“Moderation” by Florence + The Machine Lyrics Meaning
“Moderation” is a song about making an appeal for something which ultimately results in frustration. In the context of the track, this annoyance is primarily based on not receiving the satisfactory level of desired love from the object of one’s affection.
The chorus however, does not fit directly into this storyline. It is rather based on a childhood experience of Florence Welch. That particular occurrence was highlighted by her being reprimanded in a church.
Florence’s beef is based on her loving without inhibition. However, the recipient of this goodwill is not displaying the same level of initiative. Rather he seems more inclined to take things slow or as Florence puts it “love… in moderation”. However, Welch responds that she is not built that way. Rather she is an all-or-nothing person who doesn’t have the ability to keep her emotions in check. Nor does she respond well to tension.
The church experience comes into play as apparently during that time, she was scolded for not being able to control her emotions. It was then that she was instructed to “hold it in”. However, she does not see the value of submitting to pain and discomfort.
What Florence Welch has said about “Moderation”
According to Welch, the song is one that demands to be performed live. She further stated that lyrics of the chorus were inspired by her childhood memories of being reprimanded at church.
Facts about “Moderation”
- “Moderation” was written by three artists, including Florence Welch. The other two are English composer James Ford and American singer Doveman.
- Welch and Ford handled the production duties of this song.
- Besides Welch, no other member of Florence and the Machine partook in the writing or production of this track.
- Ford and the band had collaborated multiple times before this single. However, the track marked Doveman’s first collab with Florence Welch and her band.
- “Moderation” officially came out on January 24, 2019. It was released alongside another song “Haunted House” (which is its B-side).
- This track, along with “Haunted House”, is the first Florence + The Machine’s first new material for 2019.
- Florence + The Machine performed the song live for the first time on January 12, 2019 during in Australia. This performance took place approximately 12 days before the track’s official release.
- The track has two verses, two choruses, a bridge and an outro. Welch solely handles all the aforementioned sections of the song.
- The band initially recorded this song for their 2018 album High as Hope. However, since its topic didn’t agree with the theme of the album, they excluded it from the album.
Where was “Moderation” premiered?
Florence + The Machine premiered this song officially on the Beats 1 radio program hosted by world-renowned DJ Zane Lowe.
Which Florence + the Machine album does this song appear on?
It appears on the band’s 2019 project titled Moderation – Single. The song “Haunted House” is also featured on that record.
