Florence + The Machine — What the Water Gave Me
Album: CeremonialsAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 3613
Length: 5:25
Plays (last 30 days): 4
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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 could have it any other way
'Cause she's a cruel mistress
And the bargain must be made
But oh, my love, don't forget me
When I let the water take me
So, 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
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 could have it any other way
'Cause she's a cruel mistress
And the bargain must be made
But oh, my love, don't forget me
When I let the water take me
So, 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
Comments (314)add comment
Hippostar wrote:
What about metaphorically?
She literally has two dynamics: conversation and yelling.
What about metaphorically?
Yeah! YEAH!
Saw and heard her do this live.
AWESOME.
Saw and heard her do this live.
AWESOME.
bm.deavenport613 wrote:
That's funny because that serious and slightly depressing is what makes her music so compelling to me. But if you want something more in your face try Kiss with a Fist, which isn't too serious and much more than slightly depressing.
I really struggle with Florence. I just can't sit through much of her music. It all sounds so serious and slightly depressing. 
That's funny because that serious and slightly depressing is what makes her music so compelling to me. But if you want something more in your face try Kiss with a Fist, which isn't too serious and much more than slightly depressing.
People here complaining about her shouting, but for me, the final part of the song when she belts out her Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs reminds me of Eddie Vedder. I guess it's cool when guys do it, but annoying when women do it?
How is it we aren't talking about Florence + the Machine all the time?!? Great band.
Hannio wrote:
She needs to bathe more often.
Even SAYING that someone needs to bathe more often, unless it's children, is just downright rude. Imagine yourself, sitting in a nice restaurant, and the waitress takes your order, goes to the back to give it to cook, and she asks that a different waitress serve you, because the 1st waitress couldn't stand YOUR stench! Can't say something nice, keep your piehole closed.
She needs to bathe more often.
Self indulgent
Nice voice! Good tune. But, not my type of music. I can see where many RP listeners would find it enjoyable. Thanx RP!
As much as I like her music, her fans are just getting annoying now.
And put some shoes on Florence..
And put some shoes on Florence..
I have seen many shows at the Hollywood Bowl, but F+M truly FILLED it. Florence is a gliding angel on the stage; how she has the breath to move and sing as she does at the same time and make both look/sound effortless and powerful at once still stuns me to this day.
Rating 2 => 1
Sorry I can't stand it.
timmus wrote:
The days of knowing all of the members of a band, like Zep or The Who, are gone, sadly.
Pro challenge: Name your favorite member of Florence & The Machine besides Florence.
The days of knowing all of the members of a band, like Zep or The Who, are gone, sadly.
timmus wrote:
Cyrus Bayandor
Pro challenge: Name your favorite member of Florence & The Machine besides Florence.
Cyrus Bayandor
timmus wrote:
&
Pro challenge: Name your favorite member of Florence & The Machine besides Florence.
&
I discovered F&M on RP and they are now one of my favorite artists. I'm in love with Florence's voice. Thanks RP!
radioparadise38 wrote:
Fortunately, Bill and Rebecca persist in playing excellent and diverse female vocalists! I wouldn't be listening to Florence, First Aid Kit, The Wailin Jenny's or many other now personal favorites if it wasn't for RP playing so many female artists. As I write this, Tasmin Archer is following for another great RP song transition.
Misogyny seems to be a common theme in threads on Female vocals here on RP. Some people could do with dragging themselves into the 21st century.
Fortunately, Bill and Rebecca persist in playing excellent and diverse female vocalists! I wouldn't be listening to Florence, First Aid Kit, The Wailin Jenny's or many other now personal favorites if it wasn't for RP playing so many female artists. As I write this, Tasmin Archer is following for another great RP song transition.
timmus wrote:
The Machine.
Pro challenge: Name your favorite member of Florence & The Machine besides Florence.
The Machine.
Pro challenge: Name your favorite member of Florence & The Machine besides Florence.
radioparadise38 wrote:
I like a ton of female artists. Not this one.
Is that still allowable in your mind? Or must I be forced to like her music because she has a vagina?
Misogyny seems to be a common theme in threads on Female vocals here on RP. Some people could do with dragging themselves into the 21st century.
I like a ton of female artists. Not this one.
Is that still allowable in your mind? Or must I be forced to like her music because she has a vagina?
Well.....I like her. Puts on a great show with a very tight band!
