First Time Hearing | Hozier - Take Me To Church (Official Video) Reaction

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[@genostellar]

"These people hate the concept of love. They see two people in love, and they hate it. They are loveless people." I wish your innocence was world-wide.

[@rachelmchenry5217]

I was thinking this the whole time. I love the fact that he didn't even separate their love as homosexual. He just saw love. ❤❤

[@Moonbeamchild8]

I know ❤️ my heart…

[@franzmarley]

I was amazed over the honest confusement. Very conflicting moment.

[@Jodie_Tea]

I honestly wish the whole world saw it like he does. A pip dream just imagine a world like that though.

[@debjanipandit1941]

Exactly my thoughts... bless this man and his outlook of the world...

[@82metalchic]

Lyrically the song is one large metaphor comparing a lover to religion. "Take me to church I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies I'll tell you my sins and you can sharpen your knife Offer me that deathless death Good God, let me give you my life." Speaking with The Irish Times, Hozier said about matters of the heart: "I found the experience of falling in love or being in love was a death, a death of everything. You kind of watch yourself die in a wonderful way, and you experience for the briefest moment - if you see yourself for a moment through their eyes - everything you believed about yourself gone. In a death-and-rebirth sense."

[@Len_M.]

The French word for Orgasm means little death I believe, too. So deathless death in a sense.

[@robertpetre9378]

@@Len_M. yes La Petit morte

[@CameronCajun]

Damn, y'all are some smart people!

[@MiraculousAngelTarot]

Lyrically the song is about how religion tells people they are "born sick" because they love someone from the same sex; how there's no place for them in the church and that they need to pray at their homes in private;

[@damnboy2.047]

@@MiraculousAngelTarotI’m wondering where you got that from, not that it’s wrong but I’ve never heard that interpretation officially

[@VincentK4858]

Nina Cried Power featuring Mavis Staples is another amazing song by him.

[@RinniePere]

YES. It's one of my favorites.

[@AishaIsFabulous-x-]

Yes! -x-

[@VincentK4858]

@@AishaIsFabulous-x- You even share the last name of the song's subject. Is that just a coincidence?

[@theConquerersMama]

Yessss

[@greeneyelove2003]

It speaks to the fact the church and so much of society can condemn two people loving one another while condoning mindless violence.

[@itzbreanna1153]

hozier is my favorite artist because not only are his lyrics are powerful but also his concepts of modern culture and perspectives are so incredibly intriguing. love him

[@paigemimms4343]

I love this anthem for equality.

[@mikehawk8984]

This was a very influential song for me growing up. I grew up in a very (not extremely) protestant Christian, rural school of about 300 people including all 4 "classes". We were a conglomerate school of 7 farming villages within about 30-50 miles of the school. As a "Bi" kid (I dunno what you call it anymore, I just like who I like regardless of their dangly bits lol) it was incredibly surreal, to be openly discriminated against to my face without him even knowing that he'd done it. I will never forget my art teacher, up on his high horse, preaching to us the "principles" of art while playing this song; singing it's virtues while missing the message. All whilst fondling the thighs of the female students. I was repulsed by his behavior, and not saying that all Christians are like that because I'd still probably consider myself one, but the excuses from the church have to stop. The church can't be condoning hate in the way that it has, it's against it's teachings. And you can argue the whole "it is a sin for a man to lay with another man" but the whole thing has been revised for 2000 years, and even then if the God you served ACTUALLY belived in those things than wouldn't you rebel? It's about time we start living by the "spirit" instead of the "text" of the scripture and just loving everyone equally, I promise you'll feel better in the end if you do that even if it's all just a big hoax

[@Cybernatural]

Song and video both are about both a love story between two gay men in a Christian society, and how they view the church from their perspective. Born sick, commanded to be clean. The deathless death of offering a life after death. The simple worship of their love being greater than the regular Christian faith. At least that is how I see it.

[@christinadonnelly7429]

Everything Hozier creates is brilliance! I am addicted!

[@jrm48220]

Deathless death might also refer to an orgasm. In French there's a term "La pettite mort," the little death which is a euphemism for orgasm.

[@sandralauk2499]

It's true story... And very sad... Our sociaty is very judmental.. Love your reaction.. love from Ireland

[@simsimme1799]

The box is a metaphor for their forbidden love, that’s why at the beginning the guy was burying it then the gang member was trying to break it at the end and threw it into the flames

[@duffyheitmann4311]

“That’s a fine looking high horse” hit different

[@christopherjunkins]

I love that you didn't mention that it's homosexual love that is attacked, just love.

[@yourlocalheathen8419]

The song could multiple different meanings, all of which make perfectly good sense. Now how many other people thought that this song could have some BDSM inlays within the word play. Food for thought

[@NoudlePipW]

#1 Unreal camera #2 I can't handle how happy I am that he's not registering gay or straight etc for ages, it's just "love". Used to know Andrew and this is what he wanted

[@kittdekat1]

I’ve paused to comment, in the UK and Irish cultures we do try to have a good time at a funeral… I don’t know why! 😂

[@AshReacts]

Hahah I knew this would be coming after the snippet in the TikTok video got you amazed.

[@nigelbardoe3771]

This song always gives me goosebumps.

