Dress is an interesting song, and a very good song. PJ Harvey sings it very well, and it’s got a nice edge to it, which is why I like it–well, one reason I like it.
So what exactly is it about? Is it about trying to be someone that you aren’t in order to impress someone and failing? Is about non-conformity? Doing things against your nature for the one you love? Putting up a big front and being exposed? Really, the song could be about any of those things, and all of those things, or any combination, or something I’ve not thought about. Hard to say, but it’s fun to think about it.
And of course, the lyrics:
Put on that dress
I’m going out dancing
Starting off red
Clean and sparkling he’ll see me
Music playing make it dreamy for dancing
Must be a way that I can dress to please him
It’s hard to walk in the dress, it’s not easy
I’m spilling over like a heavy loaded fruit tree
If you put it on
If you put it on
If you put it on
If you put it on
It’s sad to see
Lonely all this lonely
Close up my eyes
Dreamy dreamy music make it be alright
Music play make it good for romancing
Must be a way I can dress to please him
Swing and sway everything’ll be alright
But it’s feeling so damn tight tonight
If you put it on
If you put it on
If you put it on
If you put it on
“You purdy thang,”
My man says, “But I bought you beautiful dresses.”
“You purdy thang,”
My man says, “But I bought you beautiful dresses.”
Filthy tight, the dress is filthy
I’m falling flat and my arms are empty
Clear the way better get it out of this room
A falling woman in dancing costume
If you put it on
If you put it on
If you put it on
If you put it on
If you put it on
If you put it on
If you put it on
If you put it on
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