"What the Water Gave Me" is a song by Florence + the Machine, released in 2011 as the lead single for the bands second album, "Ceremonials". The song is about overcoming pain, accepting the unexpected, and finding inspiration in unusual places. The title of the song comes from a painting called "Lo que el agua me dio" (literally meaning "What the Water Gave Me"), by Frida Kahlo. The lyrics of the song are poetic and metaphorical, and they explore themes of pain, growth, and acceptance.

Here are the lyrics of the song:

[Verse 1] Time it took us To where the water was Thats what the water gave me And time goes quicker Between the two of us

[Chorus] Oh, my love, dont forsake me Take what the water gave me Lay me down Let the only sound Be the overflow Pockets full of stones Lay me down Let the only sound Be the overflow

[Verse 2] And oh, poor Atlas The worlds a beast of a burden Youve been holding on a long time And all this longing And the ships are left to rust Thats what the water gave us

[Chorus] Oh, my love, dont forsake me Take what the water gave me Lay me down Let the only sound Be the overflow Pockets full of stones Lay me down Let the only sound Be the overflow

[Verse 3] Cause they took your loved ones But returned them in exchange for you But would you have it any other way? Would you have it any other way? You couldnt have it any other way

[Chorus] Oh, my love, dont forget me I let the water take me Lay me down Let the only sound Be the overflow Pockets full of stones Lay me down Let the only sound Be the overflow

The song has been praised for Florence Welchs vocal performance, her ability to convey complex emotions, and the songs haunting melody. It has become a fan favorite and is often performed live by Welch and her band.