Florence the machine rabbit heart lyrics sets the stage for this enthralling narrative, offering readers a glimpse into a story that is rich in detail, filled with emotions, and brimming with originality from the outset. Florence + The Machine’s song ‘Rabbit Heart’ is a captivating tale of heartbreak, love, and self-discovery, set against a backdrop of catchy melodies and poignant lyrics.
The song’s evolution and context are deeply rooted in the band’s discography, particularly in albums like ‘Dog Days Are Over’, which showcases the band’s ability to craft infectious and emotive sounds. The song’s narrative is a reflection of the band’s own experiences and emotions, making it a relatable and authentic addition to their discography.
Lyrics of Rabbit Heart

The song “Rabbit Heart” by Florence + The Machine is a poignant expression of a broken relationship. The lyrics explore the themes of longing, regret, and the complexities of emotions that arise when a relationship disintegrates. Through the narrative, Florence Welch skillfully weaves together imagery and symbolism that not only reflect the turmoil of a broken relationship but also offer a glimpse into the psyche of the speaker.
The narrative of the song is deeply intertwined with the emotions of the speaker, who appears to be struggling with the aftermath of a lost love. Welch’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship that has fallen apart, with the speaker grappling with the memories of what once was and the pain of its demise. The use of metaphor and imagery adds a layer of depth to the narrative, making it a rich and immersive experience for the listener.
Imagery and Symbolism
The lyrics of “Rabbit Heart” are rife with imagery and symbolism, each of which serves to reinforce the themes and emotions explored in the song. One such example is the use of the “rabbit heart” itself, which can be seen as a metaphor for the fragile and vulnerable nature of the speaker’s emotions. The rabbit heart, which beats quickly and erratically, is often associated with fear, anxiety, and nervousness, all of which are emotions that the speaker appears to be experiencing in abundance.
Another example of imagery and symbolism is the use of the “stormy weather” in the lyrics. The stormy weather can be seen as a metaphor for the turmoil and chaos that has engulfed the speaker’s life as a result of the broken relationship. The use of the phrase “the storm of my heart” further reinforces this interpretation, suggesting that the speaker’s emotions are a maelstrom of conflicting desires, fears, and regrets.
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The “raven” mentioned in the lyrics can be seen as a symbol of death, loss, and mourning. Ravens have long been associated with these concepts in various cultures, and their presence in the lyrics serves to reinforce the theme of loss and heartbreak.
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The “fire” and “ashes” referenced in the lyrics can be seen as symbols of passion, desire, and the remnants of a relationship that has burned out. The use of these images serves to reinforce the theme of a love that has gone cold and extinguished.
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The “whispers” in the lyrics can be seen as a symbol of secrets, lies, and deception. The use of this image serves to reinforce the theme of mistrust and betrayal that is often present in a broken relationship.
Themes, Florence the machine rabbit heart lyrics
The lyrics of “Rabbit Heart” are characterized by several themes, each of which serves to reinforce the narrative and emotional depth of the song. Some of the prominent themes include:
Longing and yearning: The lyrics of the song are filled with a sense of longing and yearning for a lost love. The speaker appears to be struggling with the memories of what once was and the pain of its demise.
Regret and remorse: The lyrics of the song are also filled with a sense of regret and remorse for actions that were taken or left undone. The speaker appears to be grappling with the consequences of their decisions and the pain they have caused.
Turbulent emotions: The lyrics of the song are marked by turbulent emotions, with the speaker oscillating between anger, sadness, and despair. The use of imagery and symbolism serves to reinforce these emotions, creating a sense of intensity and urgency.
Heartbreak and loss: The lyrics of the song are a poignant expression of heartbreak and loss, with the speaker struggling to come to terms with the demise of a relationship that had been central to their life. The use of imagery and symbolism serves to reinforce this theme, creating a sense of depth and complexity.
Music Video and Visual Components
The music video for ‘Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)’, directed by Whitey, premiered on April 26, 2010, on NME. This visual representation of the song effectively captures Florence Welch’s intense stage presence and the emotional depth of the lyrics. The video was shot in black and white, which contrasts with the vivid colors used in the song’s artwork. This aesthetic choice highlights the stark, emotive quality of Florence’s vocals and emphasizes the video’s focus on her performance.
