Lungs by florence and the machine – Lungs by Florence + The Machine is an enchanting song that captures the essence of emotional connection and vulnerability.
Releasing in 2009, this soulful masterpiece is a part of Florence + The Machine’s debut studio album, also titled ‘Lungs’. The song’s unique atmosphere is deeply rooted in Florence Welch’s powerful and emotive vocals.
Lungs by Florence + The Machine
Florence + The Machine’s breakout single “Lungs” is a captivating tale of heartbreak, longing, and empowerment. Released in 2008, this hit song marked a pivotal moment in Florence Welch’s rise to fame, showcasing her raw, emotive voice and the band’s unique sound.
Release Date and Album
“Lungs” was released as a single on June 16, 2008, ahead of Florence + The Machine’s debut studio album, “Lungs.” The album went on to receive widespread critical acclaim, earning the UK Mercury Prize in 2009. This marked a significant milestone in the band’s career, cementing their status as a rising force in the indie music scene.
Inspiration and Meaning
The song’s inspiration is deeply rooted in Welch’s personal experiences and relationships. She has stated that “Lungs” is about the end of a relationship and the struggle to come to terms with its demise. The lyrics, which speak of “lungs that collapse,” “blood that flows,” and “a heart that’s been broken,” convey the emotional turmoil and vulnerability that often accompany a breakup. However, the song’s message also hints at a sense of liberation and empowerment, as Welch’s character finds the strength to move on and begin anew.
Florence Welch’s Creative Role
Florence Welch’s creative vision and unique vocal style played a pivotal role in shaping the sound and atmosphere of “Lungs.” She penned the song’s lyrics, drew inspiration from her experiences, and poured her emotions into the recording process. Welch’s raw, emotive voice is a defining feature of the song, conveying the intensity and vulnerability of the lyrics. Her creative input also extended to the song’s arrangement, which features a soaring chorus, pulsing rhythms, and sweeping orchestral elements that enhance the emotional impact of the lyrics.
The Song’s Impact and Legacy
“Lungs” has become an iconic anthem in Florence + The Machine’s discography, widely praised for its emotional intensity, lyrical depth, and Welch’s exceptional vocal performance. The song has been certified Platinum in several countries and has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials. Its success paved the way for Welch’s subsequent projects, solidifying her reputation as a talented singer-songwriter and visual artist.
Chart Performance and Accolades
“Lungs” reached the top 5 in the UK Singles Chart and has been certified Platinum in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. The song has also been streamed millions of times on various platforms, earning multiple certifications and recognition from industry organizations. Its impact has extended beyond the music industry, with the song’s themes and emotions resonating with audiences worldwide.
Florence + The Machine’s Musical Style: Lungs By Florence And The Machine
Florence + The Machine’s “Lungs” exemplifies the band’s unique blend of soul, rock, and pop genres, setting them apart from other artists in the music industry. With Florence Welch’s powerful, soulful vocals and the band’s anthemic sound, “Lungs” is a standout track that showcases the band’s distinctive style.
Florence + The Machine’s musical style is characterized by its dramatic, sweeping soundscapes and Welch’s emotive, heart-wrenching vocals. The band’s use of classical and orchestral elements, combined with the driving rhythms and pounding basslines, creates a sense of tension and release that is both cathartic and uplifting.
Crossover Genre Influence
The band’s music is heavily influenced by soul, rock, and pop genres, which is evident in the sound and style of “Lungs”. The song’s use of soulful melodies and powerful vocals is reminiscent of classic soul and Motown tracks, while the driving rhythms and pounding basslines are characteristic of rock music. The song’s catchy, hook-laden chorus and pop-friendly production also give it a distinctly pop flavor.
- Soul influence: The band’s use of soulful melodies and powerful vocals is a nod to the classic soul and Motown sounds of the 1960s and 1970s. Tracks like “Dog Days Are Over” and “Girl with One Eye” showcase the band’s soulful side, with Welch’s vocals soaring and dipping in emulation of classic soul greats.
- Rock influence: The driving rhythms and pounding basslines in “Lungs” are characteristic of rock music, particularly in the post-punk and indie rock genres. Tracks like “Between Two Lungs” and “Kiss with a Fist” showcase the band’s ability to create high-energy, anthemic rock songs.
- Pop influence: The song’s catchy, hook-laden chorus and pop-friendly production also give it a distinctly pop flavor. Tracks like “Shake It Out” and “What the Water Gave Me” showcase the band’s ability to create catchy, radio-friendly pop songs.
Comparisons to Other Songs
“Lungs” is not unique in Florence + The Machine’s discography, as the band has released several other songs that showcase their unique sound and style. However, “Lungs” is standout track in many ways, with a soaring chorus and a sense of drama and tension that is unmatched in many of the band’s other songs.
Comparison to Other Songs
- “Dog Days Are Over”: This song is a good example of the band’s soulful side, with Welch’s vocals soaring and dipping in a style reminiscent of classic soul greats.
- “Between Two Lungs”: This song showcases the band’s rock side, with driving rhythms and pounding basslines creating a high-energy, anthemic sound.
- “Shake It Out”: This song is a good example of the band’s pop side, with a catchy, hook-laden chorus and pop-friendly production.
Florence + The Machine’s “Lungs” is a standout track that showcases the band’s unique blend of soul, rock, and pop genres. With its soaring chorus, driving rhythms, and powerful vocals, “Lungs” is a must-listen for fans of Florence + The Machine and anyone interested in exploring the band’s distinctive sound and style.
Impact and Reception
When “Lungs” was released in 2009, it marked a significant turning point for Florence + The Machine, catapulting the duo to mainstream success and paving the way for their future endeavors. The album’s impact can be measured in various aspects, from its commercial performance to the reaction from critics and fans.
Commercial Performance and Chart Success
“Lungs” was a commercial success worldwide, with the album selling over 3 million copies in the United Kingdom and being certified platinum in the United States. The album’s success can be attributed to the catchy and atmospheric sound of the album, which appealed to a broad audience. Some of the notable chart performances of the album include:
- “Dog Days Are Over” reached number two on the UK Singles Chart, and it peaked at number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
- “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)” peaked at number 25 on the UK Singles Chart and was certified platinum in the UK.
- “Between Two Lungs” peaked at number 34 on the UK Indie Chart.
The album’s chart success can be measured in terms of its performance on various music charts, including the UK Albums Chart, the US Billboard 200, and the UK Independent Albums Chart.
Impact on the Band’s Career and Popularity
The success of “Lungs” significantly impacted Florence + The Machine’s career, propelling them to the forefront of the indie and alternative music scenes. The album’s atmospheric sound and Florence’s powerful vocals earned them critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. The band’s popularity soared, and they began to tour extensively, including a headlining tour for the album. The album also led to the band’s performances on various high-profile music festivals, including Glastonbury and Coachella.
Critics’ and Fans’ Reaction to the Album
“Lungs” received widespread critical acclaim from music critics, with many praising the album’s atmospheric sound and Florence’s powerful vocals. The album holds a 76% approval rating on the album review website Metacritic. Some critics praised the album for its unique blend of indie rock and Baroque pop, while others commended Florence’s vocals for their emotional intensity. Fans also praised the album for its emotional resonance and atmospheric soundscapes.
Florence Welch’s powerful vocals and poetic lyrics captured the hearts of listeners worldwide, cementing the album’s place in music history.
Lyrical Themes and Symbolism
In “Lungs,” Florence Welch explores themes of love, heartbreak, and the longing for human connection. The song’s lyrics are rich in symbolism, using imagery and metaphor to convey the emotions and experiences of the protagonist. The title “Lungs” itself is a powerful symbol, representing the breath of life and the need for oxygen, but also the emotional highs and lows that come with love.
Love and Heartbreak
Florence Welch’s lyrics in “Lungs” are characterized by a deep and often painful longing for love. The song’s protagonist is lost in a relationship, struggling to reconcile their feelings with the reality of the situation. This is reflected in lines such as
“I am my mother’s child,”
which suggests a deep emotional connection to a past experience. The use of the word “child” implies a sense of vulnerability and dependence, emphasizing the idea that the protagonist is still learning to navigate the complexities of love and heartbreak.
