Lyric discussion by missindarkness 

Cover art for Various Storms & Saints lyrics by Florence + the Machine

In the opening line, she refers to the air as being full of various storms and saints – ie, various disasters but at the same time, lots of blessings. She is caught in the middle of all this destruction, but jumps into a new relationship when it comes because it’s the light in the dark times. This guy has control over her in some way, and although she doesn’t really think it’s a good thing to be with him, she wants to be free. Perhaps open to the type of relationship that it is, despite knowing it isn’t good for her.

“don’t make the mountain your enemy” = overcome challenges, don’t run away from them. She wants to overcome the part of herself that is holding her back. He was ‘too tempting not to touch’ so she just had to have him.

Untying oneself is like becoming loose and free, making a clear lifeline. Letting go of the anxieties and forgiving yourself for your own wrongs. “Some things you let go in order to live”

‘Who made us this way’ is a reference to that society, telling people that they are meant to forget to feel, just push on and get over it. Avoid heartache by never giving your heart away. In the middle of that society there are people who need to break free and find places to really live.

Overall, she’s in this horrible society and place but she wants to be happy with this guy, so she finds the silver lining and sneaks around even if necessary to get it.

My Interpretation