Florence and the machine what the water gave me lyrics – Delving into Florence and the Machine’s song “What the Water Gave Me,” this track details provide an in-depth look at its music composition, live performances, music video, and more.
Known for their captivating stage presence and powerful vocals, Florence and the Machine have crafted a series of notable albums that showcase their unique sound and artistic expression.
Florence + The Machine’s Discography
Florence + The Machine is a British indie rock band known for their powerful and emotive sound. The band’s discography showcases their ability to create atmospheric and introspective music that resonates with listeners worldwide. With a distinctive vocals and poetic lyrics, Florence + The Machine has built a devoted fan base and received widespread critical acclaim.
Notable Albums
Florence + The Machine’s discography is marked by several notable albums that have contributed significantly to their success. One such album is ‘What The Water Gave Me’, released in 2011, which features a more experimental and introspective sound. This album marks a turning point in the band’s evolution, incorporating new textures and moods that showcase Florence Welch’s exceptional songwriting skills.
The band’s discography includes:
- Ceremonials (2011) – A critically acclaimed album featuring ‘Shake It Out’, ‘No Light, No Light’, and ‘Seven Devils’.
- How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (2015) – A commercial success that features ‘Ship to Wreck’, ‘St. Jude’ and ‘Queen of Peace’.
- High as Hope (2018) – A return to the band’s early sound with ‘Hunger’, ‘Patricia’, and ‘Big God’.
- Dance Fever (2022) – A critically acclaimed album that features ‘My Love’, ‘Free’, ‘He Got You’, ‘I Belong and I am Gone’ among other tracks.
What The Water Gave Me Track Listing
Released in 2011, ‘What The Water Gave Me’ features a range of tracks that showcase the band’s evolving sound. The album’s track listing includes:
- ‘Between Two Lungs’
- ‘Hurricane Drunk’
- ‘What the Water Gave Me’)
- ‘Never Let Me Go’
- ‘Seven Devils’
- ‘Dog Days Are Over’
- ‘Heavy in Your Arms’
- ‘Between Two Lungs’
This album marked a new chapter in Florence + The Machine’s discography, incorporating new sounds and themes that set the stage for their future releases.
Discography Overview
Florence + The Machine’s discography reflects their growth and evolution as a band. From the early days of ‘Lungs’ to the more experimental sound of ‘What The Water Gave Me’, each album showcases the band’s unique sound and Florence Welch’s exceptional songwriting skills.
The band’s discography is a testament to their dedication to their craft and their ability to push boundaries and explore new sounds.
Music Video for “What the Water Gave Me”: Florence And The Machine What The Water Gave Me Lyrics
The music video for Florence + The Machine’s “What the Water Gave Me” premiered on YouTube in 2010. It was filmed in a studio and directed by Arnie & Kamal, a British film and television directing duo. The video’s visuals and narrative provide insight into the song’s themes, which are characterized by emotional intensity, vulnerability, and liberation.
Visuals Reflecting the Theme
The music video is a visually striking representation of Florence + The Machine’s emotional journey. The video begins with Florence, the lead vocalist, performing in a dimly lit room, surrounded by water that rises up to her knees. As the song progresses, the camera cuts to various scenes that showcase Florence’s emotional state. These scenes include her walking through a desert landscape, sitting on a beach at dusk, and standing in a crowded marketplace. Each scene is punctuated by bursts of intense water, representing the turmoil and emotional depth of the song. The visuals are contrasted by Florence’s striking vocals, emphasizing her emotional expression. Throughout the video, Florence’s body language and facial expressions convey her emotional state, making the video a powerful representation of the song’s themes.
Collaboration with the Music Video Director
Florence + The Machine collaborated with Arnie & Kamal to create a visual narrative that reflects the song’s emotional intensity. The duo worked closely with Florence to bring her vision to life. According to an interview, Florence explained that she wanted the video to capture the emotional vulnerability she felt during the recording process. Arnie & Kamal used a mix of cinematic and performance footage to create a sense of drama and tension, mirroring the song’s emotional intensity. The video’s use of water as a symbol of emotional turmoil was a deliberate choice made by Florence + The Machine and Arnie & Kamal to emphasize the song’s themes.
