Breaking Down

Album: Ceremonials (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Florence Welch, the frontwoman and primary contributor to Florence + the Machine, wrote much of her debut album, Lungs, about breaking up with her long term boyfriend, Stuart Hammond. The pair later patched things up and got back together but they eventually spilt up again. This track, which evokes both mental fragility and childhood fears was inspired by the ending of their relationship for a second time. Florence told Q magazine: "I really did feel like I was breaking down several times, it's true. Felt totally mad."
  • Some of the lyrics on Ceremonials are very dark, including those on this song: "All alone. Even when I was a child, I've always known there was something to be frightened of." Mojo magazine asked Welch if anyone expressed concern for her after reading the lyrics. She replied: "My mum did. I was like, 'I think this is part of my process of figuring it out.' I think she should be more worried if I'm not writing about it. 'Cos then I'd be internalising it, and that'd be worse."
  • The song's vintage music video includes footage of the band's tour across America as we see snippets of Welch and co in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New Orleans. It was shot in an old-fashioned Super 8 film format by Tabitha Denholm, who is one half of the English indie/disco duo Queens of Noize. She has previously worked with Florence + the Machine on several of their previous clips, including the ones for "Cosmic Love" and "Rabbit Heart."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.

Wolfgang Van Halen

Wolfgang Van HalenSongwriter Interviews

Wolfgang Van Halen breaks down the songs on his debut album, Mammoth WVH, and names the definitive Van Halen songs from the Sammy and Dave eras.

Maxi Priest

Maxi PriestSongwriter Interviews

The British reggae legend tells the story of his #1 hit "Close To You," talks about his groundbreaking Shabba Ranks collaboration "Housecall," and discusses his latest project with Robin Trower.

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Little Richard

Little RichardFact or Fiction

Was Long Tall Sally a cross-dresser? Did he really set his piano on fire? See if you know the real stories about one of rock's greatest innovators.

Why Does Everybody Hate Nu-Metal? Your Metal Questions Answered

Why Does Everybody Hate Nu-Metal? Your Metal Questions AnsweredSong Writing

10 Questions for the author of Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces