Synopsis

PJ Harvey performs in a surreal, theatrical world shaped by water, darkness, and saturated color. Wearing a red satin dress, oversized wig, heavy makeup, and metallic shoes, she dances on a rotating platform before appearing submerged and lifeless beneath the surface. The video shifts between stark black backdrops, green flowing textures, and underwater imagery, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that echoes the song's disturbing murder-ballad narrative without presenting it as a literal, realistic story.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was filmed in London over two days and used 35mm film, with a substantially larger budget and crew than Harvey's two previous videos for Island Records.

• The dancing and underwater material were captured separately by two camera assistants. Some of the underwater shots used a body double.

• Harvey later described her exaggerated appearance in the clip as "Joan Crawford on acid."

• The oversized wig was so heavy that Harvey found it difficult to reach the surface during some underwater takes. She also had to work in high-heeled silver shoes, which made the swimming sequences more difficult.

• The video was nominated for Best Female Video at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards.

• The song's story was often interpreted autobiographically, but Harvey later cited "Down by the Water" as an example of critics taking her fictional writing too literally.