The video features a range of visual styles, from intimate close-ups of Florence to sweeping cinematic shots of the landscape. These contrasting visuals create a sense of depth and emotional complexity, reflecting the song’s themes of liberation and emotional expression. Throughout the video, Florence’s emotional intensity is captured in her vocal performance and body language, making the video a powerful representation of the song’s themes.
Detailed Visual Elements
The music video features a range of detailed visual elements that reflect the song’s themes. One notable scene shows Florence walking through a desert landscape, surrounded by cacti and dry earth. In this scene, the camera pans out to reveal the vast expanse of the desert, emphasizing Florence’s emotional isolation. Another scene shows Florence sitting on a beach at dusk, the sky painted with vibrant hues of orange and pink. In this scene, the camera lingers on Florence’s face, capturing her emotional vulnerability. These scenes are punctuated by bursts of intense water, representing the turmoil and emotional depth of the song.
Florence’s body language and facial expressions throughout the video convey her emotional state, making the video a powerful representation of the song’s themes. Her performance is intense and emotional, matching the song’s dramatic and intense soundscapes. The video’s use of visual metaphors, such as the desert and the beach, adds depth and complexity to the narrative, mirroring the song’s themes of liberation and emotional expression.
The music video for “What the Water Gave Me” is a powerful representation of Florence + The Machine’s emotional journey, capturing the emotional intensity and vulnerability of the song. The collaboration between Florence + The Machine and Arnie & Kamal resulted in a visually striking video that reflects the song’s themes of liberation and emotional expression.
Song Composition and Production
Florence + The Machine’s “What the Water Gave Me” is a standout track in their discography, marked by a unique blend of classical and pop influences. This song, much like other notable Florence + The Machine tracks, such as “Dog Days Are Over” and “Shake It Out”, displays an innovative approach to composition and production.
The songwriting and production credits for “What the Water Gave Me” are credited to Florence Welch and James Ford, the same duo behind many of Florence + The Machine’s hits. This consistency is notable, as it showcases the band’s distinctive sound and vision.
Credits Comparison
Comparing the songwriting and production credits of “What the Water Gave Me” with that of other notable songs by Florence and the Machine reveals some interesting patterns. In “What the Water Gave Me”, Florence Welch and James Ford are the primary credited songwriters and producers, a common trend in the band’s work. However, “What the Water Gave Me” is notable for its use of additional writers and producers, reflecting the song’s more experimental nature.
| Song | Primary Songwriters | Additional Songwriters | Producers |
| — | — | — | — |
| What the Water Gave Me | Florence Welch, James Ford | | James Ford, Charlie Hugall |
| Dog Days Are Over | Florence Welch, James Ford | | James Ford, Florence Welch |
| Shake It Out | Florence Welch, Paul Epworth | | Paul Epworth |
The table highlights the consistency in Florence + The Machine’s songwriting and production credits, with Florence Welch and James Ford at the forefront. However, “What the Water Gave Me” stands out for its use of additional songwriters and producers, reflecting the song’s unique sound and style.
Musical Influences
Florence + The Machine’s musical influences are a key aspect of their sound. For “What the Water Gave Me”, Welch cited influences from classical music, as well as indie rock and pop. Specifically, Welch has mentioned the influence of composers like Henry Purcell and Johann Sebastian Bach, whose use of counterpoint and harmony have been incorporated into the song’s arrangement.
| Influences | Description |
| — | — |
| Henry Purcell | Use of counterpoint and complex harmonies |
| Johann Sebastian Bach | Use of intricate harmonies and complex rhythms |
| Indie Rock | Use of driving rhythms and powerful instrumentation |
| Pop | Focus on catchy melodies and vocal harmonies |
Welch’s incorporation of classical and pop influences has helped shape “What the Water Gave Me” into a standout track in Florence + The Machine’s discography. By blending these styles, the band has created a unique sound that is both timeless and innovative.
Live Performances and Interpretations
Florence and the Machine’s live performances of “What the Water Gave Me” are a testament to their ability to captivate audiences with their energetic and emotive stage presence. Florence Welch’s powerful vocals and charismatic performance are a key aspect of the band’s live shows, bringing the song’s lyrics to life in a way that resonates with fans.
