King

"King" is a reflection on family, identity, femininity and the subverting of expectations as a female performing artist. We hear Florence + The Machine lead singer Florence Welch ruminating on the dissonance between womanhood and her career in the music industry. I need my golden crown of sorrow, my bloody sword to swing My empty halls to echo with grand self-mythology I am no mother, I am no bride, I am King Penned by Welch in her mid-30s, the song finds the singer aware her fertile years will soon be over. She doesn't regret setting aside the expectation to get married and start a family because her music career has prospered. Welch has found fulfillment as a tortured artist where she reigns as a sovereign.

Welch had previously modeled herself almost exclusively on male performers. "As an artist, I never actually thought about my gender that much. I just got on with it," she said. "I was as good as the men and I just went out there and matched them every time." This song was triggered by Welch realizing she faces a different set of challenges than her male musical heroes. She sings about finding her inspiration from her artistic endeavors, yet fears missing out on a happy, domestic life. "Now, thinking about being a woman in my 30s and the future, I suddenly feel this tearing of my identity and my desires," Welch said. "That to be a performer, but also to want a family, might not be as simple for me as it is for my male counterparts."

Florence Welch co-wrote and co-produced the haunting song with Jack Antonoff. The American songwriter is a regular Taylor Swift collaborator and also known for his work with Lorde and Lana Del Rey.