Kicking off with howl lyrics florence and the machine, this song showcases Florence + The Machine’s unique sound that captivates audiences with its enchanting melodies and profound lyrics. The song’s lyrics delve into the themes of love, longing, and the passage of time, creating an emotional connection with listeners.
The song’s prominent use of nature imagery, such as fire and smoke, reinforces the artist’s message, evoking a sense of intensity and urgency. Florence Welch’s powerful vocals bring depth and emotion to the song, with her vocal techniques and phrasing contributing to the overall mood and atmosphere.
Lyrical Themes in Howl
Florence + The Machine’s hit single ‘Howl’ is a captivating anthem that explores themes of longing, passion, and the human experience. Through its poetic lyrics and soaring melody, the song delves into the complexities of love, relationships, and personal growth. The dominant themes in ‘Howl’ contribute significantly to its emotional impact, creating a sense of connection and shared understanding with listeners.
Nature Imagery and Symbolism, Howl lyrics florence and the machine
The song’s lyrics are rich in nature imagery, featuring wolves howling at the moon, storms raging, and the sun shining brightly. These images serve as powerful metaphors for the intense emotions and experiences described in the song. The use of nature imagery adds depth and complexity to the lyrics, making them more relatable and evocative.
- The wolf imagery represents the fierce and primal aspects of human emotions, particularly in matters of love and passion.
- The storm imagery symbolizes the turmoil and chaos that can accompany personal struggles and relationships.
- The sun imagery represents hope, renewal, and the promise of a brighter future.
These images not only create a vivid and immersive atmosphere but also serve as a framework for exploring the human experience. By drawing upon the natural world, Florence + The Machine’s lyrics tap into a sense of universality, resonating with listeners on a deeper level.
Love and Relationships
At its core, ‘Howl’ is a song about love and relationships. The lyrics paint a picture of intense passion, desire, and longing, set against a backdrop of vulnerability and uncertainty. The song’s focus on love and relationships allows listeners to connect with their own experiences, emotions, and struggles.
- The song’s lyrics explore the all-consuming nature of love, often bordering on obsession.
- The use of metaphor and imagery creates a sense of intimacy and connection, drawing listeners into the world of the song.
- The emphasis on vulnerability and uncertainty adds a layer of depth and complexity to the lyrics, making them more relatable and authentic.
By delving into the complexities of love and relationships, ‘Howl’ creates a sense of shared understanding and empathy between the artist and the listener.
Personal Growth and Empowerment
Despite its focus on love and relationships, ‘Howl’ is ultimately a song about personal growth and empowerment. The lyrics suggest a journey of self-discovery, transformation, and liberation, as the protagonist navigates the ups and downs of life.
- The song’s use of nature imagery and metaphor creates a sense of transformation and renewal, suggesting a new beginning or a fresh start.
- The emphasis on vulnerability and uncertainty adds a layer of complexity to the lyrics, highlighting the importance of embracing imperfection and uncertainty.
- The focus on personal growth and empowerment positions the song as a message of hope and resilience, urging listeners to persevere and overcome adversity.
By exploring themes of love, relationships, and personal growth, ‘Howl’ creates a rich and immersive experience that resonates with listeners on multiple levels.
Emotional Tone and Atmosphere
The emotional tone and atmosphere of ‘Howl’ are characterized by a sense of passion, intensity, and longing. The song’s soaring melody and poetic lyrics create a sense of urgency and desperation, drawing listeners into a world of raw emotion and vulnerability.
- The song’s use of nature imagery and metaphor creates a sense of intensity and drama, heightening the emotional impact of the lyrics.
- The emphasis on vulnerability and uncertainty adds a layer of complexity to the tone, making it more nuanced and relatable.
- The focus on love and relationships creates a sense of intimacy and connection, drawing listeners into the world of the song.
By masterfully crafting a sense of emotional intensity and vulnerability, ‘Howl’ creates a powerful and unforgettable listening experience.
Instrumental Elements in ‘Howl’: Howl Lyrics Florence And The Machine

The use of instrumental elements in ‘Howl’ by Florence and the Machine is instrumental in creating the song’s atmospheric and emotive sound. The song’s arrangement features a combination of piano, strings, and other instruments that work together to add depth and texture to the music. The incorporation of ambient and electronic elements further enhances the song’s overall mood, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
Role of Piano
The piano plays a crucial role in ‘Howl’, providing a simple yet haunting melody that underscores the song’s emotional intensity. The piano’s use of arpeggios and broken chords adds a sense of tension and release, which is perfectly suited to the song’s themes of longing and heartbreak. The piano also provides a sense of grounding, anchoring the other instruments and vocals in the music.
Use of Strings
The strings in ‘Howl’ are used to add a sense of drama and emotion to the music. The sweeping strings are particularly effective in conveying the song’s sense of longing and yearning, and the use of counterpoint adds a sense of complexity and depth to the music. The strings also help to create a sense of build and crescendo, adding tension and emotional intensity to the song’s climax.
Other Instrumental Elements
In addition to the piano and strings, ‘Howl’ features a range of other instrumental elements that contribute to its unique sound. The use of tambourine and shakers adds a sense of rhythm and drive, while the incorporation of electronic elements such as distortion and reverb creates a sense of space and atmosphere. The combination of these different elements creates a rich and textured sound that is perfectly suited to the song’s themes and moods.
Ambient and Electronic Elements
The use of ambient and electronic elements in ‘Howl’ is key to creating the song’s sense of space and atmosphere. The incorporation of reverb and delay adds a sense of depth and distance to the music, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The use of distortion and other electronic effects also adds a sense of grit and edge to the music, perfectly suited to the song’s themes of heartbreak and longing.
THE INFLUENCE OF FOLK AND BAROQUE MUSIC

