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Florence + The Machine — Heartlines
Album: Ceremonials
Avg rating:
6.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1178









Released: 2011
Length: 4:55
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Oh, the river, oh, the river, it's running free,
And I'll join in the joy it brings to me
But I know it'll have to drown me,
Before I can breathe easy,
And I've seen it in the flights of birds, I've seen it in you,
The entrails of the animals, the blood running through,
But in order to get to the heart, I think sometimes you have to cut through,
But you can

[Keeeeep iiiiit (you can) uuuuuup]
(Yoooouuuuu caaaaaaan)
(Iiiii knoooow yoooooou can)
(You can)

Just keep following the heartlines on your hand
Just keep following the heartlines on your hand
Keep it up, I know you can
Just keep following the heartlines on your hand
Cause I am

(Yeah, yeah x2)

Odyssey on odyssey and land over land,
Creeping and crawling like the sea over sand
Still I follow the heartlines on your hand,
This fantasy, this fallacy, this tumbling stone
Echoes of a city that's long overgrown,
Your heart is the only place that I call home,
I cannot be returned.
You can

[Keeeeep iiiiit (you can) uuuuuup]
(Yoooouuuuu caaaaaaan)
(Iiiii knoooow yoooooou can)
(You can)

Just keep following the heartlines on your hand
Just keep following the heartlines on your hand
Keep it up, I know you can.
Just keep following the heartlines on your hand

(Yeah, yeah x2)

What a thing to do. Oh. (yeah x2)
What a thing to choose
But no-o-ooh,
In some way, I'm there with you
Up against the wall, on a Wednesday afternoon

Just keep following the heartlines on your hand
Just keep following the heartlines on your hand
Keep it up, I know you can.
Just keep following the heartlines on your hand,
Cause I am
Comments (119)add comment
Dang, look at that secondary peak of ratings at "1".
Shouty. I find listening to death metal more soothing. Saying that, how about a death metal channel Bill? :-)  
 RazzCat wrote:
Many comments here about her voice being strident, too loud.

Dunno, but I just hear passion. Maybe that's jus' me...
 

The issue is less her voice than her songs, which are all the same, with the same rhythm and the same singalong. To me very boring.
 Huey wrote:
NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote:
I don't think she screams loudly enough.

 
Proclivities wrote: 
 
She will if you leave that toilet seat up again.

LMFAO
 
LOL! ...Look before you leap
 ExploitingChaos wrote:
I don't like Florence, for the same reason her fans love her for.

Got to respect that!
 
Because how dare a woman sing with conviction and above a whisper? 

Dollars to donuts you like plenty of male singers that belt it out.
 Proclivities wrote:

She will if you leave that toilet seat up again.
 
Why don't women get this: If a man leaves the seat up, that means he didn't piss all over it. Thank him and put the seat down and enjoy your pee, damn it. Also, check before sitting your ass down!
Why does she belt it out with such fierce commitment?
Well at least partly because she can.
And I do enjoy it so. 
Every time I hear her voice, I raise my rating.  I'm at a 9 for this tune.  I think she has grown on me.   
I love this song because my 9 yr old daughter sings along at the top of her voice and doesn't care who's listening.
 RazzCat wrote:
Many comments here about her voice being strident, too loud.

Dunno, but I just hear passion. Maybe that's jus' me...
 

In the early Florence that I became aware of (Kiss with a Fist etc) I heard power and passion... now I (sadly) tend to hear strident first and power second. Pity that; amazing voice and great band, but the humour seems to have faded.
Hurricane Florence... Very powerful
It's taken me 5 years to move this from a 5 to a 7. I like her voice, but I always wondered why she was screaming at me all the time.
Heard it today and it clicked a bit more into the Like category. Perhaps its the mood I'm in, but I needed a bit of ARRRRRRR!!!!
seems to me that Adele and Florence came to my awareness at the same time.  Florence is by far the better band and singer.  just sayin'...
Many comments here about her voice being strident, too loud.

Dunno, but I just hear passion. Maybe that's jus' me...
I too am not a bit tamed—I too am untranslatable;
I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world.
and i upped it!
 stunix wrote:
hold on to something, here we go again..............
 
Indeed. Just downgraded this. Passionate and all that junk, but please, tone it down just a touch.
NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote:
I don't think she screams loudly enough.

 
Proclivities wrote: 
 
She will if you leave that toilet seat up again.

LMFAO
Siouxie and the Banshees redeux
 NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote:
I don't think she screams loudly enough.
 
She will if you leave that toilet seat up again.
Most Excellent     (whew, it's a workout boppin' to this one : )
Strident, anxious, over-dramatic

and that's just my morning 
 At in-service, grading essays and{#Dancingbanana_2}to RP.
I am not a big fan of FatM, but I have seen them live and I highly respected the performance.
 peregrin wrote:
For everyone complaining about F&M shouting, I have something special for you to sooth your ears to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdZ9weP5i68

 

hold on to something, here we go again..............
She struggles a lot in those heights, doesn't she...

...much like Katy Perry.

Slightly richer voice, though. 
 
TerryS wrote:
Any number of shouting male lead singers, but for some reason, FloMo gets people polarised.

 
It maybe because on a lot of her stuff played here she only has one volume, or seems to at least.  Personally depending on the mood I am in I either really like it or could do with out.  Today I am sort of indifferent to it.
 peregrin wrote:
For everyone complaining about F&M shouting, I have something special for you to sooth your ears to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdZ9weP5i68

 
Thanks, mate.  That did the trick.
{#Music}
 
For everyone complaining about F&M shouting, I have something special for you to sooth your ears to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdZ9weP5i68
Sometimes F & M just hit the spot deep inside like noone else can, and it's Florence's powerful reaching voice that greases the trajectory.
I like the "updated Annie & Eurythmics" comparison. Another one for DSDF--Different strokes…..
Instead of rancor and whining, maybe some folks can just leave the room, take a piss, or whatever when they come on. It'll be over b4 ya know it.
Any number of shouting male lead singers, but for some reason, FloMo gets people polarised.
Bit too much like Eurovision for me.  They all try much too hard to impress and it doesn't work for me - perhaps Florence should enter......
I don't think she screams loudly enough.
That kind of music should be higher in rotation then FATM for example.
I rated sucko barrfo every FATM song. Muahaahaa
 DeemerDave wrote:
vanmas wrote:
The screaming Florence again...
For me a quick push on the PSD button!
Sukko Barfo!
 

Johnny Lydon is screaming. James Hetfield is screaming. Kurt Cobain is screaming.
Florence Welch is definitely not screaming. That is one, powerful voice.
 
There's two "primary" vocal tracks - The lead vocals and background vocals.  During the choruses, the background vocals are sung with such force that they could be easily mistaken for screaming.  Towards the end of the song, Flo's main vocals double the background vocals line creating a further wall of forceful vocals.  Is she screaming?  I don't think so, but it's easy to think why someone would think so.  It's like singing by way of The Offspring.  Do I think that Dexter Holland screams instead of sings?  No, but I can understand how someone might arrive at that.
 hidey wrote:
I think she's a great pop star image and personality wise but I'm just not a fan of Florence's songs. Too much shouting, she has the same effect on me as Mumford and Sons. I just need the yelling to STOP.

 
Hey, it's better than this:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9H1PEgNK3c


 logic wrote:

Totally agree.  I happen to like F&M (and was introduced to it here), but to each their own.  Keep up the good work Bill & Rebecca!

 
Completely agree on all accounts! 
I hear an updated Annie Lennox and The Eurythmics. I like it.
 bluejay08003 wrote:
The good news for you is that Bill & Rebecca choose the tunes around here, pretty much without regard for what we say.
 
Totally agree.  I happen to like F&M (and was introduced to it here), but to each their own.  Keep up the good work Bill & Rebecca!
 randyblew wrote:
God you all sound so jaded and old! Sure Florence is a bit dramatic, world-musicy annoying, not unlike a European TV commercial. But dang, they are inspirational, lyrically gorgeous, layered, based on about three different levels of musical history, and NOT Katy Perry or anything having to do with Auto-tune! Please, most of you get over your own opinions of your own opinions, and revel in something that is smart, gorgeous, inspiring, and not created in 1969. That is all.

 
On the first page of comments, dating back to 2012, I see a lot of complaints about F&M, but I don't see any comparisons to any artists, except maybe Imogen Heap (b. 1977) and Tori Amos (b. 1963).  The closest reference to anything "created in 1969" was Bruce Springsteen.  I didn't review the wags' musical preferences, but I'm going to bet they like lots of stuff created in the last 10 years. 

My opinion is that F&M is not my cup of tea.  Maybe in 40 years I'll be lucky enough to be alive to change my opinion.

The good news for you is that Bill & Rebecca choose the tunes around here, pretty much without regard for what we say. 
 vanmas wrote:
The screaming Florence again...
For me a quick push on the PSD button!
Sukko Barfo!

 

Johnny Lydon is screaming. James Hetfield is screaming. Kurt Cobain is screaming.
Florence Welch is definitely not screaming. That is one, powerful voice. 
Quiet can be good, too!
I quite liked it. Especially the drums.
 smackiepipe wrote:


 
 Oh....to hell with it ...I'm calling in sick today ...

 randyblew wrote:
God you all sound so jaded and old! Sure Florence is a bit dramatic, world-musicy annoying, not unlike a European TV commercial. But dang, they are inspirational, lyrically gorgeous, layered, based on about three different levels of musical history, and NOT Katy Perry or anything having to do with Auto-tune! Please, most of you get over your own opinions of your own opinions, and revel in something that is smart, gorgeous, inspiring, and not created in 1969. That is all.
 

