Song meaning of Cornflake Girl by Florence + the Machine

"Cornflake Girl" by Florence + the Machine, a cover of the original song by Tori Amos, is a haunting and enigmatic track that delves into themes of betrayal, disillusionment, and the loss of innocence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a girl who was once perceived as pure and innocent, represented by the metaphor of a "cornflake girl," but who has now turned her back on her friends and allies, symbolized by the "raisin girls" who have been left behind.

The protagonist of the song grapples with the realization that the cornflake girl has changed, becoming detached and indifferent to those around her. Lines like "She's gone to the other side" and "Things are getting kind of gross" suggest a sense of alienation and disconnection. The repetition of the phrase "This is not really happening" in the pre-chorus underscores the narrator's disbelief and confusion at the girl's transformation.

The chorus, with its emphatic declaration "You bet your life it is," conveys a sense of urgency and insistence that the situation is real and cannot be ignored. The repeated plea to "peel out the watchword" suggests a desire to uncover the truth and expose the hidden motives behind the cornflake girl's actions.

The bridge introduces the character of "the man with the golden gun," who symbolizes a figure of authority or power that the protagonist feels is misguided and arrogant. The refrain of "Rabbit, where'd you put the keys, girl?" serves as a cryptic and recurring question, hinting at a search for answers and a longing for clarity in the face of confusion and betrayal.

Overall, "Cornflake Girl" by Florence + the Machine is a complex and evocative exploration of interpersonal dynamics, deception, and the complexities of human relationships, set against a backdrop of ethereal and haunting music that enhances the song's emotional depth and resonance.