Water
P.J. Harvey Lyrics

Water
The element that is referenced throughout the song, representing purity, cleansing and possibly a spiritual rebirth.

Walking
The act of progression or journeying, both physically and metaphorically.

Walking on water
A reference to the Biblical story of Jesus walking on water, and could symbolize the ability to overcome great obstacles or transcend everyday limitations.

Walking on for years and years and years
A continuous journey through time, and potentially a commentary on the human experience of constantly striving towards something.

Taking it into my head
To internalize something, to think deeply about it, and potentially to become obsessed with it.

Living by the right lines
Following a path of morality or righteousness, or possibly conforming to societal norms and expectations.

Reading what the very man said
Referencing a religious or philosophical text, and possibly seeking guidance or wisdom from it.

Lying on eleven years
A period of time during which the artist has been stagnant or unmotivated, possibly stuck in a rut or dealing with a personal struggle.

Leave my clothes on the beach
Symbolically shedding one's old self or past identity before embarking on a new journey or transformation.

Prove it to me
Challenging the world or oneself to provide evidence or validation of something.

Now the water to my ankles
Beginning to experience the transformative power of water and addressing a change in perspective or state of being.

Think of him, all waxy wings
Possibly referencing the Greek mythology story of Icarus, and the perils of reaching too high or striving for greatness without proper caution and humility.

Melted down into the sea
A symbolic reference to failure or downfall, and possibly the idea that all things eventually become part of the greater whole.

Mary, Mary, what your man said
Referencing the Virgin Mary and her association with water in religious iconography, potentially indicating a devout or spiritual motivation for the singer's actions.

Washing it all over my head
Being fully immersed in the transformative powers of water, cleansing and purifying oneself of past mistakes or struggles.

Mary, Mary, hold on tightly
Calling out for guidance or support, and possibly seeking comfort in religious or spiritual beliefs.

Over water, under the sea
Emphasizing the artist's journey and transition, and potentially suggesting that they have transcended earthly constraints and entered a spiritual or philosophical realm.

Wa-wa-wa-water
A repetition of the song's thematic element, water, and potentially emphasizing its importance and transformative power.