[@alfonsolopez2907]

Hozier is art and more with this LGBT + anthem it is a musical work and every time I listen to it it gives me chicken skin 🥺

[@spamvicious]

"We were born sick", you heard them say it "is how some are made to feel about their sexuality especially when it comes to religion. "I was born sick, but I love it" being proud of who you are regardless.

[@corwinwheeler6819]

This reaction was a much-needed ray of hope for me. When I first heard this song, I was unaware of the music video. I still loved it, and took it as comment on the high handed, indefensible distaste of religion for sexuality in general, which itself is tragic. It resonated powerfully with me on that level. In addition, of course, to being an excellent and powerful song in both the purely technical and aesthetic senses. Then I saw the music video, and openly wept as the meaning of the song was forever changed in my mind. Then came your reaction, sir. I wept again, but with renewed hope. I cannot tell you the joy it brought me that such an intelligent and insightful person could instantly recognize all the aspects of what he was seeing, except for the "relevant" detail of the lovers' shared gender. It genuinely didn't even occur to you. This song will continue to make me profoundly sad and angry, but now it will also make me hopeful. And that is because of you. Thank you, sir. Thank you.

[@SomethingScotty]

If you react to any more Hozier you should check out "In The Woods Somewhere". I love the type of story it paints.

[@vivienneclarke2421]

My absolute favorite Hozier song,,so very haunting ~

[@deenaengelmann2144]

My favorite Hozier song! The imagery he paints with words is stunning.

[@SomethingScotty]

Admittedly, I didn't hear the song first on an album or anything. I first heard it on the Dark Souls 3 launch trailer, and being an avid fan of that universe, the song fit so well and instantly became a favorite, then I just started enjoying it for the story it was telling itself.

[@scottishemmaa2457]

You need to check out the version of this he sang in the subway station!!! Epic!!

[@wizzerwizly]

PLEASE, PLEASE LISTEN & REACT TO WORK SONG. This is what turned me on to Hozier. Not only is the song excellent, the dance in the video is most interesting & has a great back story regarding the American choreographer. PLEASE CHECK IT OUT.

[@satibrown1144]

I love work song SO much. Its just amazing.

[@brandenperez62]

Next you should react to X Ambassador-Unsteady. Vocals are amazing & lyrics are powerful

[@vitaminsea4985]

Nina Cried Power is a great song and powerful video! Hozier is an amazing talent.

[@FriendNamedEnemy]

But this is a good one. They are gay bashed which is why they was being attacked bro

[@briandaniels8945]

Work song is also amazing

[@gailseatonhumbert]

Hozier, Rag N Bone Man, and Avi Kaplan are often compared. Hozier is Irish. Rory is English and Avi is American. They are all singer-songwriters and their themes and performances are very powerful.

[@kaymusic2741]

your "Oh My" in 2:29 is giving me Capt.Raymond Holt vibes

[@andyachilleos5013silvereagle]

This song to me is about love, and unacceptence

[@americansmark]

It's so weird seeing Hozier as this pop music guy when I know him as the guy at the Redneck Rave singing about pickup trucks and beer. I'm glad he got a number one hit, but this is definitely not his normal style.

[@naomifigueroa1428]

There’s Hozier, Irish and Hosier, American.. two different ppl

[@Bazk01]

There is another video done by a dancer to the song - it's not official but it's just him dancing in a church/empty building and gets across the emotion a lot more. This video is sad, but I've never felt it matched the song as well. You tend to prefer live versions, which he does quite a lot of. There's a version of him busking "take me to church" in the New York Subway. It sounds amazing, especially for being in a subway station. - "Cherry Wine" is also excellent, but I love his "Work Song" - crosses a lot of genres of gospel, soul, and others.

[@newgrl]

Great reaction to a pretty complicated song! Nicely done.

[@tomshi3561]

People can tolerate the hate, but no the love!

[@jeremymiller4750]

Seeing you do this one. I would really like to see you do Arsonists Lullaby by Hozier as well!

[@amandasmith7360]

You should listen to their song Nina Cried Power! All of their songs are amazing!

[@salti1976]

Have you seen and reacted to his latest hit? Eat Your Young. Watch it with the video. Oof! Such a powerful song writer with a powerful voice.

[@laurlaur2638]

“They seem to not like love because they all seem to be alone.” 🤌

[@strdseraph2765]

I'm so glad you did this song. The video haunts me but I love Hozier's music. You should check out Sedated.

[@Lillian_Ashcroft]

Also this song came out right after the world became aware of the anti-gay genocide still going on in Chechnya. There are satelite images of mass graves and concentration camps popping up in Chechnya but the global community refuses to act because russia has told everyone to ignore it.

[@xsubdude99]

Mr. Lboyd. You asked us to "Like and "Subscribe" if we like the content so you'll know if you should keep providing it. I've done both. Keep doing what you're doing. I find reaction videos interesting and you are the best one doing them so please keep doing what you're doing. You're reaction videos are on a whole different level with what's out there.

