Lead singer, Florence Welch, was an art-college drop-out, from Camberwell (London), who was discovered singing Motown covers in a nightclub toilet, drunk. ”The Machine” name originated with an in-joke between Welch and Summers. Musically, Florence + The Machine's sound is sometimes referred to as soul-inspired indie rock. Welch grew up listening to The White Stripes and Kate Bush and says she writes metaphorical songs that are "stories with consequences and weird morality issues."
2008
Florence + The Machine's music has received praise across the British music media, especially from the BBC, who played a large part in their rise to prominence, by bringing them into the spotlight as part of "BBC Introducing" (a program to support unsigned artists) - firstly at South By South West (SXSW) in Austin, Texas in March 2008 and later that year (Sept 2008) the band recorded a full session for the BBC at their Maida Vale studios.
2009 - 2010 - first awards and first studio album - "Lungs"
At the Brit Awards 2009, Florence + The Machine received the Critics' Choice Award at the Brits in the UK. The award was introduced in 2008 (when it was awarded to Adele) and focuses on new and emerging British talent, voted for by a panel of music industry experts.
The band's début album was "Lungs" (Jul 2009, Universal), preceded by third single Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up) (Jun 2009, Moshi Moshi). "Lungs" went on to become number one in the UK album charts in January 2010, and won the MasterCard British Album award at the 2010 Brits, where they performed a hugely popular collaboration, You've Got the Dirtee Love (live at The Brit Awards 2010) with Dizzee Rascal - a mix of You've Got the Love, the Candi Staton cover from "Dog Days Are Over" (Nov 2008, IAmSound), and Dizzee’s Dirtee Cash (Sept 2009, Dirtee Stank).
2011 - second studio album - "Ceremonials"
The second album "Ceremonials" (31 Oct 2011, Island) - with which Welch was inspired for the title and some themes from a '70s Super 8 film of an art installation, she recalls: "... this big procession of kind of coquette-style hippies and all these different coloured robes and masks, and it was all to do with colour, really saturated, brightly coloured pastas and balloons. I saw it a couple years ago, and it was called 'Ceremonials' and then, like, Roman numerals after it. And the word sort of stuck with me, and I think the whole idea of performance ...". The album is also influenced by hymns, poems and church bells.
2012 - MTV Unplugged album - "MTV Unplugged"
In 2012, the band released a live album - "MTV Unplugged" (Apr 2012, Universal) - as part of the MTV Unplugged series. It was filmed in December 2011 in New York’s oldest synagogue building, Angel Orensanz Center, with the band being backed by a ten-person choir.
2015 - third studio album - "How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful"
The band's long awaited third studio album is called "How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful". It was released on May 29, 2015 on Island Records.
2018 - fourth studio album - "High As Hope"
The band's fourth studio album is called "High As Hope". It was released on June 29, 2018 on Republic Records.
Patricia
Florence + the Machine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I have to tell you something I'm still afraid of the dark
You take my hand in your hand from you flowers grow
And you understand with every seed you sow you make this cold world beautiful
She told me all doors are open to the believer
I believe her, I believe her, I believe her
She told me all doors are open to the believer
Oh Patricia, you've always been my North Star, oh
Oh Patricia, you've always been my North Star, oh
You're a real man, and you do what you can
You only take as much as you can grab with two hands
With your big heart, you praise God above
But how's it working out for you, honey?
Do you feel loved?
She told me all doors are open to the believer
I believe her, I believe her, I believe her
(Do you feel loved?) she told me all doors are open to the believer
I believe her, I believe her, I believe her
Oh Patricia, you've always been my North Star, oh
Oh Patricia, you've always been my North Star, oh
I drink too much coffee and I think of you often
In a city where reality has long been forgotten
Are you afraid? 'Cause I'm terrified
But you remind me that it's such a wonderful thing to love
It's such a wonderful thing to love
It's such a wonderful thing to love
It's such a wonderful thing to love
It's such a wonderful thing
It's such a wonderful thing to love
It's such a wonderful thing to love
It's such a wonderful thing to love
It's such a wonderful thing
The song Patricia by Florence + the Machine depicts a person's admiration for someone they look up to as their North Star. The singer of the song is deeply inspired by Patricia's ability to grow flowers from their hands, and how every seed they sow makes the cold world beautiful. Throughout the song, the singer emphasizes how Patricia is a guiding force in their life, reminding them to believe in the power of love even in the face of fear and darkness. The lyrics suggest that Patricia is a reassuring presence, someone who offers comfort and hope to those around them.
The song portrays a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty, particularly when the singer asks if the listener feels loved. These introspective moments serve to highlight the importance of having a "North Star" figure in one's life. The repetition of the line "Oh Patricia, you've always been my North Star" not only reinforces this relationship of admiration and respect but also serves as a reminder of the power of having someone to look up to. The song ends with the singer acknowledging that loving someone can be a "wonderful thing," ultimately reinforcing the central message that Patricia's influence has had on their life.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh Patricia, you've always been my North Star
Patricia has always been a guiding light for me, a constant force of guidance and direction.
And I have to tell you something I'm still afraid of the dark
I have something to confess to Patricia, but it's something that still scares me deeply.
You take my hand in your hand from you flowers grow
Patricia has a nurturing quality, and out of her care and guidance, beautiful things can bloom.
And you understand with every seed you sow you make this cold world beautiful
Patricia knows that every small action can make a difference, and she strives to make the world a more beautiful place.
She told me all doors are open to the believer
Patricia believes that anything is possible for those who have faith and conviction.
I believe her, I believe her, I believe her
I have faith in Patricia's words and trust her guidance.
You're a real man, and you do what you can
You are a true and authentic person, and you always try to do your best.
You only take as much as you can grab with two hands
You are practical and take only what you need, nothing more, nothing less.
With your big heart, you praise God above
You have a kind and generous nature and recognize a greater power at work in the world.
But how's it working out for you, honey?
I'm curious about how you're doing and whether your kindness and faith are paying off.
Do you feel loved?
Are you receiving the love and recognition that you deserve?
I drink too much coffee and I think of you often
You are always on my mind, and I have trouble relaxing and letting go of my thoughts about you.
In a city where reality has long been forgotten
We live in a world where it can be hard to differentiate truth from illusion, but Patricia provides a sense of grounding.
Are you afraid? 'Cause I'm terrified
I'm scared to confront my feelings and tell you my truth, but I wonder if you feel the same way.
But you remind me that it's such a wonderful thing to love
Despite the fear and uncertainty, the experience of loving someone is a beautiful and wondrous thing.
It's such a wonderful thing to love
Loving someone is a profound and life-changing experience, one that is worth pursuing and treasuring.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Florence Welch, Emilie Haynie, Thomas Bartlett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind