Meaning of "Queen of Peace" by Florence + The Machine

"Queen of Peace" delves into the theme of internal and external conflict. The king's madness and suffering represent the internal struggles within oneself, calling out for relief and a cure for grief. The loss of his only son, despite winning the battle, questions the worth of victory when all that remains is hurt. This dichotomy is further symbolized in the image of the stars chasing the sun and the conquering of a glowing hill. The protagonist is overwhelmed, dissolving like the setting sun and being driven away, as someone has already caused damage and hurtfully pushed them away. The queen, representing a force of peace, tries her best to please but wonders if it is all in vain. The long scream echoing and the fortress created out of love indicate that the pain runs deep and is hard to overcome. The lyrics evoke a sense of despair and longing for reconciliation, as the protagonist questions if this is truly what the other person wants, indicating a desire to repair the relationship. Ultimately, "Queen of Peace" explores themes of conflict, loss, and the struggle to maintain peace amidst turmoil.