The Glorious Land

Album: Let England Shake (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song opens with a minute-long introduction, before we hear a series of call and responses in which Harvey links war with our agricultural heritage. The singer told NME: "This album's not solely about war, it's about very many different things – it's the world we live in, and part of that is war."
  • The sleeve notes for Let England Shake tell us that both this song and "In The Dark Places" were partially inspired by extracts from Russian Folk Lyrics, a book containing rhymes used by village "wailers" after someone has died. One chapter of the collection contains lyrics concerning serving soldiers.
  • This, along with "Let England Shake," was used in the 2014 UK miniseries The First Georgians: The German Kings Who Made Britain.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")Songwriter Interviews

Phil was a songwriter, producer and voice behind many Philadelphia soul classics. When disco hit, he got an interesting project: The Village People.

Kiss

KissFact or Fiction

Kiss is the subject of many outlandish rumors - some of which happen to be true. See if you can spot the fakes.

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo Lyric

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo LyricMusic Quiz

In this quiz, spot the artist who put Romeo into a song lyric.

Rupert Hine

Rupert HineSongwriter Interviews

Producer Rupert Hine talks about crafting hits for Tina Turner, Howard Jones and The Fixx.

Dave Mason

Dave MasonSongwriter Interviews

Dave reveals the inspiration for "Feelin' Alright" and explains how the first song he ever wrote became the biggest hit for his band Traffic.