Speak I'm listening
Baby I'm your sweet thing
Believe what I'm saying
God's truth I'm not lying
Lie, lie steady

Rest your head on me
I'll smooth it nicely
Rub it better 'til it bleeds
And, and you'll believe me

Caught out again
I'm calling you weak
Getting it up
And I was joking
Sweet babe let me stroke it
Take I'm giving
God's truth I'm not lying

And and you'll believe me
I'm calling you weak
And I'll, I'll, I'll make it better
And rub 'till it bleeds
I'll rub it until it
I'll rub it until it
I'll rub it until it
I'll rub it until it
I'll rub it until it
I'll rub it until it
I'll rub it until it
I'll rub it until it

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of PJ Harvey's "Rub 'til It Bleeds" describe a disturbingly manipulative relationship between two people, with the singer trying to convince the other person to believe and trust them through physical and emotional control. The singer is speaking to their partner, encouraging them to open up and be vulnerable by assuring them that they are their "sweet thing" and that they should believe what they say as "God's truth." The repeated line "lie, lie steady" suggests that the singer may not be telling the truth, but is attempting to convince their partner of their supposed honesty.

The second verse continues with the idea of physical manipulation as the singer offers to "smooth" their partner's head and "rub it better 'til it bleeds." This line is particularly disturbing, as it suggests that the singer is willing to go to great lengths to exert control over their partner by causing physical pain. The third verse implies that the singer may be taking advantage of the relationship in a sexual way, as they encourage their partner to "take" what they are giving and offer to stroke them sexually. The repeated line "and, and you'll believe me" further emphasizes the idea that the singer is attempting to control and manipulate their partner.

Overall, the lyrics of "Rub 'til It Bleeds" paint a picture of an unhealthy relationship characterized by manipulation and abuse. The repeated reassurances of "God's truth" and the use of physical pain and sexual manipulation suggest that the singer is willing to go to any lengths to exercise control over their partner.

Line by Line Meaning

Speak I'm listening
I'm open to hearing what you have to say.

Baby I'm your sweet thing
I'm here for you and will support you.

Believe what I'm saying
I'm being honest with you.

God's truth I'm not lying
I swear on all that is holy that I am not deceiving you.

Lie, lie steady
Stay calm and don't panic or make up false stories.

Rest your head on me
Lean on me and I'll provide comfort.

I'll smooth it nicely
I'll help you feel better and at ease.

Rub it better 'til it bleeds
I'll work hard to fix the problem even if it's painful or uncomfortable.

And, and you'll believe me
You'll trust and have faith in me after seeing my efforts.

Caught out again
I messed up again.

I'm calling you weak
I'm accusing you of not being strong enough to handle things on your own.