Hardly Wait

PJ Harvey's song 'Hardly Wait' is a raw and intense exploration of longing and desire. The repetition of the phrase 'I can hardly wait' throughout the song underscores a sense of impatience and yearning that is almost unbearable. This repetition creates a hypnotic effect, drawing the listener into the emotional state of the narrator, who is consumed by a deep, almost primal need. The lyrics suggest a longing that has been unfulfilled for so long that it has become a physical ache, as evidenced by lines like 'It's been so long I've lost my taste' and 'Lips cracked dry, Tongue blue burst.' These vivid descriptions convey a sense of physical and emotional desolation, highlighting the intensity of the narrator's desire.

The imagery in the song is both haunting and evocative. The references to an 'angel' and 'Romeo' introduce elements of romantic and divine longing, suggesting that the narrator's desire is not just physical but also spiritual and emotional. The line 'I'll open this mouth wide, eat your heart' is particularly striking, evoking a sense of consuming passion and desperation. This metaphor of eating the heart can be interpreted as a desire to fully possess and internalize the object of one's longing, to make it a part of oneself.

The recurring image of the 'glass coffin' adds a layer of complexity to the song. A glass coffin is transparent, allowing the outside world to see in, yet it is also a barrier that traps the narrator inside. This could symbolize the narrator's feeling of being trapped in their own desire, visible to others but unable to break free. The glass coffin also evokes fairy tale imagery, reminiscent of Snow White, adding a layer of timeless, mythic resonance to the song. Overall, 'Hardly Wait' is a powerful expression of longing, desire, and the pain of unfulfilled yearning, wrapped in rich, evocative imagery and metaphors.