[@unostoic4804]

I like hozier

[@lemistith8055]

Deathless Death is a pretty big thing for a lot of queer people the world over. Do not be you. You cannot live as you. You aren't alive as you, or you die. Living is the deathless death for who they are. Like - no matter how much you want to say otherwise, this isn't about a "shitty society" or generalized "love" It's about our world, our societies, and non-heteronormative straight relationships.

[@NinjaBooKitty]

"Hozier admitted that people took the title at "face value" and "were very upset when they found out that" it was not a song about "actually about being taken to church." The song explores the topic of "shame regarding sexuality," particularly the societal or religious "aversion to homosexuality." The song grew out of Hozier's frustration with the Catholic Church which, as somebody raised in the Protestant Quaker faith, he saw as dominating the social and political outlook of the Irish state. "Growing up, I always saw the hypocrisy of the Catholic Church", Hozier said in an interview with . "The history speaks for itself and I grew incredibly frustrated and angry. I essentially just put that into my words

[@damnboy2.047]

I was wondering is the song specifically about homosexuality, or it just one way which he decided to based the music video in. Or is it more just generally based around the catholic organization?

[@FoxyGuyHere]

Same people don't understand what Halleluja is about.

[@SneeGG]

you used WAY to many quote marks i am so confused

[@NinjaBooKitty]

That public education.@@SneeGG

[@bullymaguire1055]

Not a single fuxk is given

[@sizeMICK1]

This song is based on a true story about a Russian man who was struggling with his homosexuality. He went to a confessional at his catholic church and confessed his homosexuality to the priest. The priest told some local gangsters about this man and they ransacked his home, tied him up, beat his boyfriend and burned his boyfriend alive in front of him. Hozier is singing about the betrayal of this man's trust buy the catholic priest and price the two men paid for their love.

[@isabelfigueroa911]

source?

[@welhim21]

@@isabelfigueroa911 music vid hahahaha

[@katieblissenbach9372]

Not true

[@theamagnusson5791]

Wikipedia

[@steampunklemur]

@@isabelfigueroa911 "The video, shot in grayscale on location at Inniscarra Dam in Cork, Ireland, follows a same-sex relationship in Russia and the violently homophobic backlash that ensues when the community learns of one of the men's sexuality. The video had a budget of 500 euros." The Sunday Times, p. 12 "Has the Internet Killed the Music Video?", 20th July 2014 (Via Wikipedia)

[@Timeisaflat_O]

I watched a really interesting interview with the singer from Hozier talking about his Quaker upbringing. Guy is beyond smart and his perspective on religion/culture is equally interesting.

[@thaido527]

Hozier is not name of a band. He is soloist, his name is Hozier. And yes, i agree with you. He is very smart

[@funkymonkey299]

Hozier is the singer..its not a band, he's a solo male singer and his name is Andrew John Hozier-Byrne

[@hannahdorph]

Are you sure Quaker? Bc we don’t have churches or prayers…

[@aislingoreilly1107]

@@hannahdorph yeah no he was raised catholic in ireland

[@Timeisaflat_O]

@@hannahdorph Never mentioned churches or prayer. But many Quaker’s have “programmed” churches which are almost indistinguishable from Evangelical churches. Being from Ireland, I’d imagine his services were unprogrammed. But I only watched the one interview.

[@anarchobaby]

growing up queer in Ireland, riddled with catholic guilt, this song just hits SO different

[@Julesb2183]

Growing up with mormon shame and guilt, it hits too

[@Vexling]

@@Julesb2183 With you here

[@jgg59]

Thank God Ireland is changing slowly but we all are

[@saraeames9679]

Grown up Catholic in the very liberal California. Not me!, Mom!!! She figured it out a few years before she turned 70. Found the love of her life too. It’s never too late.

[@michaellivesey4354]

Never say you are queer...I'm heterosexual, but have a lot of friends that are gay...Definitely not queer..be strong and be you.

[@travislang7546]

In short the video was made by Russian fans and is showing how much homophobia is in Russia. The song is more about how the church wants you to feel guilty for sexual desires and who you love.

[@willsing4beer]

It was shot at Inniscarra Dam in Cork Ireland, (my hometown) but it does depict a Russian couple to highlight the homophobia there.

[@travislang7546]

@@willsing4beer thanks I thought it was shot in Russia as well

[@sarawaters3723]

That was my take on this video

[@dougf1249]

This needs more likes so everyone sees what the video and song is about

[@pieceofgosa]

^^what Travis said

[@corv1d770]

I wish homophobia confused everyone as much as this guy, it's a sign of true compassion and understanding for those not like you! So open to others that he processed this very differently from how most people have. Many see the overt message opposing religious homophobia very easily like myself as a queer person, but I kind of appreciate this guys perspective and how he's just so open about it that he was straight up confused by the homophobia 😭😭😭 "A society that hates loves" indeed. 🙏💖 New sub

[@leas.5596]

I had a very recent discovery of this song. My partner wanted me to hear it. I'd never heard of it, he'd never seen the video. He has cut off his family because they can't accept that he's bisexual, he was also raised in a very religiously abusive household. He had no idea what sort of video accompanied the song. Oof. I'm still processing it a few weeks later....

