Written on the Forehead

Album: Let England Shake (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This haunting symbolic ballad, which evokes the chaos of conquest, draws on images from the biblical Book of Revelations.
  • The songs Harvey wrote for Let England Shake were motivated by the ongoing conflicts in the world and the singer told NME this tune, "is very much about modern-day Iraq."
  • The electronic track samples Niney the Observer's reggae classic "Blood & Fire." Harvey told NME: "Something about the feel of what he was saying felt akin to what I was trying to reach for. So when I came to actually making the music, it was natural to me to see in some way if that would fit with it."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Chris Frantz of Talking Heads

Chris Frantz of Talking HeadsSongwriter Interviews

Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz on where the term "new wave" originated, the story of "Naive Melody," and why they never recorded another cover song after "Take Me To The River."

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.