
People throwing dinars at the belly dancers
Crowd of people throwing their money at entertainers.
In a sad circus by a trench of burning oil
Amidst a depressing scene of a spectacle where oil is burning.
People throw belongings, a life-time's earnings
Amidst the chaos, people throw their entire wealth in despair.
Among the scattered rubbish and suitcases on the sidewalk
The footpath, chaos and the burning oil in surroundings cause destruction and litter.
Take palms and orange and tangerine trees
The people stand with hope amidst destruction, protecting the palm and orange-tangerine trees.
With eyes that're crying for everything
Their eyes cry for not only what they lost, but what they still hold on to.
(Let it burn, let it burn, burn, burn)
The destructed scene is there to stay- let it continue to burn forever.
(Blood, blood, blood, blood and fire)
The scene is horrific, violent, and destructive with blood and fire.
So I talked to an old man by the generator
The artist talked to an elderly person near an electricity generator.
He was standing on the gravel by the fetid river
That old man stood on gravel beside a polluted river.
He turned to me and answered, "baby, see"
The elderly person turns to the singer and speaks paternalistically.
Said, "war is here in our beloved city"
The old man repeats the fact that war is indeed happening in this once peaceful city.
Some dove in the river and tried to swim away
Some individuals tried to escape and jumped into the river.
Through tons of sewage they'd written on their foreheads
Despite the waste and pollution, they still bear the markings of their struggle.
Let it burn, let it burn
The fires of destruction should continue, unabated.
Let it burn, burn, burn
The fires of destruction should continue, even hotter.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Polly Harvey, Winston Holness
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Joe H
This is great, beautiful song and totally different from anything else she's ever done which is what we expect from PJ. I love it.
matthewN5
Wonderful song off a wonderful album. Such lush textures over a despairing lyric. Genius!
paul benson
One of those tracks that just grows, grows, grows on you.
Josh
This song is exquisite - I definitely look forward to cranking this at home when it comes out on cd
Draco Volantus
listen again
toribjork10
so strange and beautiful. a pleasant and unique surprise, yet again from PJ. legend.
Tori Amos Songs
Love this! So excited for the new album. Long live the PEEJ!
antdujar
all I can say is that she has made excellent collaborations with thom york of radio head. and these artists constantly push the boundaries of music and have unique styles that are un able to be compared. plus, they have lyrics that not ALOT of artists can make,pull off or have foundation. thus pj harvey and radio head are both great artists
ritualpenguin
1 year later and no one has a better come back! Well done!
Sameena Khan
Love it!!