Howl
Florenc and The Machine Lyrics


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If you could only see the beast you've made of me
I held it in but now it seems you've set it running free
Screaming in the dark, I howl when we're apart
Drag my teeth across your chest to taste your beating heart

My fingers claw your skin, try to tear my way in
You are the moon that breaks the night for which I have to howl
My fingers claw your skin, try to tear my way in
You are the moon that breaks the night for which I have to

Howl, howl
Howl, howl

Now there's no holding back, I'm making to attack
My blood is singing with your voice, I want to pour it out
The saints can't help me now, the ropes have been unbound
I hunt for you with bloody feet across the hallowed ground

Like some child possessed, the beast howls in my veins
I want to find you, tear out all of your tenderness

And howl, howl
Howl, howl

Be careful of the curse that falls on young lovers
Starts so soft and sweet and turns them to hunters
(Hunter, hunter, hunter, hunter)
(Hunter, hunter, hunter, hunter)

The fabric of your flesh, pure as a wedding dress
Until I wrap myself inside your arms I cannot rest
The saints can't help me now, the ropes have been unbound
I hunt for you with bloody feet across the hallowed ground

And howl

Be careful of the curse that falls on young lovers
Starts so soft and sweet and turns them to hunters

A man who's pure of heart and says his prayers by night
May still become a wolf when the autumn moon is bright

If you could only see the beast you've made of me
I held it in but now it seems you've set it running free




The saints can't help me now, the ropes have been unbound
I hunt for you with bloody feet across the hallowed ground

Overall Meaning

The song “Howl” is a powerful and haunting track that explores the dark and intense nature of love. Florence Welch sings about a transformation that occurs within her, as the intensity of her passion turns into an uncontrollable and primal desire. The image of a beast is used throughout the song to represent this urge within her, and the lyrics are filled with animalistic imagery, such as howling, clawing, and hunting.


The chorus of the song is particularly powerful, with Welch repeatedly chanting, “Howl, howl.” This represents the overwhelming need she feels to express her emotions and let them out, no matter how wild or uncontrollable they may be. The song also features a warning about the danger of falling too deeply into love, using the metaphor of a curse that turns lovers into hunters.


Line by Line Meaning

If you could only see the beast you've made of me
I am warning you about the transformation I have undergone because of the way you treat me.


I held it in but now it seems you've set it running free
I have long tried to suppress the animalistic desires inside of me, but you have provoked and unleashed them.


Screaming in the dark, I howl when we're apart
I feel an intense need to be with you, and when we are apart, I am consumed by a sense of emptiness and hopelessness.


Drag my teeth across your chest to taste your beating heart
I crave a deep and intimate connection with you, and I want to experience your essence in the most primal way possible.


You are the moon that breaks the night for which I have to howl
You are the source of my desire and the only one who can truly satisfy my needs.


Now there's no holding back, I'm making an attack
I am beyond self-control, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to be with you.


My blood is singing with your voice, I want to pour it out
I am consumed by my desire for you, and I am willing to give all that I have to be with you.


The saints can't help me now, the ropes have been unbound
I am beyond redemption and any moral constraints. There is no escape from what I have become.


I hunt for you with bloodied feet across the hallow'ed ground
I am driven by a primal instinct to be with you, and I will pursue you with reckless abandon no matter the cost.


Be careful of the curse that falls on young lovers
Love can be a dangerous and destructive force that can turn even the most innocent of lovers into savage hunters.


The fabric of your flesh, pure as a wedding dress
You are a symbol of purity and innocence to me, and I long to be wrapped in your embrace.


Until I wrap myself inside your arms I cannot rest
I will not be at peace until I am with you, and I will do whatever it takes to make that happen.


A man who's pure of heart and says his prayers by night May still become a wolf when the autumn moon is bright
Even the most virtuous and honorable of men can be overcome by their animalistic desires, especially when provoked by the right trigger.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Paul Epworth, Florence Welch

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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