How Big How Blue How Beautiful
Florence + the Machine Lyrics


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Between a crucifix and the Hollywood sign, we decided to get hurt
Now there's a few things we have to burn
Set our hearts ablaze, and every city was a gift
And every skyline was like a kiss upon the lips
And I was making you a wish
In every skyline

How big, how blue, how beautiful
How big, how blue, how beautiful

And meanwhile a man was falling from space
And every day I wore your face
Like an atmosphere around me
The satellite beside me
And meanwhile a man was falling from space
As he hit the earth I left this place
Let the atmosphere surround me
The satellite beside me

What are we gonna do?
We've opened the door, now it's all coming through
Tell me you see it too
We opened our eyes and it's changing the view
Oh, what are we gonna do?
We opened the door now, it's all coming through

How big, how blue, how (beautiful)
How big, how blue, how (beautiful)

And every city was a gift
And every skyline was like a kiss upon the lips
And I was making you a wish
In every skyline
And meanwhile a man was falling from space
And every day I wore your face
Like an atmosphere around me
I'm happy you're beside me

What are we gonna do?
We've opened the door, now it's all coming through
Tell me you see it too
We opened our eyes and it's changing the view
Oh, what are we gonna do?
We opened the door now, it's all coming through

How big, how blue, how (beautiful)
How big, how blue, how (beautiful)
How big, how blue, how

So much time on the other side
Waiting for you to wake up
So much time on the other side
Waiting for you to wake up
Maybe I'll see you in another life
If this one wasn't enough
So much time on the other side





How big, how blue, how (beautiful)
How big, how blue, how

Overall Meaning

The song "How Big How Blue How Beautiful" by Florence + The Machine is poetic and rich in imagery. The opening line "Between a crucifix and the Hollywood sign, we decided to get hurt" sets a dramatic and intense tone for the rest of the song. The song is about taking risks, burning bridges, and embracing change. It's about letting go of the past and opening up to the unknown future.


The lines "And every city was a gift, and every skyline was like a kiss upon the lips" suggest that the singer is traveling and exploring new places. Each city is a gift, and each skyline is a beautiful moment to be treasured. The line "And meanwhile a man was falling from space" adds another layer of complexity to the song. It's a reference to Felix Baumgartner's famous Red Bull Stratos space jump, which took place in 2012. While all of this is happening, the singer is making a wish in every skyline. The wishes could be anything from personal desires to global aspirations.


The chorus "How big, how blue, how beautiful" is sung with such force that it's hard not to get swept up in the emotion. The words capture the magic and majesty of life, as well as the vulnerability and fragility of the human experience. The line "We've opened the door, now it's all coming through" suggests that the singer is ready to face whatever comes their way. They are open to new experiences and opportunities, even if they are terrifying or unknown.


Overall, "How Big How Blue How Beautiful" is a song about taking risks, embracing change, and living life to the fullest. It's about finding beauty in everything, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Florence Leontine Mary Welch, Isabella Janet Florentina Summers

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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