God you all sound so jaded and old! Sure Florence is a bit dramatic, world-musicy annoying, not unlike a European TV commercial. But dang, they are inspirational, lyrically gorgeous, layered, based on about three different levels of musical history, and NOT Katy Perry or anything having to do with Auto-tune! Please, most of you get over your own opinions of your own opinions, and revel in something that is smart, gorgeous, inspiring, and not created in 1969. That is all.


Everybody in my church loves this song...
 
 minimole wrote:
I want to like F&M, I really do. I start each song with "oh good", and then my goodwill collapses under the blunt instrument of her voice.

This particular song would be a good opening song for the increasingly over-produced and over-blown "Olympics opening ceremony". It has the all the qualities: thunderous drumming, anthemic feel-good factor and "suitable for all ages".
 
clever
I think she's a great pop star image and personality wise but I'm just not a fan of Florence's songs. Too much shouting, she has the same effect on me as Mumford and Sons. I just need the yelling to STOP.
 Hasan wrote:

I'll tell ya, if I could belt it out like that, I would belt it out like that  —  and glory in the good fortune of having a gift for such power and clarity.  And hell, if I could fill the Albert Hall with people eager to help me glory in that well, that'd just be gravy.
 
                                Yes!



Time for a little goose step dancing. PSD
{#Doh}
 
This screaming all the time, i'd say, time for a name change:
 
Florence The Machine   
The screaming Florence again...
For me a quick push on the PSD button!
Sukko Barfo!
This sounds just like her other song.
 Cleavose wrote:
I want to hear some mash-ups of Florence + the Machine plus Mike + the Mechanics. I think of that every time they get played on RP, its that fruity "+" sign they both use in their names, nothing to do with any similarity in their music. Maybe "mash-up" isn't the right word to describe that 4-way intersection collision, but I still want it to exist.
 

Ok I'll do it......Florence + the Mechanics
 minimole wrote:
 ...and then my goodwill collapses under the blunt instrument of her voice.

Epic RP comment. Wish I could have said it that beautifully.
I want to like F&M, I really do. I start each song with "oh good", and then my goodwill collapses under the blunt instrument of her voice.

This particular song would be a good opening song for the increasingly over-produced and over-blown "Olympics opening ceremony". It has the all the qualities: thunderous drumming, anthemic feel-good factor and "suitable for all ages".
brilliant! {#Clap}
GO, FLO!!  See ya in September in Sunrise     {#Music}
Disagree with many of you.  I like it.
 christy_oneil wrote:
The louder she 'sings' the more tuneless she becomes. Her talents such as they are appear to be self obscuring with ego.
 
  It's just downright painful.
Sure, it's a lot of studio assistance, but the entire production makes a potent song, no matter how it's done.  9  {#Notworthy}
dwhayslett wrote:

Word.

Wait ... you were talking about the song and not your posts?  Oh.
 
giggle
 christy_oneil wrote:
The louder she 'sings' the more tuneless she becomes. Her talents such as they are appear to be self obscuring with ego.
 
I'll tell ya, if I could belt it out like that, I would belt it out like that  —  and glory in the good fortune of having a gift for such power and clarity.  And hell, if I could fill the Albert Hall with people eager to help me glory in that well, that'd just be gravy.


looking forward to catching her later this summer at Osheaga
The louder she 'sings' the more tuneless she becomes. Her talents such as they are appear to be self obscuring with ego.
 ANNOYING FRENETIC YODELING
  Segue wrote:
FRENETIC YODELING
  
shellbella wrote:


ANNOYING FRENETIC YODELING
 

 Cleavose wrote:
I want to hear some mash-ups of Florence + the Machine plus Mike + the Mechanics. I think of that every time they get played on RP, its that fruity "+" sign they both use in their names, nothing to do with any similarity in their music. Maybe "mash-up" isn't the right word to describe that 4-way intersection collision, but I still want it to exist.
 

As long as they never play it.
I want to hear some mash-ups of Florence + the Machine plus Mike + the Mechanics. I think of that every time they get played on RP, its that fruity "+" sign they both use in their names, nothing to do with any similarity in their music. Maybe "mash-up" isn't the right word to describe that 4-way intersection collision, but I still want it to exist.
She's gonna have to yell at me a few more times before I bump her up from 5 to a 6.
 
Segue wrote:
What is she on about? Seriously? They called Springsteen "histrionic." This sounds like Tori Amos wannabe on meth. Is there a point? And how come THE SONG. DOES NOT. CONVEY IT?

