Howl

The reading list of Florence Welch, the vocalist and main person of Florence and the Machine, is evidently extensive and morbid. This song, which started off being originally about a werewolf before developing into a ditty about extremely passionate love, was clearly influenced by the gothic horror stories she read as a child. Welch told The Scotsman January 25, 2009: "When I was a kid, I was physically afraid of monsters and ghosts, vampires and werewolves. It was a scary couple of years and I don't know if I am over it yet. I've toned it down but I still have to wake up at night and turn the light on. Now I translate it into songs and try to become the werewolf."

[Verse 1] If you could only see the beast you've made of me I held it in, but now it seems you've set it running free Screaming in the dark, I howl when we're apart Drag my teeth across your chest to taste your beating heart My fingers claw your skin, try to tear my way in You are the moon that breaks the night for which I have to howl My fingers claw your skin, try to tear my way in You are the moon that breaks the night for which I have to [Hook] Howl, howl Howl, howl [Verse 2] Now there's no holding back, I'm ready to attack My blood is singing with your voice, I want to pour it out The saints can't help me now, the ropes have been unbound I hunt for you with bloody feet across the hallowed ground Like some child, possessed, the beast howls in my veins I want to find you, tear out all your tenderness and [Hook] Howl, howl Howl, howl [Chorus 1] Be careful of the curse that falls on young lovers Starts so soft and sweet, and turns them to hunters [Bridge] (Hunters, hunters) (Hunters, hunters) (Hunters, hunters) (Hunters, hunters) [Verse 3] The fabric of your flesh, pure as a wedding dress Until I wrap myself inside your arms, I cannot rest The saints can't help me now, the ropes have been unbound I hunt for you with bloody feet across the hallowed ground And howl, howl [Chorus 1] Be careful of the curse that falls on young lovers Starts so soft and sweet, and turns them to hunters A man who's pure of heart and says his prayers by night May still become a wolf when the autumn moon is bright [Outro] If you could only see the beast you've made of me I held it in, but now it seems you've set it running free The saints can't help me now, the ropes have been unbound I hunt for you with bloody feet across the hallowed ground