[@Benstein347]

The song and the music video are very strongly related to homophobia and being LGBT+ in a strongly bigoted world (both greater and localized), with plenty of subtle undertones and double meanings. As you referenced in the video, there is a strong hatred for love. Not any love, but specifically homosexual love. It's very worth trying to pick apart the individual lyrics. When sung they aren't as obvious, but if you were to change the arrangement (not order) you begin to see the underlying message.

[@amymbeauty8765]

Absolutely. You really see the full scope and meaning of the lyrics in his Subway performance. Its heartwrenching

[@TyrannosavageRekt]

While he used the video to capture an example of how religion can be used as a tool to vilify (homosexual) love, I think the meaning of the song itself has much broader strokes as a commentary on society in general. That is to say, this is a very real, very valid, and from the video very intentional interpretation, but not the only one.

[@mimcduffee86]

The song is about the hypocrisy of the Catholic church and it's attempt to control the social and political landscapes of Ireland.

[@damnboy2.047]

@@TyrannosavageRektye I love that interpretation but I feel because of the video people see it a very one sided way

[@christinaify]

"There is no sweeter innocence than our gentle sin." That line hit

[@itssomedonkus5700]

When he says “only then I am human, only then I am clean.” Fucks me up every single time lol

[@pyromajor1]

also i like the angle you took by not even acknowledging it was a same sex couple. making a statement without even saying anything about it.

[@CaseyBlase]

But that also lead to not understanding the story. We are more post sexuality more than post race as a society, but closer... not there

[@tofferooni4972]

He acknowledges that the two guys are together

[@pyromajor1]

@@tofferooni4972 this wasn’t sarcasm it’s a sincere comment

[@tofferooni4972]

@@pyromajor1 oops sry misunderstood ya

[@d.b.624]

"Wait, hold on, what?" - That's how everyone meets Hozier.

[@durky4891]

Agreed. Every reaction to this that I've seen has been that.

[@mindyrussodavis6760]

😆 #truth Welcome to the land of The Forest God

[@anonymous15432]

The “deathless death” line most likely refers to the French term for the orgasm. Which in French is “le petit mort”/ “the little death”. This song is littered with suggestive language I.e. “worship in the bedroom” “the ritual”

[@emartinezpr]

That's always been my assumption.

[@benjaminmeyer2139]

I always thought it was a reference to Heaven and the afterlife. In the chorus he's talking about giving up his life to the church, "I'll tell you my sins so you can sharpen your knife" as in he's expecting to be killed for his sins. But, in the eyes of the Church it's a good thing because of Heaven where you live forever after death: the "Deathless Death". The entire chorus he's being sarcastic because he doesn't believe in their Heaven; he even calls their faith a shrine of lies. So, when he says "Offer me that Deathless Death" he really means "Yeah, kill me but tell me I'll go to a better place as if that makes it okay." As with many athiests/agnostics/pagans,, Heaven is no reward since this is the only life they'll live.

[@valeriedauchy573]

I think the song works on both levels. On one hand it is a love letter to a person, comparing being with them as their church and their love as their religion. But I think it is also clearly about a gay person’s experience being born into a religion that calls them unnatural. I also heard deathless death as a reference to both sex and heaven or both at the same time (“my only heaven is with you”). But part of that is that the Heaven promised by their religion is closed to them because of their love.

[@tithannisk7470]

Coming for a french guy : the term in french is "la petite mort".

[@valeriedauchy573]

@@tithannisk7470 Coming from a bilingual person, this is true. But it is “coming from” not “coming for” ;)

[@gailseatonhumbert9199]

Hozier is Irish. He, Rag N Bone Man (Rory Graham) in the U.K. and Avi Kaplan in the USA are often compared. The Catholic Church is against homosexuality. It is still interfering with same sex relationships in Ireland. It is a very political song.

[@subbot8077]

This!

[@marlenemcmillan8891]

The catholic church against homosexuality... They sexually abused boys and still do..

[@robertmasengale9366]

​@@marlenemcmillan8891 Technically speaking the Catholic church has the same ratio of predators as the general population... The problem is that they don't excommunicate them and ensure that they are put to justice after the fact... Effectively, they protect all the clergy from legal repercussions, thus they protect active predators.

[@brienneoffriggintarth5510]

@@marlenemcmillan8891 that's pedophilia not homosexuality. Please don't confuse the two....a lot of people do

[@marlenemcmillan8891]

@@brienneoffriggintarth5510 understand .both exists in.the catholic church. .

[@lilykep]

This sort of homophobia is happening in Eastern Europe now, but it wasn't that long ago that it was happening in America. Matthew Shepard was murdered for being gay when I was in 8th grade, right as I was coming to terms with the fact that I experience same sex attraction. It took me another 10 years before I was comfortable enough to tell anyone that I was bisexual. To me, away from the video, this song is less about individual violence and more about religious neglect and the more subtle violence of refusing to accept a person as they are. The singer is rejecting the faith that has rejected them and is choosing instead to follow their lover.

[@rikmang]

Exactly imagine dragons kind of a documentary on it about Quakers in a homophobic lifestyle..the pain and suffering they go through and how the suicide rate is very high.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

I realised I was gay the year that the last state in my country decriminalised homosexuality (Tasmania, Australia). And there were just the most horrific things being said about queer people at the time (because it was a fight). My daughter came out the same year that we held a completely unnecessary postal survey about whether or not to legalise same sex marriage. But we won by a landslide, there was still all that horrific “debate” happening. Which is why queer rights groups had tried to block the survey (wasn’t even legally binding like a referendum would be, but referendums are for constitutional changes, and this was regular legislation). All they had to do was vote it in, but conservative gonna homophobe, I guess. That was 4 years ago. And I’m still not entirely over how nasty the community got. I had to move cities, after a neighbour who found out I was gay called the pop ice on me, alleging child abuse (because merely being a gay parent is abusive apparently). It was all dropped, but we couldn’t stay there after that. And that’s Australia, in the 21st century. That sort of homophobia still exists in western countries, for all that it’s gotten better in the late few decades. Mostly during my own lifetime.

[@daniellekurtz9271]

It still is in America, just not as obvious through politics as it used to be. There's still hate crimes here in which the victims do not get justice. The most recent that I know of was Jason Fox in 2020. His mother is still trying to get justice because the five people involved walked free, if I remember correctly.

[@sarahdixon1943]

I always throw out the Matthew Shepherd tragedy as an example 😔 😪 It was/still is so heartbreaking to think of what he must have went through.

[@jayemerengueli]

"This is a terrible society they live in." Sadly, this is how society is towards homosexuality. And I absolutely LOVE when you said, "These people don't like love" without giving it a sexuality. You've made a subscriber out of me with that one comment. Love is love. ❤️

[@cyrusdorian1175]

For me personally, I've always seen this song as representing religious trauma in queer people. Obviously there are religious queer people but not all of religions are okay with queer people and religion is used against LGBT people more than it is used to help us.

[@OutsideGalaxy]

Yes! I feel like even if we do grow up to be religious lots of us grew up in religious households where we were told that we were wrong, "we were born sick, you heard them say it"

[@MELLMAO]

especially us growing up as catholics/ in catholic communities where every family member and many people in your life are extremely homophobic and hateful, using gay people as scapegoats for everything (even jewish people alongside lgbt people) and growing up closeted your whole life. The song and the video always brings me to tears

[@mikoftime1364]

I take it as anything sexual actually. Yes religion “frowns” upon queer people but also sexual people, normal desires. I see it as an open invitation to celebrate our bodies that being with whomever you want

[@Yallgotbaited]

What

[@emilyporter1186]

Yeah this is a big issue I have with broader Christian institutions. I always feel really lucky cuz my parents always taught me to think critically and look at multiple translations of the bible, and come to my own conclusions. So while I def had some internalized bi/homophobia as a child, it was because of cultural narratives and other adults in my life, and I was able to unlearn that even within a religious framework. My dad even lent me a book called "Risking Grace" about unlearning Christian homophobia. I wish that denominations that specifically embrace LGBT+ ppl were more widespread and well-known.

[@valeriedauchy573]

Hey there. New fan here, been watching your videos for a few weeks, love your deep dives into the meaning of various songs. And I love that you are such a nice guy that the fact that it is two guys kissing doesn’t even register as something to be upset about for you. But from my very first listen, I associated this song with religious homophobia. “I was born sick” is the Church telling gay people that they are unnatural for the way they were born. “I tell you my sins so you can sharpen your knives” is a gay catholic at confession telling a priest that he loves someone of the same sex only to be told it is an abomination and they will both go to Hell. The video shows the extreme form of that homophobia. Amazing song all around. I first heard Hozier perform it on SNL and his voice is just as good live. I became an instant fan. Keep up the good work!

[@davidwood5884]

Agreed, the way he says that at it seems like some horrible society that is against love, asking what to they have against love, but not clicking that this is our society was such a nice thing to see. That mindset is hopefully the eventual future of society

[@valeriedauchy573]

@@davidwood5884 Yep. I could definitely see a future society looking at a video like this and not understanding what is going on (or at least I hope that is how a future society would react), but today… It took 26 movies for Marvel to have their first openly gay superhero and it was pretty controversial. It’s a far cry from burning people in bonfires, but we are not out of the woods of hatred yet.

[@mazhoque]

It's sad. Homosexuality is still as negative. Which is wrong.

[@Uninvited72]

The song always gives me chills and the video breaks my heart

[@jesslewis86]

"In A Week," "Like Real People Do," and "Arsonist's Lullaby" are some of my favorites from Hozier. Though, honestly, they're all fantastic. Excited you're getting into him!

[@Sam-oe4ir]

in a week is my favorite too

[@Thecanadianwitch]

I LOVE Arsonist's lullaby, as much as take me to church

[@Cat-zp4vi]

i adore work song too!

[@PizzaHutCEO]

Arsonists lullaby is incredible!

[@FriendNamedEnemy]

He's gay but his religion and people around him won't allow that

[@mimimitch327]

But yet the guy that runs up on them beating his lover, stands there. Does he go up to them or does he save himself? Maybe that’s the point.

[@foxandscout]

@taddeo ruggerio yes he is not gay, he supports LGBTQA.

[@solxplosion1978]

Dude can sing his ass off

[@coreym0]

You have to check out Hozier 'Nina Cried Power'. You'll love it!

[@subbot8077]

Absolutely, it's an amazing song.

