The Power Of Water: Exploring Its Secrets

What the Water Gave Me is a song by Florence and the Machine, written by Florence Welch and Francis Eg White, and produced by Paul Epworth. The song's title was inspired by a painting of the same name by Frida Kahlo. The song explores the power of water as an overwhelming force, a metaphor for the unknown and uncontrollable aspects of life. It also references Virginia Woolf's suicide by drowning, highlighting the theme of water in all its forms and the impact it can have on individuals. Beyond this, the phrase what the water gave me has been used in various contexts, including a Bon Jovi song exploring self-discovery and the impact of life's encounters, where water is likened to time, shaping and influencing one's character and trajectory.

The song 'What the Water Gave Me' by Florence + the Machine

"What the Water Gave Me" is a song by English indie rock band Florence and the Machine. It is the third track from their sophomore album, Ceremonials, and was released as a promotional single for the album on 23 August 2011. The song was written by lead singer Florence Welch and Francis "Eg" White, and produced by Paul Epworth.

The title of the song was inspired by a 1938 painting of the same name by Frida Kahlo. Welch has also stated that the song was inspired by English writer Virginia Woolf and her suicide by drowning. Welch has explained that the song is about water in all its forms and bodies, and the overwhelming nature of the ocean. The lyrics refer to the story of children who are swept out to sea, and their parents who try to rescue them, only to drown themselves.

The song also references the ancient Greek giant, Atlas, and the weight of the world that he carries. The theme of sacrifice and the idea of water as a demanding deity are also present in the lyrics.

Upon its release, "What the Water Gave Me" received positive reviews from critics, who praised its powerful concept, engaging vocals, and haunting words. The song charted in several countries, including the UK, the US, Australia, and New Zealand.

The painting 'What the Water Gave Me' by Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo's painting "What the Water Gave Me" is an oil painting on canvas that was completed in 1938. It is sometimes referred to as "What I Saw in the Water". The painting is a reflection of the artist's life and includes symbolic representations of various events and themes, such as life and death, happiness and sadness, comfort and pain, as well as her past and present. Kahlo's distinctive style is recognisable in this work, but unlike many of her other paintings, there is no central focus to the image.

In the painting, Kahlo depicts herself submerged in bathwater, with her legs and feet visible. Her right foot is bleeding and deformed, reflecting the physical pain and struggles she endured due to her trolley accident, childhood polio, and diagnosis of spinal bifida. The bathwater is grey, and the painting includes a juxtaposition of images, such as a skeleton, a nude bather choked by a rope, and a burning skyscraper inside a volcano. The volcano itself has been interpreted as a symbol of Kahlo's suppressed feelings about her body, her relationship with her husband, Diego Rivera, and her self-worth.

The painting also references traditional and ancient iconography, mythology, symbolism, eroticism, and botany. It includes allusions to fifteenth-century painter Hieronymus Bosch's "The Garden of Earthly Delights" in its attention to flora and fauna. Kahlo also includes Aztec symbolism and cultural references, expressing her longing for the renewal of pre-Columbian times and her strong nationalism. The inclusion of a burning skyscraper, specifically the Empire State Building, has been interpreted as a symbol of her dislike of the United States and her preference for her life in Mexico.

"What the Water Gave Me" was included in Kahlo's first solo exhibit at the Julien Levy Gallery in New York City in November 1938. It is now part of the private collection of Surrealist art collector Daniel Filipacchi. Kahlo's work has been praised for its honesty and its ability to convey the trauma of her existence through aggressive visual imagery.

The metaphor of water as an overwhelming force

Water is a powerful force that has long been recognised as a metaphor for overwhelming emotions and life-changing events. The very nature of water, its ability to flow, to shape and to drown, lends itself to this interpretation.

In music, the metaphor of water as an overwhelming force is evident in several songs. For example, Florence and the Machine's "What the Water Gave Me" explores the theme of water in all its forms and the sense of being overwhelmed by its power. The song's writer, Florence Welch, explains that the ocean is "nature's great overwhelmer", and the song is partly inspired by Virginia Woolf's suicide by drowning. Welch also draws on stories of children being swept out to sea, and the desperate attempts of parents to save them, often resulting in their own tragic drowning. The song's lyrics refer to pockets full of stones, alluding to Woolf's suicide, and the powerful imagery of being overwhelmed by water.

In another example, Bon Jovi's "That's What the Water Made Me" explores the idea that individuals are shaped by their environment, represented metaphorically by "water". The song conveys a sense of surrender to the power of water, acknowledging its role in sculpting one's character, much like water carves rock over time. The song also hints at religious themes, with references to baptismal waters, suggesting a cleansing or transformative power of water.

Beyond music, the metaphor of water as an overwhelming force is also present in visual art. Frida Kahlo's painting, "What the Water Gave Me", is a surrealistic work that reflects on passing time, childhood, and the sadness of events in her life. The painting includes symbolic representations of life and death, happiness and sadness, with Kahlo herself lying drowned in her imagination, blood coming from her mouth. Water, in this context, becomes a powerful metaphor for the overwhelming nature of existence, the passage of time, and the interplay of joy and sorrow.

Water, with its ever-changing nature, its ability to shape and transform landscapes, and its potential to overwhelm and consume, serves as a potent metaphor for life's challenges, emotions, and transformative events. It is a force that can inspire awe, fear, and a sense of surrender, shaping our perspectives and leaving an indelible mark on our lives.

The Grand Canyon being carved out by water

Water is a powerful force that has shaped the Earth's surface over millions of years. One of the most iconic examples of water's sculpting power is the Grand Canyon. This vast gorge, with its towering cliffs and majestic beauty, stands as a testament to the relentless force of water.

The Grand Canyon, located in the US state of Arizona, is one of the world's most famous natural wonders. It is part of the Colorado Plateau, which rose from tectonic activity approximately 60 million years ago. As the plateau uplifted, the Colorado River, born from waters rushing off the Rocky Mountains, began to carve its way through the ancient rock. Over time, the powerful river cut deeper and deeper into the plateau, shaping the stunning canyon we see today.

The formation of the Grand Canyon is a testament to the relentless force of water over geological timescales. The Colorado River, fueled by snowmelt and rainfall, carried sediment and rocks, which acted as natural abrasives, gradually wearing down the rock and carving the canyon. This process, known as erosion, has shaped not just the Grand Canyon but also countless other landscapes worldwide.

In addition to the Colorado River's erosive power, the formation of the Grand Canyon was influenced by other factors. For example, the type of rock found in the region, known as the Sixtymile Formation, also played a role. Recent mineral studies have revealed that this rock layer is approximately 508 million years old, providing valuable insights into the rate of erosion and the formation of other rock layers in the area.

The Grand Canyon is a reminder of the intricate relationship between water and the Earth's geology. While the Colorado River was the primary force in carving the canyon, natural floods also played a crucial role in shaping the surrounding landscape. These floods replenished sediments on the riverbanks, influencing the ecology of the area. However, with the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam in 1963, the natural flood cycle was disrupted, leading to ecological changes and the erosion of sandbars and beaches along the river.

The Grand Canyon stands as a majestic monument to the power of water, showcasing how it can shape and transform even the most formidable landscapes over time. The intricate interplay between water, geology, and ecology in this iconic location continues to fascinate and inspire people worldwide.

The song 'That's What the Water Made Me' by Bon Jovi

"That's What the Water Made Me" is a song by Bon Jovi, featured on the 2013 album "What About Now". The song explores the intricacies of self-discovery and the profound impact of life's encounters.

The verses of the song conjure the notion that individuals are sculpted by their environment, represented by the metaphorical "water", which embodies the many influences and circumstances of life. The lyrics convey a sense of acceptance and recognition, acknowledging the coexistence of good and evil within oneself and the world. For instance, the reference to ""devils in heaven and angels in hell" in the first verse alludes to an awareness of opposing forces at play.

The chorus emphasizes the profound influence of the "water" on one's essence and being: "That's what the water made me/ That's who I am and what I'll be/ That's what the water, that's what the water made me". It suggests that the trials and tribulations of life shape one's character and future path. The phrase "That's what the water made me" implies that one's experiences, both positive and negative, have moulded them into the person they are today.

The bridge or pre-chorus includes the lines: "So, blow me one last kiss/ And wish me well". This suggests a sense of closure or farewell, indicating that the singer is reflecting on their past as they embark on a new journey or phase of life.

Some listeners interpret the song as having a secondary meaning related to baptism, a Christian ritual of being made clean by water, which ties in with the theme of self-discovery and transformation. The song's exploration of how individuals are shaped by their surroundings can also be likened to the way a river carves out a path over time, or how water can shape and sculpt rocks.

Overall, "That's What the Water Made Me" by Bon Jovi is a thoughtful and introspective song that encourages listeners to reflect on their own life experiences and how they have been shaped by their environment.

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