Bedroom Hymns

Florence + The Machine's 'Bedroom Hymns' is a powerful exploration of the intersection between the sacred and the profane, using religious imagery to delve into themes of desire, submission, and the human condition. The song opens with a plea to build an altar, immediately setting a tone of worship and reverence. However, this altar is not in a traditional church but rather in the intimate setting of a bedroom, blending the sacred with the sensual. The invocation of Maria and Jesus adds layers of religious symbolism, suggesting a complex relationship between spiritual devotion and earthly desires.

The lyrics 'This is his body, this is his love' echo the Christian sacrament of communion, where bread and wine symbolize the body and blood of Christ. Yet, in this context, the 'body' and 'love' take on a more carnal meaning, reflecting the physical and emotional intensity of a romantic relationship. The repeated phrase 'such selfish prayers' highlights the inherent self-centeredness in seeking personal fulfillment, whether through religious devotion or romantic entanglement. The song's chorus, with its insistent 'I can't get enough,' underscores the insatiable nature of human desire, whether for divine connection or earthly pleasure.

Florence Welch's haunting vocals and the song's driving rhythm create a sense of urgency and fervor, mirroring the intensity of the lyrics. The imagery of 'spilled milk tears' and 'the black and the blue' evokes a sense of sacrifice and suffering, while 'the sweetest submission' and 'the bedroom hymns' suggest a willing surrender to these powerful emotions. The song ultimately suggests that the search for meaning and fulfillment is a deeply personal journey, one that can be both sacred and profane, divine and undone.