The Glorious Land
PJ Harvey · Let England Shake [2011]
How is our glorious country ploughed?
Not by iron ploughs
How is our glorious country ploughed?
Not by iron ploughs
Our lands is ploughed by tanks and feet,
Feet marching
Our lands is ploughed by tanks and feet,
Feet marching
Oh, America
Oh, England
Oh, America
Oh, England
How is our glorious country sown?
Not with wheat and corn.
How is our glorious country sown?
Not with wheat and corn.
How is our glorious land bestowed?
How is our glorious land bestowed?
Oh, America
Oh, England
[x4]
What is the glorious fruit of our land?
Its fruit is deformed children.
What is the glorious fruit of our land?
Its fruit is deformed children.
What is the glorious fruit of our land?
Its fruit is orphaned children.
What is the glorious fruit of our land?
Its fruit is deformed children.
Not by iron ploughs
How is our glorious country ploughed?
Not by iron ploughs
Our lands is ploughed by tanks and feet,
Feet marching
Our lands is ploughed by tanks and feet,
Feet marching
Oh, America
Oh, England
Oh, America
Oh, England
How is our glorious country sown?
Not with wheat and corn.
How is our glorious country sown?
Not with wheat and corn.
How is our glorious land bestowed?
How is our glorious land bestowed?
Oh, America
Oh, England
[x4]
What is the glorious fruit of our land?
Its fruit is deformed children.
What is the glorious fruit of our land?
Its fruit is deformed children.
What is the glorious fruit of our land?
Its fruit is orphaned children.
What is the glorious fruit of our land?
Its fruit is deformed children.
The Glorious Land
Released on the 2011 album Let England Shake, PJ Harvey's 'The Glorious Land' stands as a haunting centerpiece of her post-Britpop era. The track exemplifies her signature blend of gothic pop and atmospheric rock, characterized by her distinctive, often spoken-sung vocal delivery layered over driving, distorted guitars. As a key component of the album's exploration of British identity and social decay, the song reflects the darker, more introspective tone that defined her work in the 2010s. It remains a defining recording in her discography, showcasing her ability to craft moody, cinematic soundscapes that resonate deeply within the alternative rock genre.