Misogyny seems to be a common theme in threads on Female vocals here on RP. Some people could do with dragging themselves into the 21st century.
She literally has two dynamics: conversation and yelling.
laverdakeith wrote:
Truly said. More and more I think, "Let the bitch drown!" Gave it a 4.
Recon the overflow would sound better than Florence's bawling and wailing.
Truly said. More and more I think, "Let the bitch drown!" Gave it a 4.
With Florence & The Machine comments I have to admit it's entertaining scrolling down and reading the complaints about yelling and shouting in the songs.
gillespp wrote:
Keep it going!
Nothing personal, I skip this song by default, too.
Keep it going!
Nothing personal, I skip this song by default, too.
bm.deavenport613 wrote:
Try standing up and moving some :)
I really struggle with Florence. I just can't sit through much of her music. It all sounds so serious and slightly depressing.
Try standing up and moving some :)
If you want (and/or need) a different perspective on Flo+machine, there's her concert at the Royal Albert Hall, sans machine, but they added an orchestra ...
available with you favourite search engine
available with you favourite search engine
gammapi wrote:
This is how she rolls!!
Saw her live for the first time last month at Red Rocks, in a freakin' blizzard. Truly, it was almost a white-out for much of the concert. The crew came out every couple of songs and wiped down the instruments and equipment. About halfway through, Florence apologized to the audience and went backstage to put on shoes and a coat. She performs barefoot. I have a much greater appreciation for her and her music after seeing her live, especially under those conditions.
This is how she rolls!!
Recon the overflow would sound better than Florence's bawling and wailing.
BillG wrote:
TOTALLY not supposed to happen! Pilot error...
Today at 9:30 AM, yesterday at 7:30 PM
TOTALLY not supposed to happen! Pilot error...
Today at 9:30 AM, yesterday at 7:30 PM
She should've let the water cool down a bit first,...
I too would be screaming like this when it's still boiling hot!
I too would be screaming like this when it's still boiling hot!
Stephen_Phillips wrote:
Yes or even "Bohemian Like You" by the Dandy Warhols.
It's sounds like an Irish band , I have to see now
Yes or even "Bohemian Like You" by the Dandy Warhols.
It's sounds like an Irish band , I have to see now
First I knew of her was LIVE in Lansing, Mich. opening for U2. There are no words...
Every time I hear those closing chords, I can't help but think of Bohemian Like You by the Dandy Warhols. The melody and rhythm is exactly the same.
gillespp wrote:
Keep it going!
Perpetum mobile.
Keep it going!
Perpetum mobile.
nek wrote:
Yeah, sounds exactly like it - they may have one chord in common, plus they have the audacity to use electric guitars and drums.
Jumping jack flash, it's a gas! gas! gas!
Yeah, sounds exactly like it - they may have one chord in common, plus they have the audacity to use electric guitars and drums.
AhhtheMusic wrote:
For a moment I pictured Florence shout-singing to some poor kid cowered in their hospital bed, to the ire of a normally calm nursing staff. Dang that Florence has some lungs. I wish she'd take a breath once in a while.
buckshot wrote:
Interesting...I do so like her...love her. But then there are times I absolutely...well, let's say "don't like her so much". Depending on the song.
I saw a video she did for a little child in a hospital room (who wanted to go to Florene's concert but couldn't because she was terribly ill) and I love the fact she went there to surprise the sweet child with a Florence "concert".
Then I realized she was incredibly intense and can't help but be over the top with everything she does. Sometimes it works... sometimes it is just "shouty".
I call her 'Florence Shouty Person' because all her songs involve shouting. Me no like.
Interesting...I do so like her...love her. But then there are times I absolutely...well, let's say "don't like her so much". Depending on the song.
I saw a video she did for a little child in a hospital room (who wanted to go to Florene's concert but couldn't because she was terribly ill) and I love the fact she went there to surprise the sweet child with a Florence "concert".
Then I realized she was incredibly intense and can't help but be over the top with everything she does. Sometimes it works... sometimes it is just "shouty".
For a moment I pictured Florence shout-singing to some poor kid cowered in their hospital bed, to the ire of a normally calm nursing staff. Dang that Florence has some lungs. I wish she'd take a breath once in a while.
Saw her live for the first time last month at Red Rocks, in a freakin' blizzard. Truly, it was almost a white-out for much of the concert. The crew came out every couple of songs and wiped down the instruments and equipment. About halfway through, Florence apologized to the audience and went backstage to put on shoes and a coat. She performs barefoot. I have a much greater appreciation for her and her music after seeing her live, especially under those conditions.
bm.deavenport613 wrote:
I love her music myself.
