The Words That Maketh Murder

PJ Harvey

About The Words That Maketh Murder

"The Words That Maketh Murder" is a song by English musician PJ Harvey. It is the fourth track and lead single from her eighth studio album, Let England Shake, and was released on 6 February 2011 on Island Records. Dealing with diplomacy, the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and world wars, "The Words That Maketh Murder" was produced by Flood, John Parish, Mick Harvey and PJ Harvey. It was Harvey's first single since 2008's "The Devil" and uses similar dynamics of song-writing to its predecessor, including folk influence and instrumentation. Upon its release, "The Words That Maketh Murder" received positive critical acclaim, although it failed to chart. An accompanying music video, directed by Seamus Murphy, was released prior to the single in January 2011 and was the second part of a twelve film project documenting Let England Shake. more »

Year:: 2011
: 132 Views
Playlists:: #1

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PJ Harvey

Polly Jean Harvey (born 9 October 1969) is an English musician, singer-songwriter, composer and occasional artist. Primarily known as a vocalist and guitarist, she is also proficient with a wide range of instruments including piano, organ, bass, saxophone, harmonica, and most recently, the autoharp. more »

6 fans

Genre »

Rock

Style »

Alternative Rock

10 facts about this song

Song Composition "The Words That Maketh Murder" is a song by English singer-songwriter PJ Harvey, from her eighth studio album, "Let England Shake". The song was released as a single in 2011.
Song Meaning The lyrics of the song are inspired by the horrors of war. Harvey drew references from Harold Pinter and T.S. Eliot, focusing particularly on the imagery of death and destruction in war.
Musical composition The song is built around a four-chord progression, and it integrates clashing musical elements, with a jaunty reggae rhythm along with discordant brass and autoharp.
Lyrical Analysis The phrase "the words that maketh murder" is an archaic English phrase which intends to demonstrate the power of language in inciting violence.
Song Inspiration The song's melodic motif is borrowed from the classic tune, “Summertime Blues" by Eddie Cochran, paying homage to the rock and roll classic.
Awards "The Words That Maketh Murder" was nominated for Best Original Song at the 2012 Ivor Novello Awards, a testament to its powerful lyrical content and unique composition.
Album Concept The entire album "Let England Shake" is themed around the futility and horrors of war, with "The Words That Maketh Murder" standing out as a prime example of this anti-war message.
Creative Process Reportedly, PJ Harvey, wrote much of the song in her native Dorset, finding inspiration in the rugged cliffs and windswept landscape.
Artwork The artwork for the song features PJ Harvey wearing a feathered headdress, while the single's cover shows Harvey in a helmet holding a saxophone, perpetuating the war theme of the song and the album.
Critical Reception "The Words That Maketh Murder" was lauded by critics for its unique sound and hard-hitting lyrics. The song was considered one of the standout tracks on "Let England Shake".

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