Black hearted love

PJ Harvey's 'Black Hearted Love' delves into the complexities and darker aspects of romantic relationships. The song's lyrics paint a picture of an intense, almost obsessive love that borders on the dangerous. The opening lines, 'I think I saw you in the shadows / I move in closer beneath your windows,' suggest a sense of secrecy and hidden desires. This clandestine nature of the relationship is further emphasized by the repeated reference to 'black hearted love,' indicating a love that is tainted or corrupted in some way.

The chorus, 'And who but my black hearted love,' reinforces the idea that this love is unique in its darkness. The phrase 'black hearted' typically connotes something evil or malevolent, suggesting that the love described in the song is far from pure. The line 'I volunteer my soul for murder' is particularly striking, as it implies a willingness to sacrifice everything, even one's moral integrity, for the sake of this intense connection. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the destructive nature of such a relationship, where the individuals involved are willing to go to extreme lengths, even if it means harming themselves or others.

The repetition of the lines 'I'd like to take you to a place I know / My black hearted' serves to emphasize the singer's desire to share this dark, hidden part of themselves with their lover. It suggests a longing for intimacy and understanding, even if it means exposing the more sinister aspects of their personality. The imagery of rain and evening in the line 'In the rain, in the evening I will come again' adds to the overall mood of melancholy and foreboding, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the song has ended.