Florence and the Machine's first album, Lungs, is deeply rooted in fantasy, both grim and majestic. 

This enchantedly ominous fantasy world is felt through the low, chant-like drums, spellbinding harp and eerie strings in conjunction with Welch's highly symbolic storytelling and her fine-tuned balance of roaring vocal strength and delicate restrain.

A falling star fell from your heart and landed in my eyes

"Cosmic Love" is a track that superbly exemplifies this polar harmony. It's a song about the emotional back-and-forth of a manipulative relationship.

The song opens with a magical harp melody and soft, ethereal vocals by Welch retelling her falling in love.

While the harp remains a heartline throughout, the pulsing drums then enter bringing forth the darker elements. There is vivid imagery of light (both star and moon) being "blown out" punctuated by Welch's soaring vocals proclaiming how she feels stuck in the "shadow of [her lover's] heart."

At the bridge, the drums drop out and her soft vocals return with the calming harp conveying salvation, but this quickly turns to relapse as she succumbs to nestling up with her lover in the darkness. 

As the song goes on, Welch's vocals become more intense, battling with the thunderous drums. She roars out the last two stanzas trying to rid herself of this volatile situation. As her howling fades out, the harp returns to the forefront, bringing the song to a close alongside a beautiful piano harmony.

The bliss and agony, the push and pull.

It's a beautifully crafted song, and my heart still flutters every time I hear the opening harp.

Check out the original track above, as well as an acoustic performance below.

xxChris