The Community of Hope

PJ Harvey

About The Community of Hope

"The Community of Hope" is a song by the English musician PJ Harvey. It is the opening track and second single from her ninth studio album, The Hope Six Demolition Project, and was released digitally on 11 March 2016 and physically on 16 April 2016 on Island Records. The song was premiered on Shaun Keaveny's show on BBC Radio 6 Music on 10 March 2016, the day before its release.


Year:
2016
2:24
199 
#2

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Here's the hope six demolition project
Stretching down to Benning Road
A well-known "pathway of death"
At least that's what I'm told
And here's the one sit-down restaurant
In Ward seven, nice
Okay, now this is just Drug-Town, just zombies
But that's just life

In the community of hope
The community of hope
The community of hope
The community of hope, hope, hope, hope

Here's the highway to death and destruction
South capitol is its name
And the school just looks like shit-hole
Does that look like a nice place?
Here's the old mental institution
Now the homeland security base
And here's god's deliverance center
A deli called M.L.K

And the community of hope
The community of hope
The community of hope
The community of hope, hope, hope, hope

They're gonna put a Walmart here
They're gonna put a Walmart here
They're gonna put a Walmart here
They're gonna put a Walmart here
They're gonna put a Walmart here
They're gonna put a Walmart here
They're gonna put a Walmart here
They're gonna put a Walmart here

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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 »

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Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Composition
"The Community of Hope" is a song from PJ Harvey's ninth studio album, "The Hope Six Demolition Project," released in 2016.
Album Process
The album, including this song, was written during Harvey's travels with photographer/filmmaker Seamus Murphy and was inspired by their journeys to Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Washington D.C.
Recording Procedure
The album was recorded in a unique process where members of the public could watch the recording sessions through a one-way mirror at the Somerset House in London.
Song Background
"The Community of Hope" particularly examines American socio-political realities, reflecting Harvey's observations of Washington D.C.'s poverty-stricken areas.
Controversy
The song sparked controversy upon its release because it described the district of Ward 7 in Washington D.C. as a "drug town" with "zombie-like" figures, which local politicians criticized as an oversimplification and misrepresentation.
Cinematic Components
The accompanying music video also generated interest, as it followed a car driving through the city's most run-down areas.
Band Role
PJ Harvey played the saxophone on this track. While she is both a guitarist and a vocalist, it's rare she adds sax to her songs.
Accolades
Despite the controversy, critics generally praised "The Community of Hope" for its social commentary, and it was partly responsible for the album earning a nomination for the prestigious Mercury Prize.
Music Charts
The song peaked at number 6 on the UK Indie Chart.
Live Performances
"The Community of Hope" was regularly performed live during PJ Harvey's 2016 and 2017 World Tour.

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