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Florence + The Machine — What the Water Gave Me (unplugged)
Album: MTV Unplugged
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2223








Released: 2012
Length: 4:45
Plays (last 30 days): 4
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
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 could have it any other way

'Cause she's a cruel mistress
And the 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
Comments (145)add comment
What a terrible song. And voice. 
 Ghiaap wrote:

A voice like an ice pick stabbed through my eardrum.




HaHa - And the comments suggest that Flo is being melodramatic...
Her "Yeah, yeah, yeahs" at the end of the song elevated me and my score from a 7 to an 8.
You hate it, or you love it,
I hate it, but you may love it.
I love it that I can skip it,
So you may love it a little bit longer.
 erwinphoto wrote:

It starts OK, but then it gets hysterical, as so often with many female singers.



Thanks for the input Mr. Misogynist
Beautiful song!  I have to say I am very impressed that this is a live performance and every member of that audience was able to contain themselves and restrain whooping, hollering, and clapping until the very last note had finished sustaining.  I didn't think that was possible anymore.
 fredriley wrote:


Hail Queen Flossy! Big sound, big heart, big songs. 9 from the besotted Nottingham jury 😍


Agreed............nice to see you around, Fred.
A lassy cut from the tradition Irish cloth ain't she?  And boy can she bellow when she taps into her inner Celtic priestess.   A sonic berserker.  

Highlow~
It starts OK, but then it gets hysterical, as so often with many female singers.
 a_genuine_find wrote:

Clearly in a minority here but I think Florence is awesome in this performance.

I love her strong voice. 



Hail Queen Flossy! Big sound, big heart, big songs. 9 from the besotted Nottingham jury 😍
I've never really got into Florence, but for some reason, this song really does it for me. 
 vluvlu wrote:

I usually like these guys.  Song was nice up to the end then I found myself thinking I'd like her to shut it.  Too much noise.....if I never hear this song again, it would be OK with me.



I know what you mean, but to give her credit, I think that this piece is really difficult to perform, and taking this challenge into account she's really doing a brilliant job. Tell me a singer that would handle this performance effortlessly... 
This is otherwise a great performance but the recording is not technically too great. It doesn't help either that the vocals are out of tune at places. But they do display that they are capable of performing it excellently, this take and setup just wasn't perfect.
I've always wondered why she doesn't just keep the bath running. Sorted.
 nicknt wrote:

Sorry folks, I skip, can't stand this singalong anymore.


Anymore than 2 years ago when you posted essentially the same thing?
When these guys broke onto the popular music scene...I was like cool...interesting sound.  But the coolness has left the room.  I'll chock it up to habituation...
a decrease in an elicited behavior resulting from the repeated presentation of an eliciting stimulus (a simple form of learning).

The more she yells, the less I hear it...
For me, it was insufficiently unplugged.
Sorry folks, I skip, can't stand this singalong anymore.
I wish she would enunciate, I like her songs but want to hear the words. 
 bseib wrote:

Well shucks.  2 -> 1


Reminds me of cats making in the dead of night. Or foxes. 
Florence Leontine Mary Welch

Such pipes! Wow.
 hightail wrote:
This voice makes me cross. So weak and wobbly and....just........GAAAAAHRRRRR!!
 
I know right? Isn't she awesome? 
She doesn't get compared with Kate Bush anyways.....
This is an incredible song and performance. If you like her, see her live, that's where her talents shine brightest.
Yes, there is a passionate (and very small) commenting minority that loves to bash her. Yes, she's a bit polarizing. 
That's okay. Everybody gets to like what they like, and I like this, a lot.
A powerful woman succeeding on her own terms.
 bseib wrote:
they forgot to unplug one of the machines.
 
Well shucks.  2 -> 1
-1
Can't stand her voice and the singalong chorus, sorry.
Yes, her voice is more controlled and melodic and she doesn't bellow like in the album version.


KalleB wrote:
So much better than the studio version.
 

So much better than the studio version.
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:

As a Deadhead and Jerry Garcia fan I suppose Florence does sound good to your ears.

Many RP listeners think Florence needs to "wind her neck in" as we say in Northern Ireland.
 
Not sure what being "a Deadhead and Jerry Garcia fan" has to do with anything, unless you were just being snide.

Given the rating, "Many" is clearly not "most".  No matter how shrill that "Many" may be.
 newbolddrive wrote:
I think this woman has one of the best voices in music today.

 
As a Deadhead and Jerry Garcia fan I suppose Florence does sound good to your ears.

Many RP listeners think Florence needs to "wind her neck in" as we say in Northern Ireland.
 me too.

hightail wrote:

That's the word I was looking for. HORRID. Totally agree.

 


I think this woman has one of the best voices in music today.
 chyk5 wrote:
Two days in a row. Just as horrid the 2nd time around. 

