Hardest Of Hearts
Florence + The Machine
The Paradox of Love and Vulnerability in 'Hardest Of Hearts'
Florence + The Machine's song 'Hardest Of Hearts' delves into the complex and often paradoxical nature of love and vulnerability. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of love as an overwhelming force that cannot be contained. It 'pours from your eyes' and 'spills from your skin,' suggesting that true love is so powerful that it manifests physically and emotionally, often beyond one's control. This imagery sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how love can both heal and hurt, leaving 'the darkest of the marks' even with 'the kindest of kisses.'
The song also touches on the difficulty of expressing love. The lines 'There's love in your body, but you can't get it out' and 'It gets stuck in your head, won't come out of your mouth' highlight the internal struggle many face when trying to articulate their feelings. This inability to express love verbally leads to a bittersweet experience where 'the sweetest of words have the bitterest taste.' The song suggests that love, while beautiful, can also be a source of frustration and pain when it remains unspoken or misunderstood.
In the chorus, the repetition of 'the hardest of hearts' emphasizes the resilience required to endure the emotional highs and lows of love. The song acknowledges that love can be both a unifying and divisive force, as seen in the lines 'There's love in our bodies, and it holds us together, but pulls us apart when we're holding each other.' This duality captures the essence of human relationships, where the desire for connection often comes with the risk of heartbreak. Ultimately, 'Hardest Of Hearts' is a poignant reflection on the complexities of love, vulnerability, and the emotional resilience needed to navigate these experiences.