07. Silence
Written by Polly Harvey

Found on:
White Chalk

Some of the lines of this song appear to be inspired by Leo Tolstoy's "The Devil" (which was a more direct inspiration for the song "The Devil"). Here are the related passages:

"Unconsciously he tried to free himself from business. It seemed to him that he had to do so in order to think and to plan. And he freed himself and remained alone."

"And all those spots were besmirched in his recollection by memories that gripped him."

All those places where I recall
The memories that gripped me
And pinned me down

I go to these places
Intending to think
And think of nothing but anticipate

Somehow expect you'll find me there
That by some miracle, you'd be aware

I'd risen this morning determined to break
Spare my longing, not to think
I freed myself from my family
I freed myself from work
I freed myself, I freed myself and remained alone

And in my thinking
I'd steal you away
Though you never wanted me
Anyway

Silence