Hair
PJ Harvey Lyrics

Samson
PJ Harvey invokes the biblical character of Samson as a symbol of male strength and power.

The strength
Samson is characterized by his incredible strength, often depicted in stories and artwork as his most defining feature.

That's in
This line sets up the repetition of 'your hair' in the following lines, underscoring its importance as a symbolic representation of Samson and his power.

Your arms
Another physical attribute of Samson, his arms are also used to symbolize his strength and masculinity.

Oh, to be
PJ Harvey expresses a desire to possess and bask in the power of Samson's physical attributes.

Your stunning
A way to describe Samson's beauty and virility.

Bride
This line subverts traditional gender roles by casting PJ Harvey as the bride and Samson as the groom, further emphasizing her longing and desire for his power.

Glistening
The way Samson's hair reflects light, further emphasizing its importance as a symbol of his strength.

Like sun
Another example of the way in which Samson's hair represents his radiance and power.

Oh, would
PJ Harvey continues to express her desire to possess and wield the power embodied in Samson's hair and physical form.

That it
Referring back to Samson's hair as a symbol of his power and masculinity.

Were mine
PJ Harvey wishes that Samson and his hair belonged to her, enabling her to possess and control his power.

That's in
Repetition of the earlier phrase, emphasizing the hair's importance and symbolic significance.

My hands
PJ Harvey now has Samson's hair in her possession, which could be seen as a metaphor for gaining control over his power.

I'll keep
Here, PJ Harvey takes on the role of Delilah, the biblical figure who famously cut Samson's hair and thereby weakened him. Her vows to 'keep it safe' foreshadow this moment.

It safe
Delilah maintains control over Samson's hair, allowing her to control his strength and power.

You're mine
PJ Harvey further emphasizes her control over Samson, asserting her ownership of him and his power.

He said "wait"
This line changes the narrative voice to Samson, and could indicate a realization or recognition of the threat Delilah poses to his power.

Said "wait"
Samson implores Delilah to give him a chance to defend his power, but ultimately he is unable to prevent her from cutting his hair and taking it from him.

"Delilah, my babe"
Samson addresses Delilah directly, suggesting an intimacy between them and perhaps a desire to trust her.

"You lied in my face"
Samson accuses Delilah of lying to him and betraying his trust, which allows her to subvert his power and strength.

"You cut off my hair"
Delilah's act of cutting Samson's hair is the ultimate betrayal, as it robs him of his strength and power.

"You lied in my bed"
An image of Delilah's deception in the place where intimacy and trust are typically shared. This line emphasizes the depth and severity of her betrayal.

You'll stay
PJ Harvey speaks as Delilah, asserting her control over Samson.

With your 'lilah
Emphasizing their intimacy and PJ Harvey's role as Delilah, Samson belongs to her.

I hold you in
Foreshadowing the moment when Delilah will cut Samson's hair and sever his power.

My hands
Similar to earlier, where Delilah had control over Samson's hair in her hands, this line emphasizes her power over him.

Your hairy strength
'Hairy strength' references Samson's hair, which is a symbol for his power and masculinity.

My man
PJ Harvey asserts her dominance over Samson, and the phrase 'my man' could be interpreted as a sign of control and possession.