Florence + the Machine, led by vocalist Florence Welch, formed in London in 2007. The band blends indie rock with soul and baroque pop elements, gaining attention with their debut album Lungs in 2009.
Their work has earned several accolades, including a BRIT Award for Best British Album, plus multiple Grammy and Mercury Prize nominations.
The group’s music often features strong vocals, literary themes, and rich instrumentation. Their albums Ceremonials and How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful both topped the UK charts and established their status in modern music.
About the Song
This song is loud and full of energy and talks about running from sadness and finding better days.
The music builds up fast and feels powerful, and it’s one of Florence’s most famous songs.
| Song Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | December 1, 2008 |
| Album | Under Heaven Over Hell |
| Writers | Florence Welch, Isabella Summers |
| Producers | James Ford |
Dog Days Are Over Lyrics by Florence + the Machine
Verse 1
Happiness hit her like a train on a track
Coming towards her, stuck still, no turning back
She hid around corners and she hid under beds
She killed it with kisses and from it she fled
With every bubble, she sank with a drink
And washed it away down the kitchen sink
Pre-Chorus
The dog days are over
The dog days are done
The horses are coming
So you better run
Chorus
Run fast for your mother, run fast for your father
Run for your children, for your sisters and brothers
Leave all your love and your longing behind
You can’t carry it with you if you want to survive
The dog days are over
The dog days are done
Can you hear the horses?
‘Cause here they come
Bridge
And I never wanted anything from you
Except everything you had
And what was left after that too, oh
Verse 2
Happiness hit her like a bullet in the back
Struck from a great height
By someone who should have known better than that
Pre-Chorus
The dog days are over
The dog days are done
Can you hear the horses?
‘Cause here they come
Chorus
Run fast for your mother, run fast for your father
Run for your children, for your sisters and brothers
Leave all your love and your longing behind
You can’t carry it with you if you want to survive
The dog days are over
The dog days are done
Can you hear the horses?
‘Cause here they come
Outro
The dog days are over
The dog days are done (Here they come)
The horses are coming
So you better run (Here they come)
The dog days are over
The dog days are done (Here they come)
The horses are coming
So you better run
Story Behind the Song
This song is a celebration of liberation, marking the end of a difficult period in life. The phrase “dog days” traditionally refers to the hottest, most uncomfortable days of summer, symbolizing hardship.
Florence Welch uses this metaphor to signify overcoming a challenging time. The song’s lyrics describe an almost overwhelming encounter with happiness, as if it “hit her like a train,” but also reflect fear and hesitation about holding it fully.
Interestingly, the song was inspired by an art installation by Ugo Rondinone with the phrase “Dog Days Are Over,” which Welch saw while cycling across Waterloo Bridge.
This moment of inspiration led to a song that blends themes of personal change and freedom.
Live Performances of Dog Days Are Over
Florence + the Machine delivered two unforgettable performances in 2010 that showed their powerful presence and unique sound.
The atmosphere was electric, and the emotional connection with the audience made the set truly memorable. Both performances revealed the band’s versatility and their ability to create magic on any stage.
1) Live At Oxegen Festival, 9 Sept, 2010
2) Live at Letterman on 20 Dec, 2010
Similar Songs Like Dog Days Are Over
Here are more tracks you might really enjoy if you like Dog Days Are Over:
- Shake It Out: A powerful track about letting go of guilt and starting fresh. It has a strong beat, and Florence’s voice sounds bold and clear.
- Spectrum: This one is bright and full of life, and music feels fast and colorful. It became more popular with the Calvin Harris remix.
- Hunger: A song that talks about wanting more from life. The beat is steady, and the words feel personal.
- Cosmic Love: This one feels dreamy and a bit mysterious. The harp sounds in the background give it a magical feel.
- What the Water Gave Me: A slow start that grows into a loud wave of music. It talks about heavy thoughts and letting go. It’s one of her more emotional songs.
Similar Bands Like Florence + the Machine
If you enjoy the lyrics of Florence + the Machine, here are some similar artists you might like:
- Bat for Lashes
Genres: Art Pop, Indie Pop, Dream Pop
Top Albums: Two Suns (2009), The Haunted Man (2012), Lost Girls (2019) - Of Monsters and Men
Genres: Indie Folk, Indie Pop, Chamber Pop
Top Albums: My Head Is an Animal (2011), Beneath the Skin (2015), Fever Dream (2019) - Lana Del Rey
Genres: Dream Pop, Baroque Pop, Indie Rock
Top Albums: Born to Die (2012), Ultraviolence (2014), Norman F**ing Rockwell!* (2019) - CHVRCHES
Genres: Synth-Pop, Indie Electronic, Electropop
Top Albums: The Bones of What You Believe (2013), Every Open Eye (2015), Screen Violence (2021) - London Grammar
Genres: Indie Pop, Ambient Pop, Electronic
Top Albums: If You Wait (2013), Truth Is a Beautiful Thing (2017), Californian Soil (2021)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the She Mentioned in the Lyrics?
“She” could be a metaphor for happiness or change—something powerful that arrives quickly and shakes things up completely.
Is the Song Based on Florence Welch’s Life?
Yes, partially. Florence said it came from her emotional struggles and the moment she realized she needed to move on.
Is There Any Lyrical Video Available on the Song Dog Days Are Over?
Yes, here is the official lyrical video of the song.