[@livvyweimar7362]

This song is about the overall control the Christian church has over the people of Russia/Ireland. Hozier is from Russia but was raised in Ireland since he was young. Homosexuality is punishable by death in Russia and well, Ireland is a tiny bit more lenient... but not much. He's not gay, but he's also not straight so for him this was problematic. This song is a protest to how the church treats anyone who is not a heterosexual God fearing person. "My lover's got humor. She's the giggle at a funeral." That's not how "normal" people act. Once you understand that it's about embracing the strange and rejecting the church it makes more sense.

[@58palos]

"It's about people who hate love" I absolutely love the fact that he said the way he did instead of saying "gay love" or something along those lines. Love is love and everyone should see it the way he does.

[@Lukas-ht9xm]

but he's wrong.. the people in the video dont hate "love" they hate homosexuality.. It isnt about seeing it one way or anotherr. in this specific video "gay love" was the target of the hate shown.

[@damnboy2.047]

@@Lukas-ht9xmyeah but he’s talking about the song in general not just this specific video I’m pretty sure

[@BeachDreamere]

"Take Me to Church" by Hozier Lyrics Meaning What's the most intense and scary song that I could find on the local top 40 station? Definitely "Take Me to Church" by Hozier. There's no question. This song is heavy and full of meaning. And it happens to be very culturally relevant. The songwriter Andrew Hozier-Byrne is singing against church-fueled "shaming." Specifically, this song is against homophobia; the music video shows a gay couple being hunted and tortured by mask-wearing men. The songwriter (who goes by Hozier) supplements a blunt statement with a clear metaphor in his lyrics and a earthy, blues, and gospel sound in his music, which increases the intensity of his message. As Forbes Magazine writer Nick Messitte points out, this style is unlike most music on the Billboard charts. Hozier is certainly unique, and so is his message among the myriads of thematically shallow pop songs. "The Meaning" The song comes in two parts: an adoration of Hozier's female lover and an indictment of the church. Hozier begins by singing about an imaginary girlfriend who "giggles at a funeral," and who "knows everybody's disapproval." He regrets not having "worshipped her sooner." Hozier is strongly attracted to this woman, whomever she is. In the next stanza, he claims that "[i]f the heavens ever did speak / she's the last true mouthpiece." He believes that if God exists, He would speak through this woman. And compared to her, he believes church to be a "bleak" place, that spits out "poison" at those who attend, telling them that they were "born sick" in sin. This girl is more desirable than church and, he thinks, a better way to understand the meaning of life. In the next stanza, Hozier sings that his girlfriend invites him to "worship in the bedroom" and that he's sent to Heaven when he's with her. The main point of this song is that Hozier feels closer to God (or the "good life" or "right living") in the act of love in sex, not when he adheres to established religion. The chorus is an explicit and sarcastic attack on legalistic churches (or any church that follows guides which cause congregants to feel shame). Hozier sings, "Take me to church / I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies / I'll tell you my sins and you can sharpen your knife." He claims that the church demeans its attendees and attacks them for the things they do when those things go against the church's doctrine. Then, Hozier reinforces his opinion that sex (whether heterosexual or homosexual, his interviews show) is an act of love far better than being beholden to a religion. He claims to be "a pagan of the good times" who worships his lover who is "the sunlight." But, in keeping with the pagan imagery, this "goddess . . . demands a sacrifice," and that is the act of sex, which Hozier refers to with innuendoes referencing "something shiny," "drain[ing] the whole sea," and "[s]omething meaty for the main course." Near the end of the song, he re-summarizes his thesis: "In the madness and soil of that sad earthly scene / Only then I am human / Only then I am clean." What the church considers an "earthly scene"--intercourse not within a heterosexual marriage--Hozier finds to be one way to ultimate satisfaction in life, something to be pursued and claims it to be "innocence." To end the song, he compares the love he has just described to his view of the church, repeating the chorus twice, emphasizing the stark contrast he sees there. His ultimate question seems to be: How could anyone choose a rule-making (or shame-adding) church over the experience of love in sex no matter what the form? Hozier's Intention In an interview with the Star Tribune, Hozier explains that his song is an attack on anti-homosexuality in the church, especially the Catholic church: “I’m not condemning the church or religion on the whole, just that one policy [the anti-same sex marriage policy], which seems so wrong to me. And obviously I’m not alone in thinking that.” According to an interview with The Cut, the song is also about homophobia in general and state oppression of homosexuals in Russia. Hozier meant the song and the music video to attack policies that value rules and prejudice over love and acceptance. To make this point, "Take Me to Church's" music video shows a gay couple being hunted and tortured by a mob of masked and hooded men. Viewers, first, see the couple making out and, then, the mob torturing one of the men. In explaining the video in an interview with Fuse TV, Hozier says, "If you feel offended or disgusted by the image of two people kissing, if that's what it is, but you're more disgusted by that than the actual violence...I think you should take a look at your values, maybe." Through these images, Hozier wants to prove that being anti-gay is far worse than enjoying homosexual love. As an appropriate summary of his viewpoint, Hozier says in his interview with The Cut that "[t]he song is about asserting yourself and reclaiming your humanity through an act of love. Turning your back on the theoretical thing, something that's not tangible, and choosing to worship or love something that is tangible and real - something that can be experienced." www.popsongprofessor.com/blog/2015/04/15/what-does-take-me-to-church-by-hozier-mean

[@chew7656]

Interesting read

[@Camothor10]

I thought the video was quite straightforward, perhaps don’t read to much between the lines this video is very blunt with its meaning.