Stage Presence and Costumes
Florence Welch’s stage presence is a unique blend of intensity, vulnerability, and playfulness. She is known for her dynamic movements, which often involve running, dancing, and even climbing the stage’s scaffolding. Her costumes, designed by notable fashion designers, are an integral part of the band’s live aesthetic, adding to the overall drama and spectacle of the performance.
Difference in Stage Presence with Other Notable Performances
Florence Welch’s stage presence is distinct from other notable performances, such as those of Taylor Swift or Beyoncé, in terms of its raw emotion and unpredictability. Her ability to connect with the audience and convey the emotional intensity of the song’s lyrics is unparalleled, creating a sense of collective catharsis in the crowd.
Comparing Stage Presence with Other Notable Performances
* Florence Welch’s stage presence is often described as a fusion of intense emotional expression and playful unpredictability, making it distinct from other notable performers.
* While Taylor Swift’s performances are known for their high-energy and precision-driven choreography, Florence Welch’s stage presence is more raw and emotive.
* Beyoncé’s performances, on the other hand, are often characterized by their slick, polished production and meticulously choreographed moves, whereas Florence Welch’s stage presence is more organic and spontaneous.
Florence Welch’s Impact on Live Performances
Florence Welch’s contribution to the song’s performance dynamics and energy during live shows is invaluable. Her powerful vocals, combined with her ability to connect with the audience, creates an electric atmosphere that draws fans into the performance. Her stage presence is not limited to the song’s vocals; she also incorporates storytelling and personal anecdotes, making the experience feel more intimate and relatable.
Live Performance Examples
Some notable examples of Florence and the Machine’s live performances of “What the Water Gave Me” include:
- Their 2012 performance at the Glastonbury Festival, where Florence Welch’s vocals and stage presence brought the crowd to a frenzy.
- Their 2013 performance at the iHeartRadio Music Festival, where they incorporated a dramatic lighting design that highlighted Florence Welch’s emotional delivery.
- Their 2018 performance at the BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, where they delivered a high-energy performance that showcased Florence Welch’s range and vocal intensity.
Florence Welch’s impact on live performances is undeniable, making her one of the most captivating and unforgettable performers in the music industry.
Music Themes and Inspirations
Florence + The Machine’s music is known for its emotive and poetic lyrics, often exploring themes of love, loss, identity, and self-discovery. In the case of “What the Water Gave Me,” the song’s narrative is rooted in the concept of emotional release and the search for meaning in the aftermath of a breakup.
Lyrical Significance
The lyrics of “What the Water Gave Me” are a poignant and metaphorical exploration of the speaker’s emotional state. The opening lines, “I tried to eat the tangerine / But it tasted just like medicine,” set the tone for the song’s themes of disillusionment and disaffection. The repeated refrain of “I tried to eat the tangerine” becomes a symbol of the speaker’s efforts to cope with their emotions, but ultimately finding them to be unpalatable and unfulfilling.
The song’s central image, the water, is a powerful metaphor for the depths of human emotion. The line “the water gave me / what the water gave me” suggests a sense of surrender and surrender to the tides of emotion, rather than a sense of control or agency. The water is a symbol of the unknown, and the speaker’s emotional surrender is a surrender to the unknown.
Inspirations and Influences
Florence + The Machine’s music is characterized by its blend of indie rock, baroque pop, and folk influences. The band’s lead singer, Florence Welch, has cited a wide range of musical influences, from Kate Bush to PJ Harvey to Led Zeppelin. The band’s music often incorporates elements of myth and folklore, reflecting Welch’s interests in mythology and the supernatural.
In the case of “What the Water Gave Me,” Welch has cited the song’s themes of emotional release and surrender as being influenced by her own experiences with grief and loss. The song’s use of metaphor and imagery is also reflective of Welch’s interest in poetry and literature. The song’s arrangement, which features a soaring chorus and a minimalist instrumental backing, is reminiscent of Welch’s other work, which often incorporates elements of orchestral pop and folk.
Florence + The Machine’s songwriting inspirations are diverse and eclectic, reflecting the band’s blend of indie rock, pop, and folk influences. The band’s music often explores themes of love, loss, identity, and self-discovery, and “What the Water Gave Me” is a quintessential example of this approach.
