Song Title

Florence And The Machine- What The Water Gave Me Lyrics

"What The Water Gave Me" is the first song to be revealed by Florence And The Machine off their sophomore album, which is set for release later in November. The album will be composed of 13 tracks. The song was named after a painting by Frida Kahlo and the lyrics are inspired by the suicide of renown author, Virginia Woolf, who drowned herself in a river.

Florence And The Machine- What The Water Gave Me Lyrics

Time it took us
To where the water was
That’s what the water gave me
And time goes quicker
Between the two of us
Oh, my love, don’t forsake me
Take what the water gave me

Lay me down
Let the only sound
Be the overflow
Pockets full of stones

Lay me down
Let the only sound
Be the overflow

And oh poor Atlas
The world’s a beast of a burden
You’ve been holding on a long time
And all this longing
And the ships are left to rust
That’s what the water gave us

So lay me down
Let the only sound
Be the overflow
Pockets full of stones
Lay me down
Let the only sound
Be the overflow

‘Cause they took your loved ones
But returned them in exchange for you
But would you have it any other way?
Would you have it any other way?
You couldn’t have it any other way
‘Cause she’s a crueler mistress
And her temper cannot be tamed.
But oh, my love, don’t forget me
When I let the water take me

Lay me down
Let the only sound
Be the over flow
Pockets full of stones

Lay me down
Let the only sound
Be the overflow

Lay me down
Let the only sound
Be the overflow
Pockets full of stones

Lay me down
Let the only sound
Be the overflow

[Florence And The Machine- What The Water Gave Me Lyrics] Thanks to user Leighton, BHL, Maria Brown and Iain Murdockfor the contribution.


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  • Zippy says:

    Yes, you’re right, one of her inspiration sources is Virginia Woolf’s suicide…. As a matter of fact, the entire new album has a lot of odd influences. One of the songs actually makes a reference to the ghost of Florence’s grandmother… Pretty spooky, but the music’s great.

  • G.R. says:

    i’m fairly sure this one’s making allusions to Virginia Woolf’s own suicide. interesting.

  • Trinity says:

    It’s “And the shields are left to rust”, not “ships”…

  • Jessie says:

    OMG i used to hate it, now can’t stop listening!!!

  • Florence And The Machine To Release NEW Album Ceremonials Early! | Music News-Gossip says:

    […] In addition to the new music, the artwork for the cover has been released along with the complete track listing for the standard edition of “Ceremonials”. Yes, you are going to have choice on this one. As Story Gilmore from NeonLimelight.com reports, the standard version of the new album is going to be 12 tracks of Florence deliciousness along with the video for “What The Water Gave Me”. […]

  • Shannon says:

    I’m curious as to why it’s spelt “crueller” with two L’s… Is that something different? And I know this is a very meticulous proposition, but it sounds like she says, “and a bargain must be made” rather than “the bargain”? Seriously seeking answers, so if anyone could help I’d appreciate it!

  • PRATEEK says:

    I LURvvV <3 tHs sOnG :))

  • admin says:

    that’s correct.the lyrics are 100% correct 🙂

  • Florence and the Machine ‘What the Water Gave Me’ Video: Official Music Video Premiere | Shallow Nation says:

    […] see also: Florence’s power, presence enchant and First Watch: Florence And The Machine In ConcertClick here for What the Water Gave Me lyrics. Watch the full video below.Photo credit: Rob Stoner (CC BY 3.0) via Wikipedia YouTube linkVia […]

  • Florence And The Machine Returns with “What The Water Gave Me” | New Songs says:

    […] Below you can view the official video for Florence And The Machine’s new single, “What The Water Gave Me”. For a song filled with symbols, the video could only be as mystical as expected. For the lyrics to “What the Water Gave Me” click here. […]

  • Seaphire says:

    It’s:
    And oh, poor Atlas
    The world’s a beast of a burden

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