Time it took us
To where the water was
That's what the water gave me
And time goes quicker
Between the two of us
But oh my love, don't forsake me
Take what the water gave me

Lay me down
Let the only sound
Be the overflow
Pockets full of stones
Lay me down
Let the only sound
Be the overflow

And oh, poor Atlas
The world's a beast of a burden
You've been holding on a long time
And all this longing
And the ships are left to rust
That's what the water gave us

So lay me down
Let the only sound
Be the overflow
Pockets full of stones
Lay me down
Let the only sound
Be the overflow

'Cause they took your loved ones
But returned them in exchange for you
But would you have it any other way?
Would you have it any other way?
You couldn't have it any other way

'Cause she's a cruel mistress
And a bargain must be made
But oh, my love, don't forget me
When I let the water take me

So lay me down
Let the only sound
Be the over flow
Pockets full of stones
Lay me down
Let the only sound
Be the overflow

Lay me down
Let the only sound
Be the overflow
Pockets full of stones
Lay me down
Let the only sound
Be the overflow


Lyrics submitted by KatherineKissMe, edited by Mellow_Harsher

What the Water Gave Me Lyrics as written by Florence Welch Francis Eg White

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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What the Water Gave Me song meanings
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  • +7
    General Comment

    I saw the whole song as exploring death.

    'Time it took us To where the water was That's what the water gave me'

    Thinking of the future and fearing death means you don't enjoy life when it happens. Florence clearly accepts death in this song, and even welcomes it. Accepting that death does happen and living in the present moment gives you the ability to appreciate the full beauty of life as it happens.

    I feel 'water' is used because it's both bringer of life and a bringer of death. Maybe it gave Florence the realisation!

    dgas1992on August 26, 2011   Link

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