The Symbolism of “Lungs”, Lungs by florence and the machine
The title “Lungs” is a powerful symbol in the song, representing the breath of life and the need for oxygen. On one level, this can be seen as a metaphor for the way in which love can be a source of inspiration and energy, but also a source of pain and suffering. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist is suffocating under the weight of their emotions, struggling to breathe in the face of heartbreak.
Connection to Personal Experiences
Florence Welch has spoken about the song’s lyrics being inspired by her own experiences of love and heartbreak. The song is said to have been written during a time of great personal turmoil, and the emotions and themes explored in the lyrics are deeply personal and relatable. This is reflected in lines such as
“When I come I come and I come and I come and I come,”
which suggests a sense of urgency and desperation in the face of heartbreak.
- The song’s lyrics are characterized by a deep and often painful longing for love.
- The title “Lungs” is a powerful symbol, representing the breath of life and the need for oxygen.
- Florence Welch’s lyrics are deeply personal and relatable, drawing on her own experiences of love and heartbreak.
- The song’s themes and symbolism explore the complexities of love and heartbreak, and the need for human connection.
Influences and Comparison
Florence + The Machine’s unique blend of indie rock and baroque pop has made ‘Lungs’ a significant influence on contemporary artists and bands. The song’s atmospheric soundscapes, soaring vocals, and poetic lyrics have inspired a wide range of musicians, from indie pop to electronic artists. With its eclectic style, ‘Lungs’ has become a benchmark for innovative music production and arrangement.
Influence on Contemporary Artists
‘Lungs’ influence can be seen in the work of artists such as Lykke Li, St. Vincent, and Florence herself has collaborated with other notable artists like Dizzee Rascal. Lykke Li’s song ‘Get Some’ (2011) shares similarities in atmospheric production and introspective lyrics, often drawing comparisons to ‘Lungs.’ St. Vincent’s ‘Digital Witness’ (2014) features a similar blend of indie rock and electronic elements, while Florence’s collaboration with Dizzee Rascal on ‘You Got the Dirtee Discs’ (2011) showcases her ability to adapt to different genres. This eclecticism is a testament to Florence’s innovative approach to music production and arrangement.
Comparison to Similar Songs
In terms of similar songs, ‘Lungs’ can be compared to other indie pop and electronic tracks that share similar themes and styles. One notable example is ‘Tennis Court’ by Lorde (2013), which features atmospheric production and introspective lyrics, often drawing comparisons to ‘Lungs.’ Another example is ‘Lights’ by Ellie Goulding (2010), which showcases a similar blend of indie rock and electronic elements, often cited as a influence by many artists. These songs demonstrate the influence of ‘Lungs’ on contemporary music and its enduring impact on modern indie pop.
Production and Arrangement Comparison
The production and arrangement of ‘Lungs’ can be compared to other Florence + The Machine songs, such as ‘Dog Days Are Over’ (2008) and ‘Shake It Out’ (2011). The use of sweeping orchestral arrangements, intimate piano melodies, and driving drum patterns creates a dynamic and emotive sound that is characteristic of Florence’s music. While other songs in the Florence + The Machine discography share similarities with ‘Lungs’, the song’s atmospheric production and introspective lyrics set it apart as a pioneering work in the indie pop genre.
Closing Notes
In conclusion, ‘Lungs’ by Florence + The Machine is a thought-provoking song that explores deep themes of love, longing, and the complexities of the human experience.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the inspiration behind the song ‘Lungs’?
The song ‘Lungs’ was inspired by Florence Welch’s own emotional experiences and vulnerabilities, which she poured into the lyrics and music, creating a deeply personal and relatable masterpiece.
What is the primary theme of the song ‘Lungs’?
The primary theme of ‘Lungs’ revolves around the complex emotions of love, heartbreak, and the search for connection, making it a deeply relatable and thought-provoking song.
How does the song ‘Lungs’ contribute to Florence + The Machine’s discography?
The song ‘Lungs’ was a turning point in Florence + The Machine’s career, showcasing their unique blend of soulful vocals, atmospheric instrumentation, and poetic lyrics, solidifying their position in the music industry.
