My Boy Builds Coffins

Florence + The Machine's song "My Boy Builds Coffins" delves into the themes of mortality, craftsmanship, and the inevitability of death. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a boy who dedicates his life to building coffins, a task that is both somber and profound. Unlike other craftsmen who create objects for daily use or pleasure, this boy's work is solely focused on the end of life. The repetition of the phrase "My boy builds coffins" emphasizes the constancy and inevitability of death, a universal experience that touches everyone, regardless of their social status or background.

The song's narrative suggests a deep sense of acceptance and perhaps even a form of reverence for the cycle of life and death. The boy's work is described as meticulous and filled with care, indicating that each coffin is a unique creation, much like each human life. This craftsmanship can be seen as a metaphor for the way we live our lives, each one distinct and irreplaceable. The line "He's made one for himself, one for me too, one of these days he'll make one for you" serves as a poignant reminder that death is an inescapable part of the human experience, touching everyone eventually.

Florence Welch, the lead singer of Florence + The Machine, is known for her ethereal voice and poetic lyrics that often explore themes of love, loss, and existential contemplation. In "My Boy Builds Coffins," she uses the imagery of coffin-building to explore the delicate balance between life and death. The song invites listeners to reflect on their own mortality and the ways in which they confront or avoid the reality of death. It also touches on the idea that the work we do, and the care we put into it, can have a lasting impact, even if we may not always see the results ourselves.