Florence and the Machine – Seven Devils

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Holy water cannot help you down
Hours and armies couldn't keep me out
I don't want your money
I don't want your crowd
See I have to burn
Your kingdom down

Holy water cannot help you now
See I've had to burn your kingdom down
And no rivers and no lakes can put the fire out
I'm gonna raise the stakes, I'm gonna smoke you out

Seven devils all around you
Seven devils in my house
See they were there when I woke up this morning
I'll be dead before the day is done

Seven devils all around you
Seven devils in your house
See I was dead when I woke up this morning
I'll be dead before the day is done
Before the day is done

And now all your love will be exorcised
And we will find you saying it's to be better now
And it's an even sum
It's a melody
It's a battle cry
It's a symphony

Seven devils all around you
Seven devils in my house
See they were there when I woke up this morning
I'll be dead before the day is done

Seven devils all around you
Seven devils in your house
See I was dead when I woke up this morning
And I'll be dead before the day is done

Before the day is done
Before the day is done
Before the day is done

They can keep me high
'Til I tear the walls
'Til I save your heart
And I take your soul
And what have we done?
Can I be undone?
In the evil heart
In the evil soul

Seven devils all around you
Seven devils in your house
See I was dead when I woke up this morning
I'll be dead before the day is done
Before the day is done

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Lyrics submitted by llscience, edited by DG2001, Kiamelnaru, lilyparis

Track duration: 05:03

"Seven Devils" as written by Florence Leontine Mary Welch, Paul Epworth

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, EMI Music Publishing

Lyrics powered by LyricFind


Seven Devils song meanings
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22 Comments

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  • 0
    My Interpretation:When I first heard this song I immediately thought it was about her husband who had been overcome by the seven deadly sins. That she was trying to possess her, and that she was trying to escape him, but she was intoxicated by his love. She speaks of exercising his love, and burning down his 'kingdom' which I interpreted as this man was very wealthy. The lyrics "Holy water, will not help you now" I interpreted as that this man is so far deep in the devils grasp that she feels helpless. I also get the impression that this woman is willing to end her own life to get away from him.

    While I know Florence had another reason for writing this song... this truly spoke to me as I was engaged to a man once who I was sure was evil. This song totally brings back all the horrible drama that relationship was.
    Flag JenMarshon May 03, 2013   Link
  • 0
    My Interpretation:In my opinion the "seven devils" refer to the seven deadly sins. - gluttony, pride, sloth, wrath, greed, envy and lust
    Flagged Cloudybuzzon February 24, 2013   Link
  • 0
    My Interpretation:I believe this song is referring to the Catholic church and it's massive cover-up of child molestation cases. Please refer to stanza 1 and 2. Right our of the gate she sings about "holy war" and "armies". To me that clearly states "Holy" meaning the pious nature the church holds over humanity is legions upon millions who believe in the word of the bible. The Catholic church is at the center of the particular song.

    "I don't want your money, I don't want your crown", clear indignation of the alter boys who were promised gifts, love, security. Florence is singing in first person as the POV of that child that has already been abused.

    A chilling tale of something wicked this way comes for the priest. "Holy water could not help you now" Florence (again from child's POV) is condemning the abuser and becomes aware that she too has died (philosophically speaking emotionally).

    "I'll be dead before the day is done."
    Flagged Zoila866on February 20, 2013   Link
  • 0
    My Interpretation:I think Florence is referring to the Devil and his "seven sins" breaking into the kingdom of God and enslaving the hearts of His people.
    Flagged Corinthuson February 03, 2013   Link
  • +2
    Lyric Correction:The first stanza, it's actually "A thousand armies couldn't keep me out"
    Flag SummLifeeon August 16, 2012   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:Someone even commented after saying it was 'Almost like you watched the Season finale of the show long before it aired' can you repost that comment it was spot on, and weird lol
    Flag murdahon August 05, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:has a comment been deleted or something? i remember someone giving a comparison to abc's Revenge series perfectly, but i cannot find it..?
    Flag murdahon August 05, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:has a comment been deleted or something? i remember someone giving a comparison to abc's series perfectly, but i cannot find it..?
    Flag murdahon August 05, 2012   Link
  • +3
    Lyric Correction:Correction:

    "And what have we done?
    Can I be undone?"

    is incorrect and should be:


    "For what has been done
    Cannot be undone"
    Flag janeaparis1on July 11, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:i could be wrong, but it sounds like she was with someone who was a christian and was too aggressive about it, trying to convert her or save her, and that she's pointing out that he's not perfect and he's a hypocrite
    Flag bamorse1on May 15, 2012   Link
    • 1 Reply

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