Meaning of "Hunger" by Florence + The Machine

"Hunger" delves into the complex emotions surrounding the search for love and fulfillment. The opening lines suggest a period of self-imposed starvation at a young age, driven by a misguided belief that love is synonymous with emptiness. This initial understanding of hunger as a substitute for loneliness allows The song to explore the idea that everyone has a hunger, a longing for something more in their lives.

The chorus repeats the phrase "We all have a hunger," highlighting the universality of this feeling. It speaks to the idea that no one is exempt from the desire for love and connection. The verses emphasize the varied ways in which people attempt to fill this hunger. The mention of using one's body and vibrant youth as a means of finding validation from others suggests seeking love through physical attractiveness or attention. This notion is further reinforced with the line, "You make a fool of death with your beauty." However, these attempts to find love through external factors ultimately prove unsatisfying as they only temporarily distract from the underlying hunger.

The song also explores the misconception that love can be found in drugs and on the stage. The protagonist realizes that the more drugs they take, the more love is taken away. This highlights the destructive nature of relying on substances to fill emotional voids. Similarly, the idea of giving oneself to strangers on stage suggests seeking validation or love from an audience, but the song implies that genuine connection cannot be attained in this manner.

The bridge of the song takes a turn towards self-reflection and hints at the vulnerability and isolation that coexist with the hunger for love. The line "And I'm alone, picking it apart and staring at your phone" conveys a sense of disconnectedness and introspection. It suggests that even in the pursuit of love, one may still feel isolated and uncertain.

Overall, "Hunger" serves as an exploration of the human desire for love and fulfillment, the ways in which it manifests, and the inherent loneliness we may experience along the way. It highlights the futility of seeking love in external sources such as drugs or the validation of others, ultimately implying that genuine connection and fulfillment must come from within.