My Boy Builds Coffins Lyrics

[Verse 1]
My boy builds coffins with hammers and nails
He doesn't build ships, he has no use for sails
He doesn't make tables, dressers or chairs
He can't carve a whistle 'cause he just doesn't care
My boy builds coffins for the rich and the poor
Kings and queens, they've all knocked on his door
Beggars and liars, gypsies and thieves
They all come to him 'cause he's so eager to please

[Chorus]
My boy builds coffins, he makes them all day
But it's not just for work and it isn't for play
He's made one for himself, one for me too
One of these days, he'll make one for you
For you, for you, for you

[Verse 2]
My boy builds coffins for better or worse
Some say it's a blessing, some say it's a curse

He fits them together in the sunshine or rain
Each one is unique, no two are the same
My boy builds coffins and I think it's a shame
That when each one's been made, he can't see it again
He crafts every one with love and with care
Then it's thrown in the ground, it just isn't fair
[Chorus]
My boy builds coffins, he makes them all day
But it's not just for work and it isn't for play
He's made one for himself, one for me too
And one of these days, he'll make one for you
For you, for you, for you

[Outro]
Ah (Oh)
(Oh)
(Oh)
(Oh)

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About

Genius Annotation

The main theme in the song is a discussion on unavoidable death. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from. We all find ourselves facing death eventually and many are buried in a coffin. The boy understands this and does what he can to help others complete the circle of life.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

What did Florence + the Machine say about "My Boy Builds Coffins"?
Genius Answer

This song was inspired by an actual incident that happened when Florence Welch was going out with a member of the punk band, The Ludes. She explained:

This was a song we wrote as a band – most of the others were written by me with one other person. It’s very literal. My boyfriend at the time, who was in The Ludes, was going to build a coffin for the cover of their EP, so he couldn’t take me to the cinema.

Is there a live performance?
Genius Answer


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