To Bring You My Love

PJ Harvey's song 'To Bring You My Love' is a haunting exploration of devotion and sacrifice. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who has endured immense suffering and hardship in the name of love. The opening lines, 'I was born in the desert / I been down for years,' set a desolate tone, suggesting a life marked by struggle and isolation. The invocation of Jesus and the mention of traveling through 'dry earth and floods' and 'hell and high water' emphasize the extremity of the protagonist's journey, both physically and spiritually, to reach their beloved.

The song delves deeper into the protagonist's sacrifices, describing how they have 'climbed over mountains' and 'traveled the sea,' only to be 'cast down off heaven' and 'cast down on my knees.' These lines suggest a fall from grace and a humbling experience, further underscoring the lengths to which the protagonist has gone. The references to lying with the devil and cursing God above highlight a profound sense of forsakenness and moral compromise, all in the pursuit of love. This imagery evokes a sense of tragic heroism, as the protagonist is willing to forsake their own salvation for the sake of their beloved.

The repeated refrain, 'To bring you my love,' serves as both a mantra and a declaration of purpose. It reinforces the central theme of the song: the all-consuming nature of love and the sacrifices one is willing to make for it. The repetition of this line, coupled with the haunting melody, creates a sense of urgency and desperation. The song's conclusion, with the protagonist's unwavering belief that 'he's gonna be here,' suggests a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, a belief that their sacrifices will not be in vain.