When Under Ether

PJ Harvey's song "When Under Ether" delves into the surreal experience of being under the influence of anesthesia or a similar state, where the boundaries between consciousness and unconsciousness blur. The opening lines describe the ceiling moving like a conveyor belt, setting a disorienting and dreamlike atmosphere. This imagery suggests a detachment from reality, as if the narrator is floating between worlds. The phrase "When under ether, the mind comes alive" indicates that while the body is subdued, the mind is free to wander, yet it is only aware of the primal instinct to survive, highlighting the fragility of human existence.

As the song progresses, the narrator describes lying on a bed, partially undressed, and feeling a sense of happiness and human kindness. This moment of vulnerability is softened by the presence of another person, a woman holding the narrator's hand. The act of pointing at the ceiling and the woman's kind smile create a tender connection, emphasizing the importance of human touch and empathy even in moments of disorientation and uncertainty. The repeated mention of "human kindness" underscores the theme of compassion as a grounding force in the midst of an ethereal experience.

The song takes a poignant turn with the lines "Something's inside me, unborn and unblessed, disappears in the ether, one world to the next." This could be interpreted as a metaphor for loss or the transition of a soul, possibly hinting at themes of miscarriage or the loss of potential life. The disappearance into the ether signifies a passage from one state of being to another, reinforcing the song's exploration of the thin veil between life and death, consciousness and unconsciousness. Through its haunting lyrics and evocative imagery, "When Under Ether" captures the delicate balance of human experience, where moments of kindness and connection provide solace amidst the unknown.