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PJ Harvey — Down by the Water
Album: To Bring You My Love
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1905








Released: 1995
Length: 3:08
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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I lost my heart
Under the bridge
To that little girl
So much to me
And now I'm old
And now I holler
She'll never know
Just what I found

That blue eyed girl
(that blue eyed girl)
She said "no more"
(she said "no more")
That blue eyed girl
(that blue eyed girl)
Became blue eyed whore
('came blue eyed whore)
Down by the water
(down by the water)
I took her hand
(I took her hand)
Just like my daughter
(just like my daughter)
Won't see her again
(see her again)

Oh help me jesus
Come through this storm
I had to lose her
To do her harm
I heard her holler
(I heard her holler)
I heard her moan
(I heard her moan)
My lovely daughter
(my lovely daughter)
I took her home
(I took her home)

Little fish. big fish. Swimming in the water.
Come back here, man. gimme my daughter.
Little fish. big fish. Swimming in the water.
Come back here, man. gimme my daughter.
Little fish. big fish. Swimming in the water.
Come back here, man. gimme my daughter ....
Comments (151)add comment
 aspicer wrote:

She's coming to Chicago in September  - tickets in hand - very excited to see her, it's been years.

This song and album are now "classic" - it's what really drew me into becoming a huge fan.



Thanks for posting. I didn't know she was touring the states again. I've seen her 5 times over the years, and that is not enough!
Posted 3 weeks ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
THAT was an incredible segue William from Houses in Motion!  

Two magical songs that go quite well together.
Posted 3 weeks ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
She's coming to Chicago in September  - tickets in hand - very excited to see her, it's been years.

This song and album are now "classic" - it's what really drew me into becoming a huge fan.
Posted 1 month ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Deserves better than a 6.6 rating, IMO.



Your wish has been granted.  7 years later it now has a 6.8 rating.  If you live long enough, and this mathematical progression continues, it may very well top 7.5 in your lifetime.  
Posted 1 month ago by dandueck07    [ Reply ]
I think she's a little bit crazy.

Oh no!!!! 
Posted 7 months ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
She is surely haunted by a past deed.
Posted 7 months ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]
Stories from the City is by far her best effort. Every song is great, not much screaming.  And Thom Yorke make a great cameo. But Big Exit and Good Fortune start it all out.  Amazing.
Posted 8 months ago by tripp1    [ Reply ]
 djblitz wrote:

Clearly, it's intentional.  



But it is annoying. 
Posted 9 months ago by kevrey    [ Reply ]
I’ve been waiting to hear this song here on RP. Thanks for playing it!
Posted 1 year ago by Kajukenbo    [ Reply ]
 nigelStHubbins wrote:

I love PJ, though not every single thing she has ever done.  (Not a fan of her really stark or screamy stuff.)  This is pretty grate, however, and she is still making excellent, innovative music.


So grate!
Posted 1 year ago by MilesW    [ Reply ]
For just a couple of years in the mid-90's an "alternative" radio station existed in my area that played great music and had this song on regular rotation.  Granted I was in college and life was new and exiting, but those sure were great days. Having music like this being normal on the local airwaves was amazing. Of course, RP fills that niche for me now!
Posted 1 year ago by Kajukenbo    [ Reply ]
 tichy wrote:

Wonderfully creepy, especially the end! I'm reminded of EELS - Flyswatter.




According to Wiki:-

"To Bring You My Love had nothing to do with any scaling-down of her trademark lyrical intensity: the infanticide fable "Down by the Water" — whose whispered coda of "Little fish big fish swimming in the water/Come back here, man, gimme my daughter" references the old Lead Belly blues standard "Salty Dog" — ostensibly deals with a mother drowning her child."

Lyrics:-
Salty Dog Blues - Wikipedia
Posted 1 year ago by Tintin    [ Reply ]
yes sir. I like it
Posted 1 year ago by murr69st335    [ Reply ]
Annoying buzz.  Thought my speaker cone had gone.  
Posted 1 year ago by fraserji    [ Reply ]
 One of the top comments on youtube :)

when i was in elementary school i remember my 4th grade teacher grew concerned for me and phoned my parents cuz i would always whisper the big fish little fish part...
Posted 2 years ago by igor    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:

PJ Harvey. not a girl you'd bring home to meet your mom.



Nick Cave would (did)! 
Posted 2 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Deserves better than a 6.6 rating, IMO.


It's 6.7 now.  Better?

Posted 2 years ago by sfoster66    [ Reply ]
 okskyhi wrote:

I don't care how cool it sounds, isn't this saw-wave/square-wave crap bad for your speakers?

no - it's just hard on your ears... 

as are lots of screechy guitar licks to many others.

Posted 2 years ago by MinMan    [ Reply ]
 ofanansky wrote:

the buzzing in the background is intensely irritating—is that part of the song or a flaw in the recording?


Isn't this tune intended to be scary and intensely irritating? It succeeds! 
Posted 2 years ago by MinMan    [ Reply ]
she's brilliant
Posted 2 years ago by kweavr99    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:

PJ Harvey. not a girl you'd bring home to meet your mom.



I'd bring her home to meet my mom--hopefully she'd scare the shit out of mom....!
Posted 2 years ago by gregskrtic    [ Reply ]
I don't care how cool it sounds, isn't this saw-wave/square-wave crap bad for your speakers?
Posted 2 years ago by okskyhi    [ Reply ]
 SpinyNorma wrote:

Better than that: she's DORSET'S Patti Smith!
 
A Girl from West Country?
Posted 3 years ago by Pjesnik    [ Reply ]
In 1995 I bought a 1942 Studebaker Champion.  I called it Polly Jean in PJs honor.  The car became practically a daily driver ( summers only ) and now all these years later I am finally giving Polly a frame-off restoration.   
Posted 3 years ago by wildmanfromSB    [ Reply ]
Wonderfully creepy, especially the end! I'm reminded of EELS - Flyswatter.
Posted 4 years ago by tichy    [ Reply ]
YES, oh yes! Love it. 
Posted 4 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 ppopp wrote:
The UK's Patti Smith. 
 
Better than that: she's DORSET'S Patti Smith!
Posted 4 years ago by SpinyNorma    [ Reply ]
Sweeet 1995! GOOSEBUMPS !
Posted 5 years ago by boothefox    [ Reply ]
 aspicer wrote:
BRILLIANT!  Perhaps her best album (which says a lot)

 
Agreed. i love this woman. 
Posted 5 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
The Toadies and Sarah Jaffee did a great cover of this song for Record Store Day about 4 years back.

I'm a little surprised neither of those artists have songs on RP.
Posted 6 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
BRILLIANT!  Perhaps her best album (which says a lot)
Posted 6 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
The female voice "echoing" in the background reminds me of another song... but I just can't place my finger on it.  Hmmm...
Posted 6 years ago by FeatFanMike    [ Reply ]
if I'm listening to this in my truck or at home (i.e. NOT with earbuds) I might rate this PJH track as a 7 or so....it's barely a 3 though during the middle of the work day with earbuds....and thankful for the skip feature...esp. knowing that I get to hear two 10s in a row soon (Pink Moon and Magnificent (She Says) - LLRP!!
Posted 6 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
 ofanansky wrote:
the buzzing in the background is intensely irritating—is that part of the song or a flaw in the recording?

 
Clearly, it's intentional.  
Posted 6 years ago by djblitz    [ Reply ]
the buzzing in the background is intensely irritating—is that part of the song or a flaw in the recording?
Posted 7 years ago by ofanansky    [ Reply ]
Now that was a blast from the past it was.
Posted 7 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
Can we get some Meet Ze Monsta?
Posted 7 years ago by emh    [ Reply ]
PSD, thank you
Posted 7 years ago by Kaisersosay    [ Reply ]
Brilliant.
Posted 7 years ago by ppopp    [ Reply ]
 "Harvey!" (in Jimmy Stewart voice)
Posted 7 years ago by Jack_Jefferson    [ Reply ]
Deserves better than a 6.6 rating, IMO.
Posted 7 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
I love PJ, though not every single thing she has ever done.  (Not a fan of her really stark or screamy stuff.)  This is pretty grate, however, and she is still making excellent, innovative music.
Posted 8 years ago by nigelStHubbins    [ Reply ]
Wow! Never heard this on the radio before. Superb. The UK's Patti Smith. 
Posted 8 years ago by ppopp    [ Reply ]
 stevematic wrote:
haunting. this song turned me onto PJ Harvey.
 
Same for me.  A fine song performed by a very talented artist.
Posted 11 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
Musically she is ok, but man, what I would do with her!!{#Hearteyes}
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
This was my introduction to P.J. Harvey, I distinctly remember my jaw dropping, who but Polly Jean could write and sing this... precious few.

Posted 14 years ago by tovarisch    [ Reply ]
The segue from Nirvana's Polly must be that the P in PJ stands for "Polly". Spooky song, right enough.
Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
The "P" stands for polly right? Im kinda getting why this followed "Polly"{#Headache}
Posted 14 years ago by Felix_The_Cat    [ Reply ]
Creepy brilliance
Posted 14 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
 martinc wrote:
Saw her in DC around this time in some little club. Great show and one of the scarest nights  of my life stranded in the streets of DC at 1 am where no cabs would stop to pick us up. 42 people were shot that week and 20 wounded. 
 
Isn't it ironic how DANGEROUS the nation's capitol is!?
Posted 14 years ago by Mandible    [ Reply ]
unclelonghair wrote:

This song gives me the creeps. P.J. Harvey gives me the creeps. I love it! She is channeling some kind of primal female spirit.


rosedraws wrote:

creepy for sure!

 

If you like this, check out the Incredible String Band's Invocation!

Posted 14 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
 unclelonghair wrote:
This song gives me the creeps.  P.J. Harvey gives me the creeps.  I love it!  She is channeling some kind of primal female spirit.
 
creepy for sure!

Posted 14 years ago by rosedraws    [ Reply ]
haunting. this song turned me onto PJ Harvey.
Posted 14 years ago by stevematic    [ Reply ]
Saw her in DC around this time in some little club. Great show and one of the scarest nights  of my life stranded in the streets of DC at 1 am where no cabs would stop to pick us up. 42 people were shot that week and 20 wounded. 
Posted 14 years ago by martinc    [ Reply ]
The comments are love or hate; the ratings are middling.
Posted 14 years ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]
I'm not a big fan but I have this CD and I do like this song.
Posted 14 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
This song gives me the creeps.  P.J. Harvey gives me the creeps.  I love it!  She is channeling some kind of primal female spirit.
Posted 14 years ago by unclelonghair    [ Reply ]
Ah yes, watching this video on MTV back in 95 left a permanent mark in me. I was overjoyed that someting so raw, creepy and still alluringly provocative had sneaked on to the corporate wavelength that was Music Television.
I went out, bought the album right away and played the dog out of it, I never looked back after that... This is what I crave from music.
Posted 14 years ago by Frater_Kork    [ Reply ]
Must have been in an off-mood last time I heard this - it's back to an 8 for me today! Funny how moods can change so much...

Posted 14 years ago by Droidac    [ Reply ]
It's been years since I've heard this song....today I'm trying to remember why I liked it. Was an 8 for me way back then, now I can only muster up a 4.
Posted 14 years ago by Droidac    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:
not a girl you'd bring home to meet your mom.

...aren't those the best kind?..

Posted 14 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
 Shesdifferent wrote:
It makes me wonder why people wouldn't like "Somewhere down the Crazy River' by Robbie Robertson with his ultra sexy and smooth voice and rthymic melody and instead like this annoying caterwallering.
PJ Harvey...fine enough, but I hate this!
 
this is the (first) and best album she has done. PJ grew up in the boredom of a scottish farm in the middle of nowhere. when she couldn't stand it anymore she grabbed an electric guitar and shouted out all her frustration (what became the first album). That's pure, dark and raw. Now that she seems to no longer live on a boring farm, frustration as drive is gone. her last album is just plain boring for me.

Posted 15 years ago by dunno    [ Reply ]
Most excellent.
Posted 15 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
I STILL love this! Brings me right back...
Posted 15 years ago by jenakle    [ Reply ]
mmmmm takes me back to a dirrrrty time!  {#Yell}
nice segue...polly.........


Posted 15 years ago by enidualc    [ Reply ]
I love PJ too!!
Posted 15 years ago by songbirdfemme    [ Reply ]
 reason06 wrote:
Isn't the lady on the cover supposed to be ..dead?
 
And you have a problem with tha.....  I've said too much.{#Doh}{#Embarassed}{#Taped-shut}{#Wink}
Posted 15 years ago by AvoidingWork    [ Reply ]
Polly Jean is an artist.
Posted 15 years ago by xc_para_puravida    [ Reply ]
{#Puke}God, what an awful, tone-deaf singer!

Posted 15 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
maybe if I understood waht she was singing about??
Posted 15 years ago by reason06    [ Reply ]
I loves Polly Jean!!!
Posted 15 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
Nabla wrote:
The nice lady on the cover compensates for the bad tune... (at least a bit)
Isn't the lady on the cover supposed to be ..dead?
Posted 15 years ago by reason06    [ Reply ]
PJ Harvey. not a girl you'd bring home to meet your mom.
Posted 15 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
bah, catch a fish, get a life.
Posted 15 years ago by Nettle    [ Reply ]
This song sounds awesome with a good subwoofer!
Posted 15 years ago by GanjaGood    [ Reply ]
It makes me wonder why people wouldn't like "Somewhere down the Crazy River' by Robbie Robertson with his ultra sexy and smooth voice and rthymic melody and instead like this annoying caterwallering. PJ Harvey...fine enough, but I hate this!
Posted 15 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
There was a rumor on the Avalon list, the Roxy Music/Bryan Ferry group, that PJ Harvey was to have done a duet with Bryan Ferry -- I just can't hear the two of them together.
Posted 15 years ago by Helchat    [ Reply ]
rvontha wrote:
Having PJ Harvey following Nirvana's "Polly" is why I love Bill's playlist!
AGREED! 2 great songs to overwrite the McMurtry stuff that is popular with most listeners... which is a puzzle to me.
Posted 16 years ago by pattiecovert    [ Reply ]
Having PJ Harvey following Nirvana's "Polly" is why I love Bill's playlist!
Posted 16 years ago by rvontha    [ Reply ]
Ollerich wrote:
god! that is so annoying... what a horrible voice.. please! stop!! pleeeeease!
Love it, more more please!!!!! Little Fish, Big Fish swimming in the water come back here and give me my daughter!!!!!
Posted 16 years ago by lattalo    [ Reply ]
rtrudeau wrote:
I was thinking my speakers were blown out or something. That buzzing underneath the track is the MOST ANNOYING THING ever.
That's one of the things I like best. Crunchy nastiness! PJ always throws a few curves.
Posted 16 years ago by tompoll    [ Reply ]
Peej!
Posted 16 years ago by xc_para_puravida    [ Reply ]
Stay under water.Like forever.
Posted 16 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
Great song!!
Posted 16 years ago by nookie    [ Reply ]
I was thinking my speakers were blown out or something. That buzzing underneath the track is the MOST ANNOYING THING ever.
Posted 16 years ago by rtrudeau    [ Reply ]
New album tomorrrow!!!
Posted 16 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
mecouc wrote:
I couldn't listen to this.. had to turn the volume down til it's over
Ditto. I saw her at "Gig on the Green" in Glasgow a few years back. She was an awesome performer but ... this ... I can do without.
Posted 16 years ago by doc_dave    [ Reply ]
OK BILL ... PJ Harvey - Down by the Water Nirvana - Polly James McMurtry - Where'd You Hide The Body IF I HEAR A WARRANT SONG ABOUT UNCLE TOM'S CABIN AND A BODY NEXT I'M OUT! :-)
Posted 16 years ago by d00kie    [ Reply ]
mmm fishes.
Posted 16 years ago by obzidian    [ Reply ]
The nice lady on the cover compensates for the bad tune... (at least a bit)
Posted 16 years ago by Nabla    [ Reply ]
I couldn't listen to this.. had to turn the volume down til it's over
Posted 16 years ago by mecouc    [ Reply ]
hey if you do play a Carpenters song - play Rainy Days and Mondays or Superstar
Posted 16 years ago by jmsmy    [ Reply ]
god! that is so annoying... what a horrible voice.. please! stop!! pleeeeease!
Posted 16 years ago by Ollerich    [ Reply ]
ktnsb wrote:
Students, the previous is an example of a rhetorical device known as hyperbole.
is dat like bolshit?
Posted 16 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
Rickvee wrote:
Polly is one of the greatest female rock n roll artists ever.
Students, the previous is an example of a rhetorical device known as hyperbole.
Posted 16 years ago by ktnsb    [ Reply ]
That whispering part is kind of creepy.
Posted 17 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
enidualc wrote:
and don't forget your doc martens!
never wore them, was more of a (and still, really) converse fan oohh, some early NIN would be nice though...
Posted 17 years ago by jenakle    [ Reply ]
Polly is one of the greatest female rock n roll artists ever. So talented. This is a very good tune but its not even one of her better tracks. Strongly suggest to anyone who is unfamiliar with her to pick up any album by her.
Posted 17 years ago by Rickvee    [ Reply ]
good sound!
Posted 17 years ago by pushkinjim    [ Reply ]
jenakle wrote:
nirvana now pj? I'm having a serious 90s flashback I need my flannel
and don't forget your doc martens!
Posted 17 years ago by enidualc    [ Reply ]
nirvana now pj? I'm having a serious 90s flashback I need my flannel
Posted 17 years ago by jenakle    [ Reply ]
Another classic! More Polly Jean, please.
Posted 17 years ago by pattiecovert    [ Reply ]
bobrk wrote:
I like the buzzy base line. Super creepy vibe, sort of like a David Lynch movie.
Uh-huh!! Had to look! Just the kinda creepy that I like...
Posted 17 years ago by lkbooth71    [ Reply ]
TheLoneIguana wrote:
Subtle connection: Polly Jean Harvey - Down by the Water Nirvana - Polly
What about James McMurtry - Where'd You Hide The Body ?
Posted 17 years ago by bobrk    [ Reply ]
Cool song 8
Posted 17 years ago by creativebones    [ Reply ]
Subtle connection: Polly Jean Harvey - Down by the Water Nirvana - Polly
Posted 17 years ago by TheLoneIguana    [ Reply ]
jgeyer wrote:
That is not very nice.
Maybe it's because he didn't renew his niceness since 2005.
Posted 17 years ago by DrLex    [ Reply ]
I like the buzzy base line. Super creepy vibe, sort of like a David Lynch movie.
Posted 17 years ago by bobrk    [ Reply ]
after listening to the lyrics for this song i've learned that PJ harvey has nothing to say.
Posted 17 years ago by mysteryplane    [ Reply ]
NiceGuy2005 wrote:
Blukkk! Waste of air space.
That is not very nice.
Posted 17 years ago by jgeyer    [ Reply ]
Awesome bassline.
Posted 17 years ago by jah_blessed    [ Reply ]
ScottN wrote:
That comment and this song has me thinking of Nick Cave.
Yes, lets.
Posted 17 years ago by oppositelock    [ Reply ]
Atombender wrote:
She rocks! Don't you agree Banana? "YES SHE DOES!"
... ... She surely does says this banana two ... ...
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
Decent song, but it's SO worn out. I'm surprised this one is played on RP.
Posted 17 years ago by byrd    [ Reply ]
: Oh yes she does!
Posted 18 years ago by Clobyn    [ Reply ]
She rocks! Don't you agree Banana? "YES SHE DOES!"
Posted 18 years ago by Atombender    [ Reply ]
Dirktooth wrote:
Ah, nothing like a good old fashioned murder ballad to get the blood flowing. ...
That comment and this song has me thinking of Nick Cave.
Posted 18 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
Ah, nothing like a good old fashioned murder ballad to get the blood flowing. Wait, let me rephrase that....
Posted 18 years ago by Dirktooth    [ Reply ]
Blukkk! Waste of air space.
Posted 18 years ago by NiceGuy2005    [ Reply ]
I was really digging this song, but the little fish/big fish thing kind of ruined it for me...
Posted 18 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]