My boy builds coffins with hammers and nails
He doesn't build ships, he has no use for sails
He doesn't make tables, dressers or chairs
He can't carve a whistle 'cause he just doesn't care

My boy builds coffins for the rich and the poor
Kings and queens have all knocked on his door
Beggars and liars, gypsies and thieves
They all come to him 'cause he's so eager to please

My boy builds coffins, he makes them all day
But it's not just for work and it isn't for play
He's made one for himself
One for me too
One of these days he'll make one for you
For you, for you, for you

My boy builds coffins for better or worse
Some say it's a blessing, some say it's a curse
He fits them together in sunshine or rain
Each one is unique, no two are the same

My boy builds coffins and I think it's a shame
That when each one's been made, he can't see it again
He crafts every one with love and with care
Then it's thrown in the ground, it just isn't fair

My boy builds coffins, he makes them all day
But it's not just for work and it isn't for play
He's made one for himself
One for me too
And one of these days he'll make one for you
For you, for you, for you, for you


Lyrics submitted by iamraw

My Boy Builds Coffins Lyrics as written by Florence Leontine Mary Welch Christopher Lloyd Hayden

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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My Boy Builds Coffins song meanings
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  • +7
    My Interpretation

    I hate to break it to Florence and the Machine fans, but this particular song just isn't all that deep. Florence makes multiple references to the inevitability of death. "My boy builds coffins for the rich and the poor" - Everyone dies one way or another. "But it's not just for work and it isn't for play" - If it isn't for work, and isn't for play, then what is it for? It's because he HAS TO. "He crafts every one with love and with care; Then its thrown in the ground and it just isn't fair" -Men and women can live wonderful lives, leave their imprint on the world, others may live horrible lives, be murderers or thieves, yet in the end, they end up in the ground like everyone else; it isn't fair. "One of these days he'll make one for you" -Yes, you are going to die, as well.

    frankiedueon January 22, 2011   Link

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