Meaning of "Which Witch" by Florence + The Machine
"Which Witch" explores the theme of emotional vulnerability and the struggle to let go of a painful past. The line "And it's my whole heart, weighed and measured inside" suggests that the protagonist's heart has been examined and scrutinized, potentially by themselves or others, leading to a feeling of heaviness and burden. The mention of an "old scar" that they are trying to "bleach off" represents a desire to erase the pain and move forward. The repetition of the phrase "I'm on trial, waiting till the beat comes out" signifies the protagonist's sense of being judged or scrutinized for their emotions, as if they need to prove their worth or legitimacy.
The mention of a "heretic" and the question "Who's a heretic now?" suggests that the protagonist may have deviated from societal norms or expectations, which could be related to the pain they are experiencing. There is an underlying sense of self-doubt and insecurity, as they question if they are making sense and whether they can make their emotions valid or acceptable.
The repeated phrase "I'm miles away, he's on my mind" reflects a longing for someone who is no longer present in their life. The act of crawling represents the protagonist's feeling of being powerless and exhausted in their pursuit of healing and moving on. They express their frustration by stating "I've had enough, it's obvious" and assert that they are not beaten or defeated by their circumstances.
The line "Fire, help me to forget" suggests a desire for something transformative that can help them let go of their pain. The mention of being "chained and shackled" and "all unraveled" highlights the emotional entrapment and inner turmoil they are experiencing. Despite this, there is a sense that they are resigned to their fate ("Say I won't return, but I never learn") and express a feeling of pity. Overall, the lyrics convey a deep emotional struggle, a longing for healing and release, and the recognition that moving on may be a difficult and ongoing process.