I Inside The Old I Dying

PJ Harvey's song 'I Inside The Old I Dying' is a poetic exploration of themes like rebirth, nature, and the cyclical nature of life. The lyrics are rich with imagery and metaphors that evoke a sense of waiting and transformation. The opening lines describe various elements of nature—beech buds, frogs, toads, and hedgehogs—all in a state of anticipation, waiting for 'his kingdom.' This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the natural world's readiness for renewal or a significant change, possibly hinting at the arrival of spring or a spiritual awakening.

The repeated references to 'Wyman' and the phrase 'Unray I for en' add a layer of mysticism to the song. 'Wyman' could be a symbolic figure representing a deity or a personification of nature itself. The phrase 'Unray I for en' is cryptic but seems to suggest a plea or a chant, adding to the song's ritualistic and spiritual undertones. The imagery of 'holly’s bloody beads' and 'crown of thorns' evokes Christian symbolism, suggesting themes of sacrifice and resurrection.

As the song progresses, the narrator describes slipping from their 'childhood skin' and 'zinging through the forest,' indicating a transformation or a return to a more primal, natural state. The repeated mention of 'chalky children of evermore' could symbolize purity, innocence, or eternal youth, further emphasizing the theme of rebirth and continuity. The song's ethereal and haunting quality is enhanced by these vivid, almost otherworldly images, making it a profound meditation on life, death, and the eternal cycle of nature.