 
That's the word I was looking for. HORRID. Totally agree.
The raw power to irritate.

Time to see what's on SOMA this morning.
This voice makes me cross. So weak and wobbly and....just........GAAAAAHRRRRR!!
 sheetsy wrote:
her voice really bothers me

 
Sometimes she's not bad but overall, for me, it's not so much that she sings as she bellows.

Highlow
American Net'Zen. 
 easmann wrote:

That sparked my curiosity so I looked it up and yes, Virginia Woolf (pockets full of stones...), and Frida Kahlo, and more:

Wikipedia: What the Water Gave Me (song), Background

Thanks.

 
Thank you!  : )
I love Flo
 Neil66 wrote:
I just wish every song wasn't a bloody anthem...

 
Couldn't have been more precise myself.
 Otomi wrote:

Lo que el agua me dio

Frida Kahlo

Oil on canvas

1938

Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:What_the_Water_Gave_Me_by_Frida_Kahlo.jpg



 
Interesting - thanks. Do you think that the song might be a tribute to Frida Kahlo, or inspired by the painting?


I usually like these guys.  Song was nice up to the end then I found myself thinking I'd like her to shut it.  Too much noise.....if I never hear this song again, it would be OK with me.
 sheetsy wrote:
her voice really bothers me

 
10 - Bob Dylan - Like a Rolling Stone
Great song until the end.
Two days in a row. Just as horrid the 2nd time around. 
her voice really bothers me

Lo que el agua me dio

Frida Kahlo

Oil on canvas

1938

Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:What_the_Water_Gave_Me_by_Frida_Kahlo.jpg


 CHuLoYo wrote:

Don't worry, I agree with you completely. Her last album has delicious songs 

 
I don't like a lot of Florence's songs, but this is one her best.
 a_genuine_find wrote:
Clearly in a minority here but I think Florence is awesome in this performance.

I love her strong voice. 

 
Don't worry, I agree with you completely. Her last album has delicious songs 
I think this is about Virginia Woolf.
Utterly dreadful wailing woman.....Make it stop! 
Clearly in a minority here but I think Florence is awesome in this performance.

I love her strong voice. 
Can't be dealing with the desperately bad vocals here.  Bit less volume and more effort put into accuracy, please.  Thanks Flo.
 garyalex wrote:
Sometimes volume is not a good replacement for substance.

 
agreed
Overflow of what?  Maybe it's obvious but I don't get the "only sound".
Sometimes volume is not a good replacement for substance.
Was super cool to watch this.  If you get a chance, check it out.  Unique performer, to say the very least.  They rock with a harp, an actually harp in the band.  Go figure. 
TERRIBLE
{#Eek} ........ this is not very good for my ears
I don't quite understand the lyrics yet - but with that voice who needs to!
Baaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!
A really boring hit.
 GarageDragon wrote:
I grow weary of her overly dramatic belting.  It was refreshing at first, but it has become decidedly old. 
 
Don't know from dramatic or old, but she can certainly bellow, eh?  {#Cheesygrin}
BLEHARGH!!!! {#Foot-in-mouth} From 3 --> 1
Over done, ear numbing, boring, please no more.
Stop Yelling!!!!!!
Unplugged anything is absolute American B.S.

 
 
...bad version ... do not play it more, please!! {#Rolleyes}

wow - the attempt at singing is dismal at best. 
A voice like an ice pick stabbed through my eardrum.
Make it stop {#Frustrated}
I quite like this. It has all the belt of the big machine but still feels quite live. Good show. Shame on her for getting popular. Bad Flo...bad machine...way too likable to be likable.
 
i wish they had unplugged her mic.
I grow weary of her overly dramatic belting.  It was refreshing at first, but it has become decidedly old. 
 zoopmama wrote:
Which would be lovely if she would only do it on pitch consistently. Too often I've heard her forsake hitting the note for pushing out the power. 'Shake it Off' was a breath of fresh air but overall, I'm tiring of hearing Florence on RP.

hayduke2 wrote:
Flo's cool, she has a beautiful, powerful voice and like Grace Slick she lets that tiger loose when she fuckin feels like it!

 



 
Although I'm not a big fan of Florence, I will say I respect her a lot for not using autotune.
I would much rather hear a slightly flawed heartfelt presentation than a false performance that's akin to lip-syncing.
IMHO 
I prefer the un-unplugged version (the plugged version?) and I think it's damn fantastic. I think her music is thrilling. 
Which would be lovely if she would only do it on pitch consistently. Too often I've heard her forsake hitting the note for pushing out the power. 'Shake it Off' was a breath of fresh air but overall, I'm tiring of hearing Florence on RP.

hayduke2 wrote:
Flo's cool, she has a beautiful, powerful voice and like Grace Slick she lets that tiger loose when she fuckin feels like it!