The visuals follow a narrative thread, with Florence Welch performing the song in various dark, mysterious settings. The imagery features Florence singing with an empty, ornate theater in the background, evoking a sense of grandeur and foreboding. At one point, the camera zooms in on a close-up of Florence’s face, and her powerful vocals take center stage, showcasing her distinctive, soaring voice. The video’s lighting is dimly lit, with shadows and silhouettes adding to the moody atmosphere.
Storyline and Symbolism
Florence Welch’s performance is the central focus of the music video, conveying the raw, emotional energy of the song. The narrative, though subtle, hints at themes of freedom and empowerment through Florence’s defiant, passionate performance.
The dark, gothic-inspired settings reflect the song’s lyrics and Florence Welch’s powerful vocals, capturing the emotional intensity of ‘Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)’. Throughout the video, Florence’s powerful performance and emotive vocals dominate the visual landscape, making her the focal point of the narrative. The imagery and symbolism reinforce the song’s message, creating an immersive and captivating viewing experience that complements Florence’s powerful voice.
Critical Reception and Commercial Performance: Florence The Machine Rabbit Heart Lyrics

Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up) received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. Music critics praised Florence and the Machine’s unique blend of indie rock and baroque pop. The song’s atmospheric and sweeping textures, combined with Florence Welch’s powerful vocals, were particularly commended.
Chart Performance
The song’s commercial success was largely driven by its chart performance. In the UK, Rabbit Heart reached number 27 on the Singles Chart and number 18 on the Independent Singles Chart. Internationally, the song peaked at number 15 on the US Billboard Alternative Songs chart and number 30 on the Canadian Hot 100.
Impact on Band’s Commercial Success
The success of Rabbit Heart marked a significant turning point for Florence and the Machine. The song’s chart performance helped establish the band as a major force in indie rock and paved the way for their future success. The Luminaires, the band’s second studio album, which featured Rabbit Heart, went on to achieve significant commercial success, debuting at number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and achieving platinum status in the UK.
Music Critics’ Reviews and Ratings
The song received widespread critical acclaim from music critics. In the UK, NME praised Rabbit Heart as “a stately, sweeping epic” and awarded it 5 out of 5 stars. In the US, Rolling Stone praised the song’s “haunting beauty” and awarded it 4 out of 5 stars.
- The New York Times praised the song’s “operatic grandeur” and noted Florence Welch’s “powerful, swooping vocals.”
- The Guardian praised the song’s “atmospheric textures” and noted Florence and the Machine’s “unique blend of indie rock and baroque pop.”
- Pitchfork praised the song’s “sweeping ambition” and noted its “haunting beauty.”
Commercial Impact
The commercial impact of Rabbit Heart was significant, helping to establish Florence and the Machine as a major force in indie rock. The song’s success paved the way for future commercial success, including the band’s platinum-selling album Luminaires.
Chart Performance in Other Countries
Rabbit Heart also enjoyed significant chart success in other countries. In Australia, the song peaked at number 34 on the Singles Chart and number 18 on the Alternative Singles Chart. In Germany, the song peaked at number 41 on the Singles Chart and number 19 on the Alternative Singles Chart.
| Country | Chart Peak Position |
|---|---|
| UK | 27 (Singles Chart), 18 (Independent Singles Chart) |
| US | 15 (Alternative Songs), 30 (Canadian Hot 100) |
| Australia | 34 (Singles Chart), 18 (Alternative Singles Chart) |
| Germany | 41 (Singles Chart), 19 (Alternative Singles Chart) |
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In conclusion, ‘Rabbit Heart’ is a captivating and emotionally charged song that sets the tone for Florence + The Machine’s unique storytelling style. With its powerful lyrics, soaring vocals, and catchy melodies, this song is a must-listen for fans of indie-pop and emotional storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of Florence + The Machine or just discovering their music, ‘Rabbit Heart’ is a song that will leave you feeling moved and inspired.
Key Questions Answered
What is the inspiration behind the song ‘Rabbit Heart’? ?
The song is inspired by the band’s own experiences with love and heartbreak, as well as the emotional highs and lows that come with it.
What is the significance of the song ‘Rabbit Heart’ in Florence + The Machine’s discography? ?
The song is significant in Florence + The Machine’s discography as it showcases the band’s ability to craft infectious and emotive sounds, while also reflecting the band’s own experiences and emotions.
What makes the song ‘Rabbit Heart’ so relatable? ?
The song is relatable due to its honest and authentic portrayal of emotional highs and lows, making it a connection with listeners on a deep level.