Howl

Florence + The Machine's song 'Howl' delves into the raw, primal emotions that can arise from intense love and desire. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who feels transformed into a beast by their overwhelming feelings. The opening lines, 'If you could only see / The beast you've made of me,' suggest that the intensity of the relationship has unleashed a wild, uncontrollable side of the narrator. This transformation is further emphasized by the recurring imagery of howling, a metaphor for the deep, almost animalistic yearning that the narrator experiences when separated from their lover.

The song's lyrics are rich with dark, gothic imagery, such as 'Screaming in the dark' and 'Drag my teeth across your chest / To taste your beating heart.' These lines evoke a sense of desperation and a need to physically connect with the lover, almost as if to consume them. The repeated references to the Moon, a symbol often associated with transformation and madness, further underscore the narrator's uncontrollable urges. The Moon 'breaks the night,' illuminating the narrator's inner turmoil and driving them to 'howl' in longing and frustration.

Florence Welch, the lead singer and songwriter, often explores themes of love, pain, and transformation in her music. In 'Howl,' she warns of the 'curse that falls on young lovers,' suggesting that intense passion can lead to destructive behavior. The song's haunting melody and powerful vocals amplify the sense of urgency and danger in the lyrics. The final lines, 'The saints can't help me now / The ropes have been unbound,' indicate that the narrator has fully embraced their wild, untamed nature, driven by an insatiable desire that cannot be contained.