Before Departure
PJ Harvey · White Chalk [2007]
Farewell my dear ones
Farewell this world
Forgive my weakness
Goodbye my friends
Goodbye to evening parties
Remember me
In the spring
To work for your bread
Soon you must leave
Remember your family
Work for your children
I don't need much
And the older I become
I realize
My friendships
Lord carry me over
Any course of distance
Any cause of sorrow
My friends that last
Will dance one more time
With me
I don't need much
This I need
Before Departure
PJ Harvey's "Before Departure" stands as a haunting centerpiece on her 2007 album *White Chalk*. Recorded during a period marked by intense personal introspection and a shift toward a more ethereal, atmospheric sound, the track exemplifies Harvey's signature blend of gothic rock and art pop. With its brooding vocals and layered instrumentation, the song captures the tension of leaving something behind, resonating deeply within her broader discography that often explores themes of isolation and emotional vulnerability. The recording reflects her matured songwriting, moving away from the raw aggression of her earlier work toward a more textured, cinematic approach that has cemented her status as a pivotal figure in alternative music.