Florence + The Machine’s sound and style have been shaped by a deep appreciation for folk and baroque music. The band’s use of modal melodies and chord progressions, as well as their incorporation of period instrumentation and vocal styles, has created a distinctive sound that is both nostalgic and timeless. In this discussion, we’ll explore the influence of folk and baroque music on Florence + The Machine’s sound and style.
Use of Modal Melodies
Modal melodies refer to the use of musical modes, which are different from traditional scales. In baroque music, modal melodies were commonly used to create a sense of tension and release. Florence + The Machine has employed this technique in their music, often using modal melodies to create a sense of emotional depth and complexity. One example of this can be heard in the song “Howl,” where the use of the Aeolian mode creates a haunting and introspective atmosphere.
Modal melodies can be used to create a sense of emotional depth and complexity in music.
Incorporation of Period Instrumentation
Florence + The Machine has also incorporated period instrumentation into their sound, drawing from the rich tradition of baroque music. The use of instruments such as the harpsichord, lute, and viola da gamba adds a sense of authenticity and nostalgia to their music. In the song “Howl,” the harpsichord and lute are used to create a sense of drama and tension, evoking the grandeur of baroque music.
- Use of the harpsichord to create a sense of drama and tension.
- Employment of the lute to add a sense of intimacy and subtlety.
Vocal Styles
Florence + The Machine’s vocalist, Florence Welch, has a distinctive and emotive voice that is reminiscent of the great vocalists of the baroque period. Her use of vocal ornaments, such as trills and runs, adds a sense of drama and flair to her singing. In the song “Howl,” Welch’s vocal delivery is characterized by a sense of urgency and intensity, evoking the passionate and expressive qualities of baroque music.
- Use of vocal ornaments to add a sense of drama and flair.
- Employment of a soaring, expressive vocal delivery to convey emotion and intensity.
Comparing ‘Howl’ to Other Florence + The Machine Songs
Florence + The Machine’s ‘Howl’ is a standout track from the 2011 album ‘Ceremonials’, showcasing the artist’s ability to craft emotive and anthemic songs. Upon comparison with her other notable works, ‘Howl’ reveals a mix of recurring themes and distinct stylistic choices that set it apart.
Lyrics and Themes
One of the defining characteristics of ‘Howl’ is its lyrics, which delve into themes of passion, love, and the all-consuming nature of desire. This is evident in the song’s chorus, where Florence Welch sings, ‘And I am a hound dog, tearing you apart.’ This lyrical focus on intense emotions is reminiscent of her earlier work, such as ‘Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)’, whose lyrics explore the pain and longing of heartbreak. However, ‘Howl’s’ tone is more aggressive and raw, reflecting the artist’s growth and experimentation with her sound.
Melody and Arrangement
The song’s melody is characterized by sweeping strings and a driving beat, creating a sense of urgency and momentum. This is similar to the arrangement found in ‘Dog Days Are Over’, which also features a prominent role for strings and a pulsing rhythm. However, ‘Howl’s’ melody is more complex and layered, featuring a haunting vocal performance from Florence Welch that adds a sense of intensity to the song. In contrast to the more minimalist approach of ‘You’ve Got the Love’, ‘Howl’s’ arrangement is more ornate and atmospheric, reflecting the artist’s desire to create a sense of drama and spectacle.
Place within the Discography
In terms of Florence + The Machine’s overall discography, ‘Howl’ represents a pivotal moment in the artist’s development. Recorded during a period of significant growth and change, ‘Howl’ captures the sense of intensity and passion that characterized her earlier work, while also showcasing her expanding musical scope and ambition. This is evident in the song’s ambitious production and the artist’s willingness to experiment with new sounds and styles.
Impact on the Listener
When listening to ‘Howl’, the impact is immediate and visceral. The song’s driving rhythm and sweeping strings create a sense of energy and momentum, drawing the listener into Florence Welch’s world of intense emotions and all-consuming passion. This is similar to the impact of other Florence + The Machine songs, such as ‘Shake It Out’ and ‘Cosmic Love’, which also explore themes of love, heartbreak, and personal transformation. However, ‘Howl’s’ unique blend of raw emotion, sweeping arrangements, and atmospheric production sets it apart as a standout track in the artist’s discography.
Concluding Remarks

In conclusion, howl lyrics florence and the machine offer a captivating glimpse into Florence + The Machine’s artistry, with the song’s themes, vocals, and instrumental elements coming together to create a captivating listening experience. By exploring the song’s various elements, we can gain a deeper understanding of Florence + The Machine’s unique sound and style.
FAQ Section
What inspired Florence Welch’s song ‘Howl’?
The inspiration behind Florence + The Machine’s song ‘Howl’ is rooted in Welch’s personal experiences and emotions, which are conveyed through the song’s powerful lyrics and melodies.
How does ‘Howl’ fit within Florence + The Machine’s discography?
‘Howl’ is part of Florence + The Machine’s album ‘Ceremonials,’ which showcases the band’s unique sound and style. The song’s themes and melodies blend seamlessly with other tracks on the album, creating a cohesive and captivating listening experience.
What is the significance of the music video for ‘Howl’?
The music video for ‘Howl’ complements the song’s themes and emotions, with the use of visual motifs and symbolism adding depth and intensity to the overall experience. The video’s setting and atmosphere reinforce the song’s themes, creating a captivating and immersive experience for viewers.