How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful

Florence + The Machine's song 'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful' is a poetic exploration of love, loss, and the overwhelming beauty of the world. The lyrics juxtapose personal emotions with grand, almost cosmic imagery, creating a sense of awe and wonder. The opening lines, 'Between a crucifix and the Hollywood sign, we decided to get hurt,' set the stage for a journey through both pain and beauty, suggesting a relationship that is both sacred and profane, filled with highs and lows.

The recurring imagery of skylines and cities as gifts and kisses upon the lips evokes a sense of romanticism and appreciation for the world around us. This is further emphasized by the chorus, 'How big, how blue, how beautiful,' which can be interpreted as a reflection on the vastness and beauty of both the physical world and the emotional experiences within it. The mention of a man falling from space adds a surreal, almost dreamlike quality to the song, symbolizing a fall from grace or a significant change in perspective.

The lyrics also touch on themes of connection and separation. The lines 'And every day I wore your face, like an atmosphere around me' suggest a deep, almost symbiotic relationship, where the presence of the other person is felt constantly. However, there is also a sense of inevitability and change, as seen in the lines 'What are we gonna do? We've opened the door, now it's all coming through.' This could represent the uncontrollable nature of emotions and the changes they bring. The song concludes with a sense of longing and hope for reunion, 'Maybe I'll see you in another life, if this one wasn't enough,' leaving the listener with a bittersweet feeling of both loss and possibility.