☝️ Key Points
- The song lyrics celebrate a strong and confident woman who celebrates her femininity and sexuality.
- The expression 'Sheela-Na-Gig' refers to a Celtic figure that is considered a symbol of fertility and sexuality.
- The lyrics speak of the decision to separate from a man who doesn't appreciate her.
- The song lyrics are about self-love, strength, and rejecting male control.
- The protagonist celebrates her femininity and expresses her independence.
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song 'Sheela-Na-Gig' by
PJ Harvey are about a strong and confident woman who celebrates her femininity and sexuality. She proudly displays her physical features such as her childbearing hips, her red lips, and her strong arms. She exhibits herself and challenges the viewer to acknowledge her beauty and allure.
The expression 'Sheela-Na-Gig' refers to a Celtic figure that is considered a representation of the female genitals and is often seen as a symbol of fertility and sexuality. The protagonist of the song is called an 'exhibitionist' by a man, indicating that he does not accept or appreciate her open and confident nature.
The lyrics also speak of the decision to separate from a man who does not value her. She wants to 'wash the man out of her hair' and turn to a partner who truly appreciates her. The repetition of the phrase 'Put money in your idle hole' could suggest that she does not want to be dependent on a man and knows her own worth.
Overall, this song is about self-love, strength, and rejecting male control. The protagonist celebrates her femininity and expresses her independence.