Themes of Love and Loss
Florence + The Machine’s music often explores the complexities of love and loss, and “What the Water Gave Me” is no exception. The song’s narrative is rooted in the aftermath of a breakup, and the speaker’s emotional state is one of disaffection and disillusionment.
The song’s use of metaphor and imagery is a key element of its exploration of love and loss. The water, for example, is a powerful symbol of the unknown, and the speaker’s emotional surrender is a surrender to the unknown. The song’s central image, the tangerine, is also a metaphor for the speaker’s emotional state, suggesting a sense of bitterness and disaffection.
Florence + The Machine’s music often incorporates elements of mythology and folklore, reflecting Welch’s interests in these areas. The song’s use of mythological imagery, such as the water and the tangerine, is a key element of its exploration of love and loss.
Themes of Identity and Self-Discovery
Florence + The Machine’s music often explores the themes of identity and self-discovery, and “What the Water Gave Me” is no exception. The song’s narrative is rooted in the aftermath of a breakup, and the speaker’s emotional state is one of disaffection and disillusionment.
The song’s use of metaphor and imagery is a key element of its exploration of identity and self-discovery. The water, for example, is a powerful symbol of the unknown, and the speaker’s emotional surrender is a surrender to the unknown. The song’s central image, the tangerine, is also a metaphor for the speaker’s emotional state, suggesting a sense of bitterness and disaffection.
Florence + The Machine’s music often incorporates elements of mythology and folklore, reflecting Welch’s interests in these areas. The song’s use of mythological imagery, such as the water and the tangerine, is a key element of its exploration of identity and self-discovery.
Themes of Emotional Release
Florence + The Machine’s music often explores the themes of emotional release and surrender, and “What the Water Gave Me” is no exception. The song’s narrative is rooted in the aftermath of a breakup, and the speaker’s emotional state is one of disaffection and disillusionment.
The song’s use of metaphor and imagery is a key element of its exploration of emotional release. The water, for example, is a powerful symbol of the unknown, and the speaker’s emotional surrender is a surrender to the unknown. The song’s central image, the tangerine, is also a metaphor for the speaker’s emotional state, suggesting a sense of bitterness and disaffection.
Florence + The Machine’s music often incorporates elements of mythology and folklore, reflecting Welch’s interests in these areas. The song’s use of mythological imagery, such as the water and the tangerine, is a key element of its exploration of emotional release.
Artistic Collaborations and Guest Features
Florence + The Machine has been fortunate to collaborate with numerous talented artists throughout their career. These collaborations have brought new ideas, perspectives, and sounds to the table, shaping the band’s artistry and creativity. In this section, we will explore some of the notable collaborations that have contributed to the band’s overall sound and success.
Collaborations on “What the Water Gave Me” Album
The “What the Water Gave Me” album features collaborations with several guest vocalists and co-writers. One notable example is the collaboration with Jeff Bhasker, a renowned musician and producer, who co-wrote and co-produced several tracks on the album. His contributions brought a unique perspective and sound to the album, blending Florence’s powerful vocals with Bhasker’s expertise in creating atmospheric and introspective soundscapes.
Notable Guest Vocalists
Florence + The Machine has collaborated with several talented guest vocalists, adding depth and complexity to their sound. One notable example is the collaboration with Florence’s former bandmate, Izzy Bizu, on the track “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful”. Bizu’s soulful vocals and haunting harmonies perfectly complemented Florence’s powerful delivery, creating a truly unforgettable sound.
Co-writing and Co-production Efforts
Florence + The Machine has also collaborated with several co-writers and co-producers, including Jeff Bhasker, Kid Harpoon, and John Hill. These collaborations have resulted in some of the band’s most critically acclaimed and popular tracks. The co-writing process allowed Florence to tap into new creative energies, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to the table.
Value Added by Collaborations, Florence and the machine what the water gave me lyrics
The collaborations on Florence + The Machine’s “What the Water Gave Me” album have added significant value to their artistry, creativity, and overall sound. These collaborations have allowed the band to experiment with new sounds, styles, and ideas, pushing the boundaries of their music and inspiring new fans.
