Electric Light
P.J. Harvey Lyrics


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The beauty of her, under electric light
The beauty of her, under electric light
Tears my heart out every time

Dawn there waiting, right outside
Dawn there waiting, right outside
She tears my heart out every time
Siren rising across the sky




Sirens rising across the sky
Tears my heart out every time

Overall Meaning

In P.J. Harvey's song Electric Light, the beauty of a woman is described under the influence of electric light. The repetition of the phrase "Tears my heart out every time" conveys a sense of deep emotional pain and conflict. The singer seems to be struggling with their feelings towards this woman, torn between the beauty that they see and the pain that it causes them. The mention of dawn waiting outside suggests the passage of time and the eventual end of this emotional turmoil.


The song's chorus features the sound of sirens rising across the sky, adding to the sense of tension and unease. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the conflicting emotions that the singer is experiencing. The repetition of the phrase "Tears my heart out every time" also adds to the intensity of the song's emotional content.


Overall, Electric Light is a song that explores the complex and often contradictory nature of human emotion. Through vivid imagery and powerful lyrics, P.J. Harvey captures the almost unbearable beauty and pain that can accompany deep emotional connections.


Line by Line Meaning

The beauty of her, under electric light
Looking at her under electric light makes her beauty even more captivating


Tears my heart out every time
Her beauty is so overwhelming that it brings emotional pain to the singer


Dawn there waiting, right outside
Dawn, with its poetic beauty, is just outside, waiting to begin a new day


She tears my heart out every time
The sight of dawn is so beautiful that it causes emotional pain to the artist


Sirens rising across the sky
The sound of sirens is heard in the sky


Tears my heart out every time
The sound of sirens is so unsettling that it causes emotional pain to the singer




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: POLLY HARVEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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