On and on about what?

Sheesh 

Clearly a talented woman, don't wanna be hatin on her but NOTHING comes through except the pretense that SOMETHING is SO dramatic. What?
 
Tori Amos on meth! Cant say it better.
Another torrent of angst.Can't this woman chill out?
hah !!
thought it was imogen heap
two amazing artists making great music  
Florence <3
 {#Stop} Yes she is! EEK

rtrudeau wrote:
SHE'S STILL YELLING
 


Who is this? Never heard of them before.{#Rolleyes}
SLAYTANIC!
 Segue wrote:
FRENETIC YODELING
 
It's not that frenetic; it seems more calculated to me.

Bill,  you keep expanding the playlist from Ceremonials and I am starting to think this album is better than the last.  

 
 Segue wrote:
 NOTHING comes through except the pretense that SOMETHING is SO dramatic. What?
 
Word.

Wait ... you were talking about the song and not your posts?  Oh.
 johnjconn wrote:
My favorite Flo's include:

1. Florence and the Machines
2. Flo from Progressive Insurance
3. Mrs Brady (Flo Henderson)
4. Flo Jo

 
Don't forget the Flowbee.


SHE'S STILL YELLING
 Segue wrote:
FRENETIC YODELING
 
Yes, perhaps, but she does it very well, you see?
 Segue wrote:
FRENETIC YODELING
 
ANNOYING FRENETIC YODELING
FRENETIC YODELING
A happy, upbeat, vibrant sound. I like. 
Perhaps this is where Bellowhead got the inspiration for their name.
She has a big voice, harnessing it is the trick.
"grandiose schlock." There it is. Well put.

 
chyk5 wrote:


{#Yes}  Agreed; grandiose schlock.
 

What is she on about? Seriously? They called Springsteen "histrionic." This sounds like Tori Amos wannabe on meth. Is there a point? And how come THE SONG. DOES NOT. CONVEY IT?

On and on about what?

Sheesh 

Clearly a talented woman, don't wanna be hatin on her but NOTHING comes through except the pretense that SOMETHING is SO dramatic. What?
No question, Flo is an exclamation point.  One that I truly like.
Why is she yelling at me!?
PSD button on Beta site is excellent, now I don't have to hear the screaming or whatever she is doing
 

 jatkins679 wrote:
I don't believe I've heard a more over-rated musician/band this this. The quicker they fade back into oblivion, the better.
 

{#Yes}  Agreed; grandiose schlock.
I don't believe I've heard a more over-rated musician/band this this. The quicker they fade back into oblivion, the better.
I have both albums, I absolutely adore the Fabulous Forence + the Machines. She is also a spectacular performer.
 Andrew_C wrote:
I happened to catch her doing Fleetwood Mac's "Chain" at Glastonbury.  Absolutely stunning!
 
That is a song that would be well suited to her style.  I'd like to hear that one.


I happened to catch her doing Fleetwood Mac's "Chain" at Glastonbury.  Absolutely stunning!
 Sasha2001 wrote:
Ok, good stuff. But I wish she had a gear lower then fifth.Not every song has to be an anthem.
 
I agree with last statement. I really loved the one cut from the Twilight soundtrack. It was dark and spooky and different and I was hopeful for more of that brilliance. But everything else pretty much sounds the same to me. And I think her voice is way too affected. It gets old fast.

 vaiodon wrote:

Siouxsie Sioux.....
 
The one, the only, the original Siouxsie Sioux.  Flo is wearing her influences on her sleeve, but it isn't bad.  She and Bat for Lashes took quite a bit out of Siouxsie and Budgie's play book.  I am a sucker for the heavy tribal sounding drums.

 drivingunit103 wrote:

... agreed - getting used to them - a 7 to start 8->
 
started at 1 and can't find 0
 kingart wrote:
Flo & the Machines has a very distinctive sound. Can't misidentify them when they hit RP. They grow on you. This one rocks out, but it might take a bit of getting used to. Really upbeat drum heavy production.
 
... agreed - getting used to them - a 7 to start 8->

Ok, good stuff. But I wish she had a gear lower then fifth.Not every song has to be an anthem.
Too much
 vaiodon wrote:
Siouxsie Sioux.....
 

...ah, good catch!..
Very catchy, these sweeping chorus lines.

Siouxsie Sioux.....
I knew this was Florence before I even looked. Very powerful voice - I wish she knew a little more about nuance,{#Yell} but for this song, the passion is totally right.  I like it! 
What!! Again?
Amazing chorus
Flo & the Machines has a very distinctive sound. Can't misidentify them when they hit RP. They grow on you. This one rocks out, but it might take a bit of getting used to. Really upbeat drum heavy production.
Second, and I live it, too.
First and I love it!