Meaning of "This Is Love" by PJ Harvey

"This is Love" showcases PJ Harvey's exploration of the complex emotions that love brings forth. The lyrics convey a sense of longing for simplicity and a desire to escape from the complexities of life. The narrator's desire to just sit and watch their love interest undress represents their yearning for intimacy and vulnerability. The act of undressing symbolizes shedding the burdens and complexities of life, allowing for a pure connection between two individuals. The repeated chorus emphasizes the intensity and purity of the narrator's feelings, asserting that what they are experiencing is indeed love.

The lyrics also touch upon the idea of suffering and the connection between love and pain. The narrator questions why suffering seems inherent in the nature of love, stating that they "can't believe the axis turns on sufferin' when you taste so good." This line suggests that despite the difficulties and pain that love may bring, the joy and pleasure experienced in love outweigh these hardships. It highlights the contradictory nature of love, where the sweetness and pleasure are intertwined with pain and suffering.

The mention of keeping their love interest as a secret and wanting to "keep them so" adds an element of secrecy and possibly forbidden love to the narrative. The narrator refers to their love interest as their "dirty little secret," suggesting that the relationship may be clandestine or unconventional. This secrecy further intensifies the desire for intimacy and the need to keep their love hidden from the outside world.

The closing lines, "Keep the walls from fallin' as they're tumblin' in," can be interpreted as a plea for their love interest to help them maintain stability and keep their emotions from overwhelming them. It signifies a need for support and protection amidst the tumultuous nature of love.

Overall, "This is Love" delves into the complexities of love, capturing the longing for simplicity, the intertwining of pleasure and suffering, the secret and forbidden nature of love, and the yearning for emotional support.