For all of its “rubbing” and “stroking,” Harvey’s “Rub ‘Til It Bleeds” is about mutual masturbation at its most gruesome.
The demo version of this song would appear on PJ Harvey’s 4-Track Demos album she released after Rid of Me.
[Verse 1]
Speak, I'm listening
Baby, I'm your sweet thing
Believe what I'm saying
God's truth, I'm not lying
[Verse 2]
I lie steady
Rest your head on me
I'll smooth it nicely
Rub it better till it bleeds
[Chorus]
And you believed me
Caught out again
I'm calling you weak
Getting even
[Verse 3]
I, I was joking
Sweet babe, let me stroke it
Take, I give in
God's truth, I'm not lying
[Chorus]
I, and you believed me
I, I, I'm calling you weak
I, I, I, and I'll make it better
I'll rub till it bleeds
[Outro]
I'll rub it until it—
I'll rub it until it, hey
I'll rub it until it—
I'll rub it until it—
I'll rub it until it, hey
I'll rub it until it—
I'll rub it until it—
I'll rub it until it—
Rub ’til It Bleeds was written by PJ Harvey.
Rub ’til It Bleeds was produced by Steve Albini.
PJ Harvey released Rub ’til It Bleeds on Tue May 04 1993.