Meaning of "Yuri-G" by PJ Harvey

The song "Yuri-G" by PJ Harvey explores themes of desire, infatuation, and a longing for escape. The narrator opens by addressing a person named Luna, expressing their overwhelming sadness and lovesickness to the point of wanting to die. This intense emotional state is attributed to their constant gaze at the Moon, which is described as bright, white, and clean. The Moon becomes an object of fixation and fascination for the narrator, representing an idealized version of love and beauty. The repetition of "she's everything" emphasizes the Moon's captivating allure and its ability to consume the narrator's thoughts.

The narrator then mentions being told by a doctor that if they make the figure of the Moon, Luna, needles would stick in her and she would become their Moon. This could be seen as a metaphor for the narrator's desire to possess the essence or qualities of the Moon, in order to satisfy their longing for love and admiration. They view themselves as the one administering the needles, drawing Luna down on themself. This act could represent their attempts to merge with the Moon, hoping that by doing so, they will gain the qualities they admire and become mesmerized by.

The repeated refrain "Yeah I wish I was Yuri-G" signifies a desire to be someone else, someone who possesses the qualities and abilities believed to be possessed by Yuri-G. This yearning suggests a yearning for escapism, wanting to leave behind their own identity and immerse themselves in the world of Yuri-G. The repeated plea to "give back my memory" implies that the narrator feels disconnected from their true self and longs to regain a sense of familiarity and identity.

Overall, "Yuri-G" delves into the depths of infatuation and the longing for an idealized love that is unobtainable. It explores the desire for escapism and the allure of transforming oneself into something or someone else.