 


Too much screaming for my taste: 3.
Liked it until the warble at the end.  Yikes!
Think I'll leave it "unplugged".
She has ugly vibrato, but that's not the main reason why I don't like her music.  {#Rolleyes}
I quite like them but just wish every song wasn't a bloody anthem...
Flo's cool, she has a beautiful, powerful voice and like Grace Slick she lets that tiger loose when she fuckin feels like it!

EVERYBODY IN MY CHURCHES LOVES THIS SONG!!!!
 
If loving this song is wrong (as so many posters seem to believe) then i don't want to be right. 
Please make her go away
 Segue wrote:
I like her better when she was Tori Amos.

 
Tori Amos was much better.  She never tried to prove could sing by just getting louder and warbling endlessly. 
Ugh. As someone who spends a significant part of their lives in the ocean, this song has less than no appeal.
 daedalus wrote:
She certainly has lungs.
So does a rhinoceros - they're not known for their dulcet tone either ...
I do fondly hope that the nays carry the vote on this one. 
 
I'll add my nay to this one. Flo is just not my cup of tea.
I like her better when she was Tori Amos.
I like the plugged version better.  The Machine rocks as hard as Flo.
I'm not down with all of Florence's work, but this one I like. 9
they forgot to unplug one of the machines.
She certainly has lungs.
So does a rhinoceros - they're not known for their dulcet tone either ...
I do fondly hope that the nays carry the vote on this one. 
I've always been okay with Flo. With this one, I see why some people are not. I gave it a 5 but I don't know why... I really don't want to hear it again.
Lots of negative comments against Flo, which is a shame. 

I'll raise my voice in support for this unique talent and her fine pair of lungs. Go Flo! 
 Proclivities wrote:

Maybe crooning isn't as popular as it used to be.  I wouldn't mind hearing some old stuff, though.  
 
Interesting observation. Makes me want to hear some k.d. lang here now...
There are times when I find myself asking, 'what the hell is she doing?' But, for the most part, her music is pretty f'n good.
The aural equivalent of waterboarding.
The first part I find not that bad, but at the end she really ruins it, it seems like Florence does want to over rule all other band members or instruments, and the harp at the end,reminds me of minstrels and knights, not an instrument for popmusic imho
Flo, I haven't had any coffee yet this morning.  I happy though to report that your warbling has given me the lift in my step necessary to mark this song down from a 5 to a 1.  Cheers.
 rdo wrote:
Ever notice that there are many divas played here at RP, but no crooners? 
 
Maybe crooning isn't as popular as it used to be.  I wouldn't mind hearing some old stuff, though.  
Ouch, so that's what damaged eardrums feel like...
2  
Second Florence tune I have heard in a couple days were she is not bellowing.  She real does have a nice rich voice.  If only she does not scream, which she likes to do given most of the other versions The Machine's catalog.
yep, still hate this. 0 —-> 0
Awful. Terrible voice. Sonic torture.
 hightail wrote:
With all the respect this is an awful song and she sounds dreadful. I have to turn the station when I hear this track. 
 
"With all the respect..." meaning the opposite :)
 hightail wrote:
With all the respect this is an awful song and she sounds dreadful. I have to turn the station when I hear this track. 
 

Exactly!
With all the respect this is an awful song and she sounds dreadful. I have to turn the station when I hear this track. 
 leafmold wrote:
I'll take her voice over the baby doll voices any day.
 
Good god, YES! I'm so damn over wimpy baby doll girl voices. Irritating.
I'm not a big FATM fan, but I'm liking this unplugged session.
 Sasha2001 wrote:
... I think Florence is an original and I give her and her Machine a lot of credit for that.
 
                {#Yes} {#Arrowu} {#Yes}
Is this song about suicide, or some other expression of dying? Is it about vampires? What? I think Florence is an original and I give her and her Machine a lot of credit for that.
great voice—but all FATM songs sound the same!!!
 rdo wrote:
Ever notice that there are many divas played here at RP, but no crooners? 
 
It seems to be like that more than not.
perhaps in the way a horrific train wreck could be impressive. i think disaster would be a more suitable word.

coyotexxx2 wrote:


I do not think she does it on purpose -  that is just the way she sings.  Some like it some do not but there is no questioning that it is impressive. 
 


 Baby_M wrote:
This is the only Florence track that I like—and even here, she can't quite resist the urge to overclock her voice at the end.
 

I do not think she does it on purpose -  that is just the way she sings.  Some like it some do not but there is no questioning that it is impressive. 
I wonder if people said the same things about Grace Slick when she first started singing for Jefferson Airplane?  Somewhat comparable to my ears.
I'll take her voice over the baby doll voices any day.


If it's unplugged why can i still hear her? This is just wretched.