Shella-na-gig by PJ Harvey Lyrics Meaning – Unpacking the Power of Sexual Autonomy in Music
Lyrics
Look at these my child-bearing hips
Look at these my ruby red ruby lips
Look at these my work strong arms and
You’ve got to see my bottle full of charm
I lay it all at your feet
You turn around and say back to me
He said
Sheela-na-gig, sheela-na-gig
You exhibitionist
Sheela-na-gig, sheela-na-gig
You exhibitionist
Gonna wash that man right out of my hair
Just like the first time, said he didn’t care
Gonna wash that man right out of my hair
Heard it before, no more
Gonna wash that man right out of my hair
Turn the corner, another one there
Gonna wash that man right out of my hair
Heard it before
He said
Sheela-na-gig, sheela-na-gig
You exhibitionist
Sheela-na-gig, sheela-na-gig
You exhibitionist
Put money in your idle hole
Put money in your idle hole
Gonna wash that man right out of my hair
Just like the first time, said he didn’t care
Gonna wash that man right out of my hair
Heard it before, no more
Gonna take my hips to a man who cares
Turn the corner, another one there
Gonna take my hips to a man who cares
Heard it before
He said
Sheela-na-gig, sheela-na-gig
You exhibitionist
Sheela-na-gig, sheela-na-gig
You exhibitionist
Put money in your idle hole
Put money in your idle hole
He said “Wash your breasts, I don’t want to be unclean”
He said “Please take those dirty pillows away from me”
He said “Wash your breasts, I don’t want to be unclean”
He said “Please take those dirty pillows away from me”
PJ Harvey’s ‘Sheela-na-gig’ is more than just a song; it’s a raw, unbridled examination of the female form, autonomy, and the male gaze in a society fraught with gender norms. As one of Harvey’s most iconic tracks, the song from her 1992 album ‘Dry’ turns the tables on objectification and the perception of women’s bodies through a powerful, poetic narrative.
The title itself, ‘Sheela-na-gig’, references medieval stone carvings of naked women displaying an exaggerated vulva, often interpreted as symbols of fertility or as warnings against lust. Harvey seizes this imagery and weaves a compelling story that dissects the roles which women are forced to play, ultimately delivering an anthem for the indomitable female spirit.
The Bold Message Behind ‘Sheela-na-gig’
Harvey’s lyrics are a fiery stanza of rebellion against the age-old trope of women being valued only for their bodies and their ability to bear children. The song’s chorus mocks this notion as Harvey proudly proclaims her female attributes while simultaneously challenging the listener with the refrain, ‘You exhibitionist,’ a jibe at the prescribed role of women as beings to be looked at rather than understood.
Each verse unfolds as a confrontation of male dismissal and a reflection of a society that often treats women as objects. Harvey’s repeated actions of ‘washing that man right out of her hair’ speak to a rejection of the male-defined identity and an empowerment of self-cleanse and renewed agency.
The ‘Idle Hole’ Metaphor and Its Nuances
The repetition of ‘Put money in your idle hole’ is a line heavy with interpretive weight. It’s a bold metaphor for the commodification of female sexuality and the reduction of women to mere ‘holes’ for economic gain or pleasure.
This phrasing also carries an edge of sarcasm. PJ Harvey is critiquing the societal pressures that essentially ask women to monetize their bodies—in a symbolic or literal sense—while simultaneously pointing out the emptiness and futility of such a plea.
Discovering The Hidden Feminist Anthem in ‘Sheela-na-gig’
Far from just a personal story, ‘Sheela-na-gig’ bursts through as a feminist anthem, calling upon the power of historical female iconography to reclaim the narrative. As Harvey navigates through her evocative lyrics, she uses the Sheela-na-gig’s boldness as a subversive tool to comment on the contemporary landscape.
Through this song, Harvey reappropriates the derogatory label ‘exhibitionist’ and turns it into a skin she wears with pride and defiance. She takes ownership of the female form and demands autonomy over her body and her sexual expression.
Harvey’s Unforgettable Lines: Provoking a Shift in Perspective
‘Look at these my child-bearing hips / Look at these my ruby red ruby lips’ is a line strongly evocative of the scrutiny women face regarding their bodies. Yet, rather than present them in a meek or compliant manner, the tone is one of aggression and empowerment.
Similarly, the term ‘dirty pillows’ is a provocative remark on the perceptions of breasts, a part of the female anatomy that is frequently sexualized and demonized simultaneously. In Harvey’s narrative, these ‘dirty pillows’ become symbolic of the male’s fear and revulsion at the naturalness and power of the woman’s body.
The Cultural Resonance of ‘Sheela-na-gig’
PJ Harvey’s ‘Sheela-na-gig’ has stood the test of time as a cultural landmark in music and gender discussions. By channelling an ancient icon, Harvey creates a modern manifesto on the multifaceted experiences of womanhood, identity, and the reclamation of power.
This song challenges and engages listeners, prompting them to consider their own biases and the societal constructs that dictate behavior. Harvey’s ‘Sheela-na-gig’ remains an enlightening juxtaposition of historical context and contemporary feminist discourse, ensuring its continued relevance and influential power.
