“Moderation” is a song about making an appeal for something which ultimately results in frustration. In the context of the track, this annoyance is primarily based on not receiving the satisfactory level of desired love from the object of one’s affection.

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The chorus however, does not fit directly into this storyline. It is rather based on a childhood experience of Florence Welch. That particular occurrence was highlighted by her being reprimanded in a church.

Florence’s beef is based on her loving without inhibition. However, the recipient of this goodwill is not displaying the same level of initiative. Rather he seems more inclined to take things slow or as Florence puts it “love… in moderation”. However, Welch responds that she is not built that way. Rather she is an all-or-nothing person who doesn’t have the ability to keep her emotions in check. Nor does she respond well to tension.

The church experience comes into play as apparently during that time, she was scolded for not being able to control her emotions. It was then that she was instructed to “hold it in”. However, she does not see the value of submitting to pain and discomfort.

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According to Welch, the song is one that demands to be performed live. She further stated that lyrics of the chorus were inspired by her childhood memories of being reprimanded at church.

Florence + The Machine premiered this song officially on the Beats 1 radio program hosted by world-renowned DJ Zane Lowe.

It appears on the band’s 2019 project titled Moderation – Single. The song “Haunted House” is also featured on that record.