Rope Bridge Crossing Lyrics

A blues influenced track with a sparse bass line, and economically arranged drums and guitar, and the utilisation of 'sleepy' reverb. There are inherent contrasts in the song as it crescendos from the 'pianissimo' of the ponderous introduction to the relative 'forte' of the chorus. John Parish and PJ Harvey emulate the avant garde impromptu style of lyrical repose, with a semi-narrative, part spoken song lyric. The avid visual imagery articulated in the song is driven by Polly Jean's authorship, and articulated through both spoken-word and song. This mixed delivery is orchestrated to harmonise with the intermittently dead-pan delivery of other songs- half-sung part-spoken- on the album; such as the Peggy Lee cover - ' Is That All There Is?' A stripped-back bluesy ethic, underpinned with the flavour of old Americana encapsulates the vibe of this album. The PJ Harvey and John Parish collaboration was centred upon reworking a tone of nostalgia, and Midwestern rustic Arcadia; fuelling a chiaroscuro of references to bygone loves, and mortal bonds.