I really struggle with Florence. I just can't sit through much of her music. It all sounds so serious and slightly depressing.
I love her music myself.
Love this band, and she's got that something special that a lot of people don't seem to be able to tune into. And like PJ Harvey, you can tell she's totally lost in the music and believes in it 100%
DavidS_UK wrote:
I'm sorry, but I don't hear shouting in this song. Commenters are greatly exaggerating on this thread as far as I can tell. There's a lot of shouting in my house, and I'd much rather listen to Florence any day.
Oh this is great until she gets loud and shouty like so many others have previously noted.
I'm sorry, but I don't hear shouting in this song. Commenters are greatly exaggerating on this thread as far as I can tell. There's a lot of shouting in my house, and I'd much rather listen to Florence any day.
meinthecorner wrote:
That's a bit harsh. I'm fine with anthems when they are this good.
I don't usually comment on songs or artists that I don't care for, but, in this case I feel compelled. Skin me if you must, but in my opinion this is just too bombastic. I'll wait for the day that she decides to vary her approach to a song and not make everything she sings an anthem.
That's a bit harsh. I'm fine with anthems when they are this good.
Oh this is great until she gets loud and shouty like so many others have previously noted.
I get the shouty-person thing going on here. But there are many, innumerable really, ways to frame it. An intense person will, sure, wear you the f out. But, in small doses, you know you gotta get around their intensity... because everyone else can sure be boring as yellow Jello. (Now green Jello? Totally down with that. But I digress.)
buckshot wrote:
Interesting...I do so like her...love her. But then there are times I absolutely...well, let's say "don't like her so much". Depending on the song.
I saw a video she did for a little child in a hospital room (who wanted to go to Florene's concert but couldn't because she was terribly ill) and I love the fact she went there to surprise the sweet child with a Florence "concert".
Then I realized she was incredibly intense and can't help but be over the top with everything she does. Sometimes it works... sometimes it is just "shouty".
I call her 'Florence Shouty Person' because all her songs involve shouting. Me no like.
Interesting...I do so like her...love her. But then there are times I absolutely...well, let's say "don't like her so much". Depending on the song.
I saw a video she did for a little child in a hospital room (who wanted to go to Florene's concert but couldn't because she was terribly ill) and I love the fact she went there to surprise the sweet child with a Florence "concert".
Then I realized she was incredibly intense and can't help but be over the top with everything she does. Sometimes it works... sometimes it is just "shouty".
I call her 'Florence Shouty Person' because all her songs involve shouting. Me no like.
Pjesnik wrote:
Keep at it. It is one of her best.
The first album bought me instantly. The second one, I embraced within a month. The third, it took me year and a half to familiarize with. Lately, I tried some songs from the fourth. I cannot fathom it at all. Should I put it on hold for a while again?
Keep at it. It is one of her best.
Find myself constantly comparing Flo with other better lady music makers. You know the ones. And I know it's sexist.
The first album bought me instantly. The second one, I embraced within a month. The third, it took me year and a half to familiarize with. Lately, I tried some songs from the fourth. I cannot fathom it at all. Should I put it on hold for a while again?
Otomi wrote:
Bumped for context and background. I can just see Flossie and Frida Kahlo being soul sisters :)
Here is the painting by Frida Kahlo, What the water gave me (1938), that inspired this song.
Source: https://www.wikipaintings.org/en/frida-kahlo/what-the-water-gave-me-1938
Bumped for context and background. I can just see Flossie and Frida Kahlo being soul sisters :)
ChrisVIII wrote:
Great Idea!
the song was good but I'm getting tired of hearing it... Aren't there any other titles on this album or past/future ones ?
It sounds more and more like a one hit wonder...
It sounds more and more like a one hit wonder...
Great Idea!
Otomi wrote:
She needs to bathe more often.
Here is the painting by Frida Kahlo, What the water gave me (1938), that inspired this song.
Source: https://www.wikipaintings.org/en/frida-kahlo/what-the-water-gave-me-1938
She needs to bathe more often.
nek wrote:
Yes or even "Bohemian Like You" by the Dandy Warhols.
Jumping jack flash, it's a gas! gas! gas!
Yes or even "Bohemian Like You" by the Dandy Warhols.
