Breaking Down
Florence + the Machine Lyrics

All alone, it was always there you see
Despite being alone, there has always been a presence that has accompanied and haunted the singer.

And even on my own
Even in solitude, the presence lingers.

It was always standing next to me
The presence has always been physically close to the singer.

I can see it coming from the edge of the room
The presence can be sensed approaching from afar.

Creeping in the streetlight
The presence arrives subtly, like a shadow in the night.

Holding my hand in the pale gloom
The presence provides comfort but can also be associated with fear.

Can you see it coming now?
The singer questions whether the listener can feel the presence approaching as well.

All alone, even when I was a child
The artist has experienced the presence since childhood and has always felt isolated in its company.

I've always known
The presence has been constant and unchanging throughout the artist's life.

There was something to be frightened of
The presence evokes fear in the artist.

All alone, on the edge of sleep
The singer is alone in a vulnerable state and the presence still persists.

My old familiar friend
The presence is familiar to the artist despite their fear of it.

Comes and lies down next to me
The presence physically joins the singer in bed.

Smiling in the streetlight
The presence takes on a sinister, mocking appearance.

Even with my eyes shut tight
The singer tries to escape but can still sense the presence.

I still see him coming now
The artist can feel the presence approaching despite their attempts to block it out.

Oh, oh, I think I'm breaking down again
The artist is overwhelmed by the presence and feels on the verge of a mental breakdown.

Oh, oh, I think I'm breaking down
The repeated line emphasizes the singer's distress and feelings of helplessness.