Florence and the machine what the water gave me – With Florence + The Machine’s hauntingly beautiful soundscapes and Florence Welch’s powerful vocals, we dive into the depths of their music, exploring the inspirations behind their iconic album, “Lungs,” and the story behind the song that started it all, “What the Water Gave Me.”
Their journey began in the midst of Florence’s childhood, where she was exposed to a rich tapestry of music and art, influencing her to create a unique sound that blends elements of art rock, baroque pop, and indie rock.
Song Analysis: “What the Water Gave Me”
Florence and the Machine’s “What the Water Gave Me” stands as a poignant example of the band’s ability to craft hauntingly beautiful soundscapes that immerse listeners in a world of evocative themes and imagery. With its eerie instrumentation and Florence Welch’s powerful vocals, the song transports us to a realm of introspection and self-discovery. Delving deeper into the lyrics, we find that the song’s narrative is woven from threads of personal struggle, emotional turmoil, and the quest for meaning in the face of adversity.
Themes and Imagery
The lyrics of “What the Water Gave Me” revolve around Florence Welch’s own experiences with mental health, relationships, and the fragility of the human psyche. The song’s title itself hints at the idea that the protagonist has been changed by some transformative experience, perhaps one that has left them feeling vulnerable and exposed. This is reinforced by the use of water as a metaphor for the fluid, ever-changing nature of emotions. The imagery is vivid and unsettling, with Florence Welch’s vocals conjuring a sense of urgency and desperation.
Musical Elements
The song’s haunting atmosphere is largely attributable to the judicious use of instrumentation. The inclusion of atmospheric synths and distorted guitars creates a sense of tension, while the sparse percussive elements serve to heighten the sense of unease. The addition of a prominent bassline adds a sense of depth to the arrangement, while the use of strings (courtesy of Curtis Stewart on violins) provides a soaring counterpoint to Florence’s vocals.
Tempo and Structure
The song’s tempo is slow and deliberate, allowing the listener to absorb the full weight of Florence Welch’s emotional delivery. The structure of the song is similarly deliberate, with each section building upon the last to create a sense of gradual escalation. This is reflected in the arrangement, which begins with a sparse, atmospheric intro and gradually builds to a climax of swirling synths and pounding drums.
- At 1:10, the first strings enter, adding a sense of depth and texture to the arrangement.
- At 2:15, the first hints of the distorted guitar appear, adding a sense of tension to the song.
- At 3:20, the bassline enters, providing a driving rhythmic element to the arrangement.
| Instrument | Personnel |
|---|---|
| Violins | Curtis Stewart |
| Atmospheric synths | Florence and the Machine (uncredited) |
| Distorted guitar | Florence and the Machine (uncredited) |
Influences and Style
Florence Welch’s music is a rich tapestry of influences, weaving together elements of art rock, baroque pop, and indie rock to create a unique sonic experience. Her powerful, soulful voice has drawn comparisons to other iconic female vocalists, particularly Kate Bush and PJ Harvey.
Influences of Kate Bush and PJ Harvey
Florence Welch’s work is deeply influenced by two of her musical precursors, Kate Bush and PJ Harvey.
Welch has often cited Kate Bush as a major inspiration for her theatrical, emotionally charged music.
Like Bush, Welch’s music often blends art rock with folk and baroque elements, creating a sense of sweeping drama.
- Welch’s vocal style, particularly in tracks like “Shake It Out,” shows a clear debt to Kate Bush’s innovative use of vocal effects and harmonies.
- Welch’s music, like Bush’s, often incorporates elements of mythology and folklore, adding a layer of depth and meaning to her lyrics.
Florence Welch has often spoken about the influence of PJ Harvey’s experimental and avant-garde approach to music.
Welch has cited Harvey’s ability to push the boundaries of popular music, incorporating elements of noise and experimentation.
Like Harvey, Welch’s music often blends indie rock with art rock and baroque pop elements, creating a sense of sonic experimentation.
Blending Different Musical Genres
Florence Welch’s unique vocal style blends elements of different musical genres, creating a distinctive sound that is both familiar and innovative.
- Welch’s voice, which has been described as a ” raw, emotional instrument,” is capable of conveying a wide range of emotions, from the deepest sorrow to the most exuberant joy.
- Welch’s vocal style often incorporates elements of soul and R&B, adding a sense of swagger and confidence to her music.
- Welch’s music often incorporates elements of indie rock and folk, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
Venn Diagram of Florence’s Style and Similar Artists
When diagramming the relationships between Florence’s style and those of similar artists, we can create a Venn diagram with overlapping circles representing different musical genres. The diagram might look something like this: [Description of a Venn diagram with overlapping circles of different musical genres, including indie rock, art rock, baroque pop, and soul/R&B.]
The largest circle represents Florence’s overall style, which blends elements of indie rock, art rock, and baroque pop. The smaller circles represent the influence of Kate Bush (art rock and folk) and PJ Harvey (indie rock and avant-garde experimentation). The overlapping areas of the circles represent the ways in which Florence’s music incorporates elements of each of these styles, creating a unique sound that is both innovative and accessible.
Lyrics and Storytelling
In “What the Water Gave Me,” Florence Welch’s lyrical narrative is a rich tapestry of mythological and poetic imagery, drawing the listener into a world of symbolism and metaphor. The song’s lyrics are a masterful blend of personal reflection, mythological allusion, and poetic flair, which together create a distinctive and haunting atmosphere.
Analysis of the Lyrics
The lyrics of “What the Water Gave Me” are a complex and multilayered narrative that defies straightforward interpretation. At its core, the song is a meditation on the transformative power of love and loss, as embodied in the figure of the drowned woman, who is both a representation of the narrator and a symbol of the unconscious.
- The image of the water is a recurring motif throughout the lyrics, representing the unknown, the unconscious, and the transformative power of love and loss.
- The drowned woman is a symbol of the narrator’s own experiences of love and loss, as well as a representation of the collective unconscious.
- The song’s use of mythological imagery, such as the reference to the goddess Ophelia, adds depth and complexity to the narrative, drawing on a rich cultural heritage of myth and symbolism.
Themes in Florence’s Music
Florence Welch’s music is characterized by its themes of love, loss, and transformation, which are woven throughout the lyrics of “What the Water Gave Me.” These themes are reflected in the song’s use of mythological imagery, its focus on the transformative power of love and loss, and its exploration of the unconscious.
- Love is a central theme in Florence’s music, often represented as a transformative and redemptive force.
- Loss is also a recurring theme, often associated with the figure of the drowned woman, who represents the narrator’s own experiences of love and loss.
- Transformation is a key element of Florence’s music, often represented as a process of spiritual or emotional renewal.
Diagram Illustrating the Relationships Between the Song’s Lyrics and the Narrative of a Mythical Story, Florence and the machine what the water gave me
The diagram illustrates the relationships between the song’s lyrics and the narrative of a mythical story, with arrows and words connecting the lyrics to the mythical narrative.
[The diagram shows a series of interconnected circles, with the song’s lyrics represented on the left and the mythical narrative represented on the right. The arrows and words connecting the circles illustrate the relationships between the lyrics and the mythical narrative.]
In the diagram, the song’s lyrics are represented by the following elements:
* The image of the water, which represents the unknown, the unconscious, and the transformative power of love and loss.
* The drowned woman, who is a symbol of the narrator’s own experiences of love and loss, as well as a representation of the collective unconscious.
* The reference to the goddess Ophelia, which adds depth and complexity to the narrative, drawing on a rich cultural heritage of myth and symbolism.
The mythical narrative is represented by the following elements:
* The story of Ophelia, which is a classic example of a mythological narrative about love, loss, and transformation.
* The figure of the drowned woman, who is a representation of the collective unconscious and the transformative power of love and loss.
The diagram illustrates the relationships between the song’s lyrics and the mythical narrative, with the arrows and words connecting the elements representing the ways in which the lyrics draw on and interpret the mythical narrative.
Musical Development and Influence: Florence And The Machine What The Water Gave Me
Florence and the Machine’s musical journey, evident in their early work, including the track “What the Water Gave Me,” showcases significant growth and evolution in Florence Welch’s artistic vision. From the emotive, operatic pop of their early days to the more experimental, atmospheric soundscapes later on, the band’s development reflects an unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring creative possibilities.
Musical Growth
Key to understanding Florence and the Machine’s musical development is analyzing their early work and major releases. Their 2009 debut album, LP1, marked a pivotal moment in the band’s evolution, showcasing a raw, emotive energy that has come to define their sound. Subsequent releases, such as their 2011 album Ceremonials, demonstrated a refinement in their musical approach, incorporating more orchestral elements and showcasing Welch’s powerful vocals. Further releases, like How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, continue to showcase the band’s growth, experimenting with new textures and sonic landscapes.
Music Videos and Live Performances
Florence and the Machine’s music videos and live performances have long been an integral part of their artistic development. The band’s visually stunning videos, often featuring elaborate costumes and striking imagery, have helped to cement their status as one of the most engaging and theatrical live acts of the past decade. From the sweeping grandeur of their “Dog Days Are Over” video to the haunting beauty of “What the Water Gave Me,” their visual storytelling adds depth and richness to their music.
Timeline of Major Releases and Performances
| Release Date | Album/Song |
|---|---|
| 2009 | LP1 |
| 2011 | Ceremonials |
| 2015 | How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful |
| 2022 | Damage Control |
Influence on Other Artists
Florence and the Machine’s unique blend of anthemic pop, atmospheric electronica, and orchestral flair has undoubtedly influenced a new generation of artists. Bands like Haim, Florence’s long-time friends and collaborators, have cited the Machine as a key inspiration, while artists like St. Vincent and Lykke Li have drawn on Florence’s emotive, atmospheric soundscapes in their own work. The band’s live performances, too, have inspired other acts to push the boundaries of what is possible in a live setting, from the theatricality of Marina and the Diamonds to the experimental approach of FKA twigs.
Legacy and Contemporary Relevance
As the band continues to evolve and experiment with new sounds, it’s clear that Florence and the Machine’s legacy extends far beyond their early successes. Their innovative approach to music, visual storytelling, and live performance has paved the way for a new generation of artists, cementing their status as one of the most influential and beloved bands of the 21st century.
Closing Notes
As we reflect on the captivating world of Florence + The Machine, we’re reminded of the transformative power of music, the beauty of storytelling, and the enduring legacy of Florence Welch’s distinctive voice.
From the sweeping orchestral arrangements to the poignant lyrics that whisper secrets of love, loss, and transformation, “What the Water Gave Me” remains a poignant testament to the band’s artistry and emotional depth.
Top FAQs
What is Florence + The Machine’s unique sound inspired by?
Florence Welch’s childhood exposure to art, music, and literature influenced her distinctive sound, blending elements of art rock, baroque pop, and indie rock.
How does Florence Welch’s vocal style blend musical genres?
Florence’s powerful, soaring vocals draw from various genres, incorporating operatic and soulful elements to create a unique sound that transcends boundaries.
What is the significance of the band’s name, Florence + The Machine?
The band’s name is inspired by a Victorian-era poetry device known as the ekphrastic poem, where art inspires and is inspired by literature.