Segue wrote:
That's an interesting coincidence.
YEAHeeeEeeeAAAeeeee3eeeeeeYAehYeahYe3eeeeeeeeaàaaaaaaahhhhhg.
No.
Still don't know what she's on about.
No.
Still don't know what she's on about.
That's an interesting coincidence.
Why write a song about plumbing? I don't get it.
the song was good but I'm getting tired of hearing it... Aren't there any other titles on this album or past/future ones ?
It sounds more and more like a one hit wonder...
It sounds more and more like a one hit wonder...
Alpine wrote:
Keep it going!
Make it stop!
Keep it going!
Magnificent song
YEAHeeeEeeeAAAeeeee3eeeeeeYAehYeahYe3eeeeeeeeaàaaaaaaahhhhhg.
No.
Still don't know what she's on about.
No.
Still don't know what she's on about.
I really struggle with Florence. I just can't sit through much of her music. It all sounds so serious and slightly depressing.
Tired.
She's breathing underwater.
Love me Flo!
Wow. And here i thought i didn't like F+TM.
Just sounds like yelling, after a while.
I think I'm over it. Sorry Florence, (and The Machine). It was fun while it lasted.
now this is an original talent. not just another middle class white chick tryin to sound like Bonnie Raitt
Jumping jack flash, it's a gas! gas! gas!
Make it stop!
jkamm14 wrote:
Personally, I'm over Flo.
Good one!
Personally, I'm over Flo.
Good one!
Put this one on the shelf for at least 5 years.
DaidyBoy wrote:
Personally, I'm over Flo.
"Let the only sound
Be the overflow"
My brother is a plumber, so he might point out that she is trying to identify whether a new washer of some sort is needed, or a complete replacement cistern internal mechanism.
Be the overflow"
My brother is a plumber, so he might point out that she is trying to identify whether a new washer of some sort is needed, or a complete replacement cistern internal mechanism.
Personally, I'm over Flo.
axa2wa wrote:
ah!...ahahaha
Shouting, wailing, tuneless, over hyped dross!
ah!...ahahaha
"Let the only sound
Be the overflow"
My brother is a plumber, so he might point out that she is trying to identify whether a new washer of some sort is needed, or a complete replacement cistern internal mechanism.
Be the overflow"
My brother is a plumber, so he might point out that she is trying to identify whether a new washer of some sort is needed, or a complete replacement cistern internal mechanism.
Oh, Florence sucks now, I see from the commentary...........sheesh! Sorry, but I dig this number.
Shouting, wailing, tuneless, over hyped dross!
fredriley wrote:Because she's a powerful and passionate woman?
Too much of Florence and her histrionic wailing isn't good my ears. Still like Lungs even though I rarely play it.
loved this song originally, however, have now heard it too many times! I now turn it off when I hear the first notes, need to not hear it for a year or 2!!
Comme un voyage sur un nuage...
I admire her voice and from my perspective, I'm sure this song will sound as strong in 30 years
Conjure One w/Poe
Kate Bush
Florence and the Machine
Nice set!
Kate Bush
Florence and the Machine
Nice set!
I love this song!
Otomi wrote:
Thanks very much for posting that - the song makes a whole lot more sense to me now :)
Here is the painting by Frida Kahlo, What the water gave me (1938), that inspired this song.
Source: https://www.wikipaintings.org/en/frida-kahlo/what-the-water-gave-me-1938
Thanks very much for posting that - the song makes a whole lot more sense to me now :)
KaraokeVox wrote:
Right, and you'll find her at the Tate.
i know just the place..........that is shakespeares ophelia.
Right, and you'll find her at the Tate.
dwsneed wrote:
Coincidence that a Florence and the Machines song right after a Siouxsie and the Banshees song? I think not. Thanks for paving the way Siouxsie.
Similar segue today. But the segue makes both Siouxie and Flo much better. Like a lot of the posters, I'm not the biggest FATM fan, but I enjoyed the juxtaposition. I often post that Pandora and Spotify aren't likely to serve up a set that actually improves the songs in it, since their algorithms aren't as sophisticated as human wetware. there should be a rating for ok, but just tired of it.
ScottN wrote:
i know just the place..........that is shakespeares ophelia.
Actually just had to lower my score to a 6 - Soooo.....tired of this song and really kind of grates on me now. Yes she's talented, and the music is solid, but really not for me.