[@Villagelark]

I thought it was very very clear myself, as well…. Violent homophobia.

[@randomjay3633]

"Makes me feel like it was set in a society that hates the concept of love" . I believe the word you were searching for was Russia lol

[@FlyMeUpSoHigh]

There's something endearing about you not picking up immediately on the homophobia as you view love as just love, which it is. At some level it's nice to see that there are some people who aren't so exposed to that homophobic bigotry that they can react to it with genuine confusion.

[@liav4102]

Those awkward moments when people didn’t think through the lyrics and decided this was a good idea to sing in church 😳

[@EyesPixelated]

It's absolute gold when sh*t like that happens.

[@DewiSocks]

@@EyesPixelated Fr 🤣

[@Alex-gg8hs]

I think you're being deliberately obtuse about the subject matter of the video.

[@brentpnw9091]

It's about Y2K, right?

[@angelabrown1104]

You could do an entire series on Hozier and it would be fantastic. His voice and lyrical abilities are fire, pure blaze.🔥

[@andreacollins3204]

I’m Irish and this was such a song to be completely proud of. He’s a real Irish man and I love seeing it. ❤️🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@pyromajor1]

theres a video out there of him doing a performance in a nyc subway i highly recommend it his voice live is even better

[@ravenslight2549]

Yesss! His vocals in the subway were on point! Totally amazing

[@LisaD-1969]

Totally agree! It’s such a powerful performance!

[@chrisphelps9154]

there's a cover by Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox with Morgan James as the vocalist. almost as powerful, chills every time

[@Shakespearmint]

Please listen to more Hozier! He's a beautiful storyteller and he is incredibly talented at evoking feeling through his music. "No Plan", "As It Was," "Like Real People Do" are some favorites but "Shrike" is a work of art in my opinion. There is something about the celtic influences and deep, pure expression of regret in that song that is just transporting.

[@niceandgloomy]

Shrike is pure stunning.

[@ayshadavis7864]

And nfwmb. Truly a masterpiece. His lyrics are so rich and descriptive

[@SassMode]

Amazing song! Hozier do beautiful music! Have a listen to “From Eden” or “Shrike”

[@mitchellbenedetti8709]

I feel like you're too smart to have overlooked the fact that this is a story about a gay couple in our society to which the song directly correlates to the catholic churches hatred for gay people. Like it's not a love story. I appreciate your reactions so much because you analyze your videos so well, but for you to "not understand why they're attacking these people"....come on man.

[@BeautyAndOtterPops]

i think he was trying to make a point about how stupid and confusing homophobia is by seeing nothing wrong with the picture of love. i think it was more like calling out homophobes like "these two people are in love. what's the problem? do you hate when people are happy?" but i was super confused at first when he was acting like he didn't get it too lol. he didn't acknowledge the criticism of the church though which is another powerful aspect of the song

[@makyeebon]

Why calling out Catholic church. wouldn't it be most organized religion? I don't think this type of bigotry is exclusive to one religion.

[@benneb2659]

@@makyeebon I agree with you in the fact that many religions have this hateful view towards homosexuality, but the reason its particularly about Catholicism is due to the anti-gay propaganda in Russian catholic churches, and targeted hate crimes towards Gay and LGBTQIA+ minorities. Hozier isn't calling out religion itself, its entirely acceptable to have religious beliefs in his eyes, but Hozier is using the current issue of the hate crimes against gays in Russia and other parts of Eastern Europe as inspiration of this song, to show how incredibly hateful these kinds of crimes are.

[@makyeebon]

@@benneb2659 I get it. But I don't think this is the Catholic church, certainly not the Roman Catholic church. I think Russian Orthodox is the dominant religion in Russia, plus the culture there seems to be more hateful towards gay people than in the west. As a Catholic, I see plenty of room for improvement, believe me. But Pope Francis seems to be moving in the right direction of acceptance and dignity. In Russia, not so much. But as I consider all of the main religions of the world, none of them accept gay people. It's not a Catholic thing alone, which is what prompted my initial comment. I love the song and it's message. One other thought: To blame the Catholic church for the violence seems misplaced blame in a way. If it was the church, then every country where there is a large Catholic population should be seeing the same thing, correct? There have been terrible things done to gay people in countries where other faiths are dominant. I think this goes beyond any one religion, and this hate is spread outside the confines of any church. But again, the words of this song are striking and relevant.

[@davis267]

Fair point but I also feel like so many reactions focus on the video at the expense of focusing/reacting to the song so I appreciate that here

[@jeannetteangell7971]

If you're planning to do more Hozier I would strongly recommend Nina Cried Power. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.