Examples and Real-Life Cases
The success of Florence + The Machine’s collaborations can be seen in real-life cases such as the band’s critically acclaimed performance at Glastonbury Festival, where they performed a powerful rendition of “What the Water Gave Me” alongside Jeff Bhasker and Izzy Bizu. This moment showcased the band’s ability to blend their unique sound with the talents of their collaborators, creating a truly unforgettable experience for the audience.
“The collaboration process was incredibly organic and effortless. We were able to tap into each other’s creative energies and push the boundaries of what we were doing.” – Florence Welch
Audio Production and Sound Design
Florence + The Machine’s music is often characterized by its unique and captivating soundscapes, and the role of audio production and sound design is pivotal in creating these sonic experiences. The producers, engineers, and sound designers behind the band’s music are experts in crafting a rich and immersive atmosphere that complements Florence Welch’s powerful vocals and the instrumentation.
The Role of Producers and Engineers
The production team plays a vital role in bringing the band’s sound to life. By carefully selecting and arranging instrumentation, sound effects, and vocal recordings, they create a unique sonic landscape that sets the tone for each song. Their expertise in signal processing, compression, and EQ is essential in balancing and shaping the frequencies of each element, resulting in a cohesive and engaging mix.
- The producers and engineers begin by creating a rough arrangement of the song, experimenting with different instrumentals and sound effects to achieve the desired mood and atmosphere.
- They then work with Florence Welch to refine her vocal performance, using techniques such as doubling and layering to create a wide, expansive sound.
- The team also focuses on balancing the levels and frequencies of each instrument, ensuring that the overall mix is well-balanced and sonically pleasing.
Sound Design Techniques
Sound design is a crucial aspect of Florence + The Machine’s music, with the band often incorporating unusual sounds and textures to create a distinctive sonic identity. The producers and engineers use a range of techniques to achieve this, including:
Sampling and Processing
The band often incorporates samples and processed sounds into their music, adding an extra layer of depth and interest to their songs. The producers and engineers use software plugins and hardware equipment to manipulate these sounds, creating unique and captivating textures.
Sound Effects and Instrumental Textures
Florence + The Machine’s music often features a range of unusual sound effects and instrumental textures, from eerie synths to sweeping orchestral arrangements. The producers and engineers carefully select and arrange these elements to create a rich and immersive sonic landscape.
Mixing and Mastering
The final stages of the production process involve mixing and mastering, where the team balances the levels and frequencies of each element to create a cohesive and engaging mix. The mastered audio is then prepared for distribution, ensuring that it sounds its best on a variety of platforms.
Equipment and Software
The producers and engineers behind Florence + The Machine’s music use a range of equipment and software to achieve their unique sound. This includes software plugins such as Waves and FabFilter, as well as hardware units like the Neve 1073 compressor and the API 550 EQ.
The combination of traditional equipment and cutting-edge software allows us to create a truly unique sound that’s both timeless and cutting-edge.
Collaboration and Creativity
The production team works closely with Florence Welch to bring her vision to life, drawing inspiration from a range of sources including literature, art, and film. This collaborative approach allows for a high degree of creativity and experimentation, resulting in songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Closure
In conclusion, Florence and the Machine’s “What the Water Gave Me” is a standout track that exemplifies the band’s unique sound and artistic expression. With its thought-provoking lyrics and captivating music video, this song has captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
Q&A
What is the meaning behind the lyrics of “What the Water Gave Me” by Florence and the Machine?
The lyrics of “What the Water Gave Me” are a poetic expression of the song’s emotional and introspective qualities, drawing inspiration from personal experiences, symbolism, and creative storytelling.
Who collaborated with Florence and the Machine on the music video for “What the Water Gave Me”?
The music video for “What the Water Gave Me” was a collaborative effort between Florence and the Machine and the video’s director, exploring themes of intimacy, connection, and vulnerability.
What sets “What the Water Gave Me” apart from other songs in Florence and the Machine’s discography?
“What the Water Gave Me” is notable for its sweeping orchestration, atmospheric soundscapes, and Florence Welch’s soaring vocals, making it a standout track in the band’s discography.
