In The Dark Places

PJ Harvey's 'In The Dark Places' is a poignant exploration of the harrowing experiences of war and its aftermath. The song opens with a scene of early morning rituals, where individuals prepare themselves for the day ahead, symbolizing the routine and the mundane before the chaos of battle. The act of putting up crosses suggests a premonition of death and loss, a common sight in war-torn landscapes. The journey through 'the damned mountains' and 'hellwards' evokes a descent into the horrors of war, where some soldiers return, and others do not, highlighting the grim reality of mortality in conflict.

The lyrics then shift to a broader reflection on the passage of time and the enduring mysteries of life. Despite the changing seasons and the passage of time, the 'secrets of this world' remain unrevealed, suggesting a sense of existential uncertainty and the elusive nature of truth. This can be interpreted as a commentary on the futility of war and the unanswered questions it leaves in its wake. The repetition of natural elements like fields, forests, the moon, and the sun contrasts the eternal cycles of nature with the transient and destructive nature of human conflict.

The final lines bring the focus back to the soldiers, the 'young men' who hide 'with guns, in the dirt and in the dark places.' This imagery underscores the fear, isolation, and dehumanization experienced by those on the front lines. The 'dark places' can be seen both literally, as the trenches and hiding spots in battle, and metaphorically, as the psychological scars and traumas that linger long after the war has ended. PJ Harvey's evocative lyrics and haunting melodies create a powerful narrative that captures the essence of war's impact on individuals and society.