[1][2] It has a slow tempo, and Uncut magazine contributor Graeme Thomson describes it as having a "calm, strangely hypnotic quality.
"[6] Young biographer Jimmy McDonough interprets lyrics such as "Did she wake you up to tell you that/It was only a change of plan" as referring to his then mother-in-law's previous suicide attempts.
[4] Young biographer David Downing feels that the song works like a dream, being "so full of recognition, yet so short on sense.
"[8] Young has stated that this song, as well as "Out on the Weekend" and "Heart of Gold" from the same album, were inspired by his then blossoming love for actress Carrie Snodgress.
[4] Inglis describes "Harvest" as one of Young's best confessional songs where he expresses his guilt about being unable accept and reciprocate all the love that a woman wants to give him.