Breaking Down
Florence the Machine Lyrics

All alone it was always there you see
Despite being alone, the source of fear was ever-present

And even on my own
Even when isolated

It was always standing next to me
The thing causing distress was always near

I can see it coming from the edge of the room
Anxiety or fear was approaching

Creeping in the streetlight holding my hand in the pale gloom
Feelings of unease were present even on a bright street.

Can you see it coming now?
Asking if others are aware of the same presence.

All alone even when I was a child
Loneliness and fear have been present since childhood.

I've always known there was something to be frightened of
Anxiety was always present.

All alone on the edge of sleep
Even in restlessness or fatigue, fear lingers.

My old familiar friend
Anxiety feels like an old companion.

Comes and lies down next to me
The anxious feeling is always with the singer.

Smiling in the streetlight even with my eyes shut tight
Fear persists despite attempts to avoid it.

I still see it coming now
Awareness of impending anxiety.

Ah-ah, ah-ah I think I'm breaking down again
The overwhelming presence of fear is causing the singer to feel mentally unstable.