Heartlines
Florence the Machine Lyrics

Oh the river, oh the river, it's running free
The river is free-flowing, and it is being used metaphorically to represent change and progress.

And oh the joy, oh the joy it brings to me
The joy represents the happiness that comes from progress and the acceptance of inevitable changes.

But I know it'll have to drown me
Although progress brings joy, it is also inevitable that some parts of oneself may have to be sacrificed in order to keep moving forward.

Before it can breathe easy
There is always a struggle involved in change or progress, but once it is achieved, one can finally relax.

And I've seen it in the flights of birds
The beauty and freedom of birds in flight is often used as a metaphor for the freedom of progress.

I've seen it in you the entrails of the animals
The entrails of animals are being used metaphorically to represent the inner self or emotions that one may have to face while moving forward.

The blood running through, but in order to get to the heart
Getting to the heart of oneself or the truth of a situation may require going through difficult emotions first.

I think sometimes you'll have to cut through, but you can't
Although cutting through difficult emotions or situations may seem necessary, it is often not the best course of action.

We will carry
The support of others is important while moving forward.

We will carry you there
Others will help you reach your destination or goal.

Just keep following
It is important to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.

The heartlines on your hand
The heartlines on your hand represent following your intuition or inner voice.

Keep it up, I know you can
Encouragement to keep moving forward.

On the sea, on the sea and land over land
The vastness of the ocean and land represent the infinite possibilities of progress.

Creeping and crawling like the sea over sand
Progress can be slow, but it is important to keep going and not give up.

Still I follow heartlines on your hand
Continuing to follow one's intuition or inner voice is important throughout the journey of progress.

This fantasy, this fallacy, this tumbling stone
Unrealistic expectations and thoughts that hold one back from progress.

Echoes of a city that's long overgrown
Memories of past events that no longer serve a purpose in the present moment and may hinder progress.

Your heart is the only place that I call home
The 'heart' represents a sense of belonging or comfort in oneself.

Can I be returned, you can
Can I find my way back to myself? Yes, it is possible.

Just keep following
Encouragement to keep moving forward.

What a thing to do
Making progress is a difficult and brave thing to do.

Oh-woah-oh what a thing to choose
Choosing to make progress is a monumental decision.

But know, in some way I'm there with you
Support from others is present, even when it may not seem like it.

Up against the wall on a Wednesday afternoon
A difficult situation or moment during the journey of progress.

'Cause I am
The support of others is present throughout the journey of progress.