The Wind

PJ Harvey's song "The Wind" paints a vivid portrait of a woman named Catherine, who has retreated to the high hills to find solace and isolation. The lyrics describe Catherine's affinity for high places, where she can make noises reminiscent of whales, suggesting a deep connection with nature and perhaps a longing for freedom. She builds a chapel adorned with her image, symbolizing a place of personal sanctuary and reflection. This chapel becomes a space where she can rest, cleanse herself, and listen to the wind, which serves as a metaphor for her inner thoughts and the passage of time.

Catherine's dreams of children's voices and torture on the wheel hint at a troubled past and a sense of unfulfilled desires. The reference to her as the "Patron-Saint of nothing" underscores her sense of purposelessness and isolation. Once a lady of pleasure and high-born status in the city, Catherine's current state of loneliness and moaning contrasts sharply with her former life. The wind blowing through her chapel becomes a constant companion, emphasizing her solitude and the stark difference between her past and present.

The song also touches on the societal expectations placed on women, as the narrator questions whether they can find a husband for Catherine. This plea for a "handsome one, a dear, a rich one" reflects the traditional view that a woman's worth and happiness are tied to marriage and companionship. However, the song leaves this question unresolved, highlighting Catherine's enduring loneliness and the complexity of her character. PJ Harvey's evocative lyrics and haunting melody create a powerful narrative of a woman grappling with her past, her identity, and her place in the world.