Coincidence that a Florence and the Machines song right after a Siouxsie and the Banshees song? I think not. Thanks for paving the way Siouxsie.
Thank you Otomi!!!
I love finding out things about strong artists, and you have made my day
I love finding out things about strong artists, and you have made my day
rgabriel wrote:
:-) you're right!
Sounds a bit like Kelly Family... 
:-) you're right!
Sounds a bit like Kelly Family...
Here is the painting by Frida Kahlo, What the water gave me (1938), that inspired this song.
Source: https://www.wikipaintings.org/en/frida-kahlo/what-the-water-gave-me-1938
Fantastic track. Haunting, wonderful, passionate and sexy. BUT...Bill. Over played.
I like her big voice and she is something of a beautiful women!
Nenelena wrote:
Certainly WRONG!!
Don't like this song.... don't like her voice... 1, in my opinion 
Certainly WRONG!!
Middleton wrote:
I am shocked she was ever given a recording contract.
I have always been struck by the power of Florence AND her Machine - and in a positive way. Have to say I was honestly shocked at all the negativity in these comments. I know RP listeners are a diverse group, but these reactions really surprised me. Huh.
I am shocked she was ever given a recording contract.
At first, I really liked Flo and her Mo-chine. Lately, I'm thinking, "Let the bitch drown." And soon!
I have always been struck by the power of Florence AND her Machine - and in a positive way. Have to say I was honestly shocked at all the negativity in these comments. I know RP listeners are a diverse group, but these reactions really surprised me. Huh.
Nice
Depending upon the song, of course, I've generally like songs that build to a maximum outpouring of musical emotion. This song strikes me that way and I do like it.
...If I remember right, there is another studio version of this song in the last episode of 4th season of Warehouse 13, more beatiful... It's correct? 
Red_Dragon wrote:
Because she's a powerful and passionate woman?
why does she have to YELL?
Because she's a powerful and passionate woman?
We are having a familly dinner and all are singing along. Cool song!
Don't like this song.... don't like her voice... 1, in my opinion
Red_Dragon wrote:
I really don't understand why that's a continual point of criticism.
why does she have to YELL?
Just does, I guess. Which is awesome, I think, because I love that wail. I really don't understand why that's a continual point of criticism.
Thin_Air wrote:
Absolutely wrong.
Well, in my opinion.
Absolutely dreadful.
Evidence however, that no matter how useless we might consider ourselves to be, with a combination of hard work and a little luck we are all capable of landing a recording contract and shouting our guts out (the closest I can think of how best to describe Flo's "singing") to ultimately being played on RP even if that does mean being subject to harsh critiques like this one!
"Vive le diference!"
Evidence however, that no matter how useless we might consider ourselves to be, with a combination of hard work and a little luck we are all capable of landing a recording contract and shouting our guts out (the closest I can think of how best to describe Flo's "singing") to ultimately being played on RP even if that does mean being subject to harsh critiques like this one!
"Vive le diference!"
Absolutely wrong.
Well, in my opinion.
why does she have to YELL?
I love this still. Exciting and powerful.
marvelous elemental imagery... love this song...
Glurg.
I really am SO tired of this music at this point - it really has lost it's zing for me. Staying power has just fallen off almost totally with multiple listens....just sayin'!
One of my favorite female artists along Kate Bush, PJ Harvey and Shirley Manson. So much emotion! Can't wait for new songs from her :)
PFM wrote:
Looks like The Machine had that link taken down...
Try this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb9da7BizaI
Looks like The Machine had that link taken down...
Try this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb9da7BizaI
Absolutely dreadful.
Evidence however, that no matter how useless we might consider ourselves to be, with a combination of hard work and a little luck we are all capable of landing a recording contract and shouting our guts out (the closest I can think of how best to describe Flo's "singing") to ultimately being played on RP even if that does mean being subject to harsh critiques like this one!
"Vive le diference!"
Evidence however, that no matter how useless we might consider ourselves to be, with a combination of hard work and a little luck we are all capable of landing a recording contract and shouting our guts out (the closest I can think of how best to describe Flo's "singing") to ultimately being played on RP even if that does mean being subject to harsh critiques like this one!
"Vive le diference!"
Not a big Florence fan . . . not a big fan of her Machine, either.
I don't care for all her repertoire, but there's no denying she has made some gorgeous music...I like her...think she'd come sing a few tunes at my Christmas Party if I ask real nice?