What Kind Of Man

Florence + The Machine's song 'What Kind Of Man' delves into the complexities and emotional turmoil of a tumultuous relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that is both passionate and destructive. Florence Welch, the lead singer, uses powerful metaphors and imagery to convey the pain and confusion of being in a relationship with someone who is inconsistent and emotionally unavailable. The opening lines, 'I was on a heavy tip / Trying to cross a canyon with a broken limb,' suggest a sense of struggle and vulnerability, setting the tone for the rest of the song.

The recurring question, 'What kind of man loves like this?' highlights the central theme of the song: the bewilderment and frustration of loving someone who causes emotional pain. The lyrics describe a partner who is 'half in and then you're half out,' never fully committing but also never completely leaving. This indecisiveness leaves the narrator in a state of constant uncertainty and emotional distress. The line 'You inspired a fire of devotion / That lasts for twenty years' suggests a long-lasting impact of this love, despite its damaging nature.

Florence Welch's powerful vocals and the intense musical arrangement amplify the emotional weight of the lyrics. The song captures the paradox of being drawn to someone who is both a source of deep affection and profound hurt. The imagery of 'dangling at a cruel angle' and 'crawling back for more' underscores the addictive and self-destructive nature of this love. Ultimately, 'What Kind Of Man' is a raw and honest exploration of the complexities of love, highlighting the pain and confusion that can come with loving someone who is emotionally unavailable.