The Dancer, PJ Harvey, 1995. Un des plus belles chansons de...

The Dancer, PJ Harvey, 1995.

Un des plus belles chansons de mademoiselle Polly Jean Harvey. Sans doute parce qu’encore, elle parle de l’amour comme de quelque chose de fantasmé, de touché, puis de perdu. Comme un rêve de nonne dévorée de désir. PJ Harvey s’y entend pour fantasmer l’homme ; et l’intensité de cette ode funèbre (écoutez l’orgue) transcende même l’ironie.

He came riding fast like a phoenix out of fire flames
He came dressed in black with a cross bearing my name
He came bathed in light and the splendor and glory
I can’t believe what the lord has finally sent me
He said dance for me, fanciulla gentil
He said laugh a while, i can make your heart feel
He said fly with me, touch the face of the true god
And then cry with joy at the depth of my love
Cause i’ve prayed days, i’ve prayed nights
For the lord just to send me home some sign
I’ve looked long, i’ve looked far
To bring peace to my black and empty heart
My love will stay till the river bed run dry
And my love lasts long as the sunshine blue sky
I love him longer as each damn day goes
The man is gone and heaven only knows
Cause i’ve cried days. i’ve cried nights
For the lord just to send me up some sign
Is he near? is he far?
Bring peace to my black and empty heart
So long day. so long night
Good lord, be near me tonight
Is he near? is he far?
Bring peace to my black and empty heart

Photographie de Darren Holmes.