This song has two popular interpretations:
one being that PJ Harvey is simply describing an unbalanced and possibly abusive relationship. The other is that this song is about sex, and the man’s sperm is personified as “kamikaze”. some lines also imply that the act was non-consensual and aggressive.
Kamikaze
PJ Harvey Lyrics
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How could that happen again?
Where the fuck was I looking
When all his horses came in?
And he built a whole army
Of kamikaze
Ten thousand willing
Interfacing
Space and beyond
Built an army
To come and find me
Beyond all reason
Beyond all my hopes
The call of duty
Another war zone
Makes me moan
Kamikaze
Kamikaze
You can't touch me
Kamikaze
Eight miles high
He walks his path
And I follow mine
One tooth for one eye
He's come to find me
Ten thousand willing
Pilots flying
Interfacing
Space and beyond
Here is his army
Space and here we come
Kamikaze
Kamikaze
You don't touch me
Kamikaze
Kamikaze
You don't touch me
Kamikaze
You don't touch me
Space here we come
The song "Kamikaze" by PJ Harvey is a reflection on the feeling of being pursued relentlessly by one's own inner demons or perhaps an external force, represented in the song through the image of an army of kamikaze pilots. The opening lines express a sense of shock and confusion, as the singer wonders how she could have missed the signs of impending danger and allowed herself to be caught off guard. The image of "all his horses" coming in suggests a sudden and overwhelming attack, while the refrain of "How could that happen again?" hints at a history of repeated trauma or betrayal.
As the song progresses, the singer describes a feeling of being hunted by an unstoppable force, embodied by the kamikaze army. The repetition of the phrase "ten thousand willing pilots flying" emphasizes both the sheer number of assailants and their willingness to sacrifice themselves for the cause. The use of space-related imagery, such as "interfacing" and "space and beyond," adds to the sense of epic scale and cosmic inevitability. Despite this overwhelming threat, however, the singer defiantly declares that "you can't touch me," highlighting her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
The final lines of the song bring the imagery full circle, as the singer and her pursuer simultaneously "walk their path" towards an unknown destination. The use of the phrase "one tooth for one eye" suggests a sense of sacrifice or mutilation on both sides, as though the pursuit has come at a great cost. Ultimately, however, the singer remains determined to press forward into the unknown, declaring "Space here we come" with a sense of cautious optimism.
Line by Line Meaning
How could that happen?
Questioning how a certain unfortunate event could occur
How could that happen again?
Questioning how the same unfortunate event could happen twice
Where the fuck was I looking
Expressing exasperation and confusion at not realizing something was happening
When all his horses came in?
Asking where she was when everything he had planned succeeded
And he built a whole army of kamikaze
Referring to him creating a group dedicated to achieving his goals, even if it endangers themselves
Ten thousand willing pilots flying
Describing the vast number of people he has enlisted to help him
Interfacing space and beyond, built an army to come and find me
Emphasizing how far and wide he has reached to gather supporters to track her down
Beyond all reason, beyond all my hopes
Highlighting his obsession and how unreasonable it is
The call of duty, another war zone makes me moan
Expressing how taxing and frustrating it is to have to constantly fight back against him
Kamikaze
Referring to the group he has created that will do anything to achieve their goal, even if it endangers themselves
You can't touch me Kamikaze
Asserting herself against him, saying that his tactics won't work on her
Eight miles high, he walks his path
Describing how determined he is to reach his goals
And I follow mine, one tooth for one eye
Acknowledging how both of them are chasing what they want, regardless of consequences
Ten thousand willing pilots flying, interfacing space and beyond
Reiterating how many people he has coerced into helping him
Here is his army, space and here we come
Referring to his determined group coming to get her
You don't touch me Kamikaze, you don't touch me Kamikaze, you don't touch me
Asserting her dominance over him, stating that his methods will not work on her
Space here we come
Emphasizing their impending confrontation
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.,
Written by: POLLY HARVEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind