Bitter Branches Lyrics

Lyric discussion by ericacmiller 

Cover art for Bitter Branches lyrics by PJ Harvey

War affects the present and future of many more than just the poor soldier being sent to fight and possibly die. War will make you bitter. Whether a family member who has suffered a loss, or a soldier who has survived war but seen and done unimaginable atrocities, it all adds up to senselessness in the end. War solves nothing and creates pain, shame, and/or resentment through each person affected. Like a twisted, stunted tree filled with suffering and pain, there is indeed none more bitter than the wood making up the branches signifying the people of the bitter family tree of a war-torn country. Bitter roots make bitter branches.

PJ has a similar lyric in the song "England" on the same album that conveys how she, too, is affected: "I cannot go on as I am - Withered vine reaching from the country that I love, England."