King Lyrics – Florence + The Machine

[Verse 1]
The first verse describes a conversation or argument in the kitchen between the narrator and someone else, possibly a partner. They discuss whether or not to have children, the state of the world, and the value of art. The line "The very thing you're best at is the thing that hurts the most" suggests that the narrator's artistic abilities, while a source of strength, can also be emotionally challenging. The phrase "you need your rotten heart, your dazzling pain like diamond rings" implies that the narrator finds inspiration in their own personal struggles and heartache. They believe they need to experience pain and hardship to create meaningful art. The final line, "I am no mother, I am no bride, I am king," challenges traditional gender roles and suggests that the narrator identifies with qualities typically associated with power and authority.

[Chorus]
The chorus expresses the narrator's desire for symbols of power and sorrow. They long for a "golden crown of sorrow" and a "bloody sword to swing," suggesting a yearning for a sense of grandeur and significance. The line "My empty halls to echo with grand self-mythology" conveys a desire for their own personal narrative and mythology to be recognized and celebrated. They reiterate the phrase "I am no mother, I am no bride, I am king," emphasizing their defiance of societal expectations and their own unique identity.

[Verse 2]
The second verse reflects on the ever-changing nature of womanhood. The narrator describes themselves as a "changeling," always shifting shape and evolving. They express surprise and confusion at the internal struggles they face, symbolized by "strange claws scratching at my skin." The line "I never knew my killer would be coming from within" suggests that the narrator's own internal battles and conflicts can be just as challenging as external forces. Once again, they assert their identity as king, rejecting traditional roles of motherhood and marriage....Read More