Plants and Rags is an interesting song. It’s got a lovely sad melody, coupled with PJ Harvey’s plaintive vocals and the violin dirge in the background, and it’s just full of atmosphere.
As far as the song’s meaning, that’s interesting. There are a handful of thoughts over at SongMeanings: make of them what you will. In my opinion, I think it’s about the drudgery of living poor, probably in government assisted housing.
And of course, the lyrics:
Plants and rags
Ease myself into a bodybag
Plants and rags
Ease myself into a bodybag
I dreamt of a man
He fed me fine food
He gave me shiny things
I dreamt of a man
He fed me fine food
He gave me shiny things
White and black
You looking for the sun boy?
The sun doesn’t shine down here
No no no
White and black
You looking for the sun boy?
The sun doesn’t shine down here
In shadows
House and home
Who thought they could take away that place?
Outside, and they lead us out quietly
Lead us outside, and the lead us out quietly
House and home
Who thought they could take away that place?
Outside, and they lead us out quietly
Lead us outside, and they lead us out quietly