[@toastyspooks9701]

I do love the fac that you just notice it as love instead of same sex love, because at the end of the day love is love, however not every person views same sex, versus the conventional idea of a relationship, and unfortunately that's what this song is about, religion and same sex marriage, many countries (hell even america is getting there but still stuck in that old way), same sex marriage and love (at least in the modern sense) is still new to people and the world. And it's a shame, you SHOULD be able to love who you love, and be together if its mutual. (within reason)

[@liamunderwood7261]

I really like 'Movement' by Hozier, i think you would probably enjoy it

[@bradyswanson1041]

Honestly, this song has been one of my favorites ever since the eighth grade (when it came out), back in 2013. While the lyrics speak very powerfully in regards to homophobia through an allusion of religion, I believe that they can apply to anyone experiencing struggle and hardship due to the prejudices of others. This song was one of the kick-starters that made me realize how shaky my faith in Christianity really was, and (for lack of a better term) woke me up to the persecution and trials of many at the hands of the church for some intrinsic trait, whether it be sexuality, gender, race, or faith/the lack thereof. Or just mean-spirited, relentless bullying for middle-school me. I remember sitting in practice rooms after school, immersing myself into a world created by the keys of a piano. This song was one that filled me with senses of power and vulnerability at the same time: knowing that I could express my frustrations and hurt through the lyrics, and yet connect through them to recognize that I wasn't alone. It's a truly powerful piece of music.

[@ianmclean6399]

I always took it as a dig at religion and society who tell you who you can love. LGBQT obviously get that more but i think it covers all sexualities being told they are sinners for loving. Deathless death is such a good lyric

[@akaredblue62]

During quarantine, he sang this from his living room with piano accompaniment; he sounded absolutely amazing. I couldn’t listen to it enough times. He also sang this in the subway; it was fantastic. Both videos on KZbin.

[@dougf1249]

Good to know i’ll have to go watch it

[@akaredblue62]

@@dougf1249 It’s called Together at Home. He does about 30 mins of chat and songs; it was to help bring money in for the WHO. You won’t be disappointed.

[@dougf1249]

@@akaredblue62 ohh awesome; thank you for the added info

[@angelalurtz3638]

To me, the "deathless death" is a double entendre: on the one hand he's speaking to his lover, and finding love and fulfillment outside of marriage, including "le petit mort" (french for the little death, in reference to orgasm). In the other hand, the religion that condemns him for this love is offering eternal life, or deathless death, through Jesus, but only if he can give up those "sins".

[@lgood4970]

~It is a beautiful song but so sad. His only church is the man he loves. Because the CHURCH rejects them. If he tells the church his so called sins, they will sharpen their knives and destroy him. He can't go to Church so is love is church now. The society who follows the Church rejects them too. In many places, a man loving a man is a death sentence. The video is set in Russia I believe.

[@sgtchewy]

I like the way you dont acknowledge the ignorance and stupidity and say it's just purely a hate of love. I really like that honestly.

[@kemitamenophis3221]

I appreciated the symbolism in the video: The wooden box wrapped in chains represented that their love for each other had to be kept secret and buried underground. The flock of birds flying and the plane in the sky representing the freedom that they felt when they were able to love each other.

[@jerryactrik1901]

hey man, would love for you to check Hozier's Nina Cried Power ft. Mavis Staples.... really powerful song

[@coltaine503]

Next one to listen to is "Nina Cried Power", guest starring the legendary Mavis Staples. Celebrates the great civil rights pioneers in US history.

[@Canthus13]

Watching this again.. ANd I love your sort of innocence. "I think the two guys are together, but the society says love should not exist." You're awesome and I wanna buy you a beer.

[@freelovedragon1417]

Cherry Wine is one of the most emotional songs he’s written. It sounds so lovely and sweet but the subject is very sad and dark and an age old story with a twist.

[@ShmooieLowenstein]

"This is a song about a society that hates love!" You literally missed the point of the video and song. It's that organised religion teaches hate and shame as much as it purports to teach love. The video is literally about religion enforcing homophobia and that that same religion isn't the venue for self-improvement. "This is a terrible society they're living in!" Yes, the society we all live in sucks. This is reality for millions of people. lol

[@SicShotGaming]

there is a live version of him singing this song in the subway and it sounds amazing

[@cynhanrahan4012]

The song is about hate disguised as religion, and the harm it causes the innocent, and those who recognize it for what it is. A lot of us had to escape THIS terrible society we live in. This was Hozier's first hit, and it has always touched me deeply.

[@michaelfields849]

You should either do "In A Week" or "Cherry Wine" next. Both are by Hozier

[@Uninvited72]

Check out his NPR Tiny Desk perfirmance. 🖤

[@Timeisaflat_O]

And the video of them performing this song in a subway! Unbelievable.

[@amandagfuller]

I've always thought of this song as a criticism. Not of religion, but a criticism of humanity as a whole. We get on our high horse and talk about the good that love can do, but we also criticize those who love people we don't deem worthy. It's about being judge for loving someone who is viewed as sinful. You, yourself start being viewed as sinful in eyes of others. The video is clearly about homosexuality, because it's the perfect example, but, the song could be applied to a number of things such as loving an addict, a liar, a murderer, a person of a differing religion, a person who is lazy and lecherous... the list goes on and on. We preach about love, but simultaneously criticize others for loving too much. That's just my opinion, though.