The Desperate Kingdom Of Love

PJ Harvey's song 'The Desperate Kingdom Of Love' delves into the tumultuous and often painful nature of love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of love as a fragile, almost sickly entity, easily knocked down by the harsh winds of life. The imagery of putting on spurs and swaggering around suggests a need to armor oneself and project confidence, even in the face of vulnerability. This kingdom of love is described as desperate, indicating a place where emotions are intense and survival is a struggle.

The song continues to explore the idea that traditional remedies, like holy water, and even one's own mysterious allure, are insufficient to navigate the complexities of love. Selling one's reason, or abandoning logic, is also futile. This suggests that love operates on a different plane, one that defies conventional solutions and requires a deeper, perhaps more irrational, approach. The presence of another who looks from behind the eyes implies a duality or a hidden aspect of the self that learns to conceal true feelings, further emphasizing the theme of love as a battlefield where one must constantly adapt and protect oneself.

In the final verse, the song takes a more hopeful turn, envisioning a future where, despite the burning world, one stands proud and unyielding. The promise to follow a loved one into heaven or hell signifies a deep, unwavering commitment. The transformation into 'a girl' in the desperate kingdom of love could symbolize a return to innocence or a new beginning, suggesting that love, despite its hardships, has the power to renew and transform. PJ Harvey's haunting vocals and evocative lyrics create a powerful narrative of love's trials and triumphs, making 'The Desperate Kingdom Of Love' a poignant exploration of the human heart.