This Is Love

PJ Harvey's 'This Is Love' is a raw and unfiltered exploration of the complexities and intensity of romantic love. The song juxtaposes the simplicity of desire with the overwhelming intricacies of life. Harvey opens with a stark contrast, expressing disbelief at life's complexity when all she wants is to indulge in the simple pleasure of watching her lover undress. This sets the tone for the entire song, highlighting the tension between the mundane struggles of life and the pure, unadulterated feeling of love.

The recurring refrain, 'This is love, this is love that I'm feeling,' serves as a powerful affirmation of the emotion's authenticity and intensity. Harvey's repetition of the word 'love' emphasizes the overwhelming nature of her feelings, almost as if she's trying to convince herself of its reality amidst life's chaos. The lyrics also touch on the idea of love as an escape from a life 'full of dread,' suggesting that love provides a sanctuary from the harshness of the world.

Harvey's use of vivid imagery, such as 'chase you 'round the table' and 'taste so good,' adds a visceral quality to the song, making the listener feel the physical and emotional aspects of her love. The line 'You're my dirty little secret, want to keep you so' introduces a sense of forbidden pleasure, adding another layer of complexity to her feelings. The song concludes with a plea for her lover to help her forget and keep the walls from tumbling in, underscoring the idea that love is not just a feeling but a lifeline in a tumultuous world.