Dog Days Are Over
VA Florence The Machine Florence And The Machine Lyrics
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Coming towards her, stuck still no turning back
She hid around corners and she hid under beds
She killed it with kisses and from it she fled
With every bubble she sank with a drink
And washed it away down the kitchen sink
The dog days are over
The horses are coming so you better run
Run fast for your mother run fast for your father
Run for your children for your sisters and brothers
Leave all your love and your longing behind you
Can't carry it with you if you want to survive
The dog days are over
The dog days are done
Can't you hear the horses
'Cause here they come
And I never wanted anything from you
Except everything you had
And what was left after that too, oh
Happiness hit her like a bullet in the back
Struck from a great height
By someone who should know better than that
The dog days are over
The dog days are done
Can you hear the horses
'Cause here they come
Run fast for your mother and fast for your father
Run for your children for your sisters and brothers
Leave all your love and your loving behind you
Can't carry it with you if you want to survive
The dog days are over
The dog days are done
Can you hear the horses
'Cause here they come
The dog days are over
The dog days are done
Can you hear the horses
'Cause here they come
The dog days are over
The dog days are done
The horses are coming
So you better run
In "Dog Days Are Over," Florence Welch tells a story of transformation, of overcoming internal obstacles and surrendering to the healing power of joy, represented by the metaphor of the "dog days." The chorus celebrates the end of an emotional slump, urging the listener to leave behind their troubles and start running towards a new, brighter life. The verses hint that this epiphany was not easily won, as happiness initially arrived as a disruptive and unexpected force, shattering the singer's familiar routine and forcing her to confront her fears. At first, she tried to avoid happiness, finding refuge in addictive behaviors and futile attempts to escape, but eventually realized that the only way to move forward was to let go of the past and embrace the present with open arms. The final lines of the song suggest that even though the process was painful and disorienting, it was worth it, as the singer emerges stronger, wiser, and more alive.
The music of "Dog Days Are Over" reinforces the uplifting and transformative message of the lyrics, with a bright and joyful arrangement that blends folk, rock, and pop influences. The song features a fast-paced drumbeat, ringing guitars, and a catchy chorus that invites the listener to join in and sing along. The bridge introduces a gospel-style choir that adds a sense of community and shared celebration, as if everyone is invited to join in the singer's journey of self-discovery. Throughout the song, Florence Welch delivers a powerful and emotive vocal performance, switching between fragile whispers and explosive wails that capture the intensity and complexity of her feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
Happiness, hit her like a train on a track
A sudden and overwhelming feeling of happiness took hold of her, like a train barreling down a track towards her.
Coming towards her, stuck still no turning back
The happiness was heading towards her and she was frozen, unable to turn away or avoid it.
She hid around corners and she hid under beds
She tried to avoid the happiness, hiding in corners and even under beds to escape it.
She killed it with kisses and from it she fled
She couldn't accept the happiness, so she kissed it goodbye and then ran away from it.
With every bubble she sank with a drink
She tried to drown her sorrows and let go of the happiness with every sip of alcohol.
And washed it away down the kitchen sink
She tried to wash away the happiness, but it was too strong and couldn't be easily forgotten.
The dog days are over
Her difficult days are in the past and she is moving on to something better.
The dog days are done
She is finally done with the struggles and hardships that she had been facing.
The horses are coming so you better run
There is change coming and she needs to be ready for it, or she'll be left behind.
Run fast for your mother run fast for your father
She needs to move quickly, and she's doing it for her family and loved ones.
Run for your children for your sisters and brothers
She's also doing it for the sake of her children and siblings.
Leave all your love and your longing behind you
She needs to let go of everything that might weigh her down or hold her back on this journey.
Can't carry it with you if you want to survive
To survive the change that is coming, she cannot be burdened by extra baggage or emotions.
And I never wanted anything from you
She didn't expect anything from anyone, including the source of her happiness.
Except everything you had
All she wanted was everything the source of her happiness had to offer.
And what was left after that too, oh
And even when everything was given, she still wanted more and couldn't let go of the happiness.
Happiness hit her like a bullet in the back
The happiness hit her suddenly and without warning, like a bullet in the back.
Struck from a great height by someone who should know better than that
The source of her happiness was unexpected, and maybe even irresponsible or careless for giving it to her.
Can you hear the horses 'cause here they come
The change she was anticipating is finally here, and she needs to be ready for it.
The horses are coming so you better run
Change is happening and if she doesn't act fast, she'll miss her chance to be a part of it.
Can you hear the horses
The change is loud and clear, and she needs to listen to it and prepare accordingly.
The dog days are over
She's ready to leave her difficult past behind her.
The dog days are done
She's done with her struggles and is now embracing the future.
The horses are coming
Change is coming and she needs to be ready and adaptable for what's next.
So you better run
She needs to keep moving forward to be a part of the change that is coming.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FLORENCE LEONTINE MARY WELCH, ISABELLA JANET FLORENTINA SUMMERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind