Hozier - Shrike (Official Audio)

[@christinajessica787]

hozier releasing new songs at the start of september is how hades welcomes persephone back

[@sajlimahleal8556]

I'm in love with this comment, oh my God 😂

[@SageKStroke52]

This is my favorite comment of all time 😂

[@ThePurpleCosmos]

I have to agree this comment is so perfect

[@davidhyrman2763]

Fuck off KZbin comments are NOT supposed to give me the same kind of feeling I get listening to Pink Floyd or reading a passage of Carl Jung. To be clear, that is an absolutely amazing feeling.

[@VeronicaFoxiee]

Christina Jessica OMG yesssssss!

[@harls9856]

Having a campfire with Hozier on a chilling autumn night would be a spiritual experience

[@polinabushkova6743]

hold on my beer-no sorry,my blueberry juice,That's the best comment I've ever read.

[@imprasann1601]

Indeed 💯

[@juniperrodley9843]

B r o I already go spiritual in autumn and during nights, this would make me fucking a s t r a l p r o j e c t into the nth dimension

[@element1192]

Honestly at that point you would just be beyond the need for a corporeal form and ascend into another dimension

[@nekocat4293]

my life would be complete

[@noordeepkaur7795]

Is it even possible for a mortal to compose art so divine?

[@directioricanpsn]

chihaya furu bold of you to assume he is a mortal

[@naethavenir9422]

Nah, he’s a forest god.

[@codiejagger]

@@directioricanpsn you beat me to it :(

[@JolPil]

Therefore the saying god gifted

[@tobikms1709]

I saw compose and my brain autocorrected it to decompose. My friend was talking about their friend named Mordrid and I kept hearing morbid. I think I have a problem.

[@delaneyhartmann1784]

One of the best moments of my life happened because of this song. It was nighttime and my best friend and I were driving through the Rocky Mountains and listening to music. I played this song and we rolled down the windows and sun roof. Looking at the millions of stars framed by mountain tops gave me a realization of how big the world is, and how small my struggles are. Listening to this song, feeling the cold mountain air, smelling the pine trees with my best friend was the most pure, beautiful thing I’ve ever felt. Thank you Andrew.

[@fiachmchughobyrne7745]

Delaney Hartmann great post,hi from Ireland 👍

[@ericaschwaninger]

Goosebumps ♥️

[@TheTaylorzmyname]

:)))

[@emilyc3000]

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@hellohello-dm1dh]

I dream for an experience like this.

[@edenpittman132]

A shrike is a small carnivorous bird, also known as the butcherbird. The shrike catches its prey, insects and small vertebrates, and then impales them on any sharp point it can find, and then tears the flesh from the prey.

[@AliceP.]

What's your take on the meaning of the sentence though?

[@DarkSeraph351]

@@AliceP. He needs her like the shrike needs the thorn (they don't have talons), but the thorn bush cares nothing for the needs of the bird. Because he was unable or unwilling to express his feelings when they were in a relationship ("I couldn't utter my love when it counted"), so she slowly scorned him and in doing so took "all his goodness" with her, transforming him into the cruel butcherbird.

[@Haytham1037]

I thought so 🤔

[@fairlyadorablepancreas3746]

@@DarkSeraph351 thank you🙌

[@sthompson2839]

Thanks from Nebraska. Was just about to google "what is a shrike".. 🙂

[@Amy-my5xz]

This song makes me cry at sad memories that don't belong to me.

[@pujithatadala665]

MOOD!!!!!!!!💕✔🙌💖🎶🤷‍♀️

[@sunnymuhammad3912]

Apricot this is funny, But you already knew that

[@mercuryisbi]

Damn that's deep ❤️

[@mercuryisbi]

@Eden Judkins omfg 😂😂

[@alexandriaking8544]

Apricot fucking true

[@Yasmin-bd6pw]

Hozier has finally returned after spending a few years in the woods with the nymphs and elves. He's blessing humanity with new music

[@maiamoreno1662]

Best comment

[@strega0]

you're everywhere XD

[@yagmur_bicici]

:D

[@babs_the_bat]

I don't want to ruin the likes, but I agree.

[@yagmur_bicici]

@@babs_the_batSame I don't want to ruin the likes, I agree with you :p it's meaningful

[@ThatMackenzieGurl]

This song came out last year, exactly 3 months after I was sexually assaulted. I had struggled with coming to terms with it. I hadn’t told anyone because I felt like if I told someone then I had to admit to myself that it had happened. I’ve always loved Hozier so when I heard he had a new EP coming out I couldn’t wait to listen. When I heard this song for the first time something happened, I couldn’t stop crying and listening to it over and over again. I know this song has nothing to do with assault, but the words made me think about what happened. The person that did this to me was important to me and after it happened I felt broken, but this song some how made me come to peace with what had happened. So I just wanted to say thank you for creating this incredibly beautiful and powerful song, and thank you to all the beautiful people in the comments writing about how this song made them envision themselves sitting next to a cozy campfire or standing on a mountain. It all made me feel so free. I know this is a really weird comment to make, but I just wanted to say thank you.

[@wirosableng4393]

*gives online hugs. I hope you feel better now hunn

[@kiraalexandria1521]

Sending love and good vibes your way ❤️❤️❤️

[@Oneirosek]

glad you found your peace again, there is a reason for everything and maybe it ruined you for a while, but at the end, it made you stronger. Much love from lonely soul :D

[@elisaevangelisti5331]

It's not weird. This has happened to me, too. But we can forgive, hold each others' hands from different corners of different countries and focus our never-ending love and energies into creating a better world for kids to come. Sending love

[@alihaiderchandio8000]

Thank you for this sister! God bless you

[@awkwardhuman1788]

Lyrics: I couldn't utter my love when it counted Ah, but I'm singing like a bird 'bout it now And I couldn't whisper when you needed it shouted Ah, but I'm singing like a bird 'bout it now The words hung above But never would form Like a cry at the final breath that is drawn Remember me love when I'm reborn As the shrike to your sharp And glorious thorn And I had no idea on what ground I was founded All of that goodness is going with you now Then when I met you, my virtues uncounted All of my goodness is going with you now Dragging along Following your form Hung like the pelt of some prey you had worn Remember me love when I'm reborn As the shrike to your sharp And glorious thorn I fled to the city with so much discounted Ah, but I'm flying like a bird to you now Back to the hedgerows where bodies are mounted Ah, but I'm flying like a bird to you now I was housed by your warmth But I was transformed By your grounded and giving And darkening scorn Remember me love when I'm reborn As the shrike to your sharp And glorious thorn

[@sangeetaboodoo3266]

This song seems like a ballad

[@katjackson5777]

Thank you so much, I was hoping someone would post the lyrics! They brought me to tears

[@kenziedawn8091]

thank you!!

[@MrIBS-uc9oo]

People like you go to heaven ahaha

[@rrutledge4895]

True poetry

[@nicolesamanthaalmonte3671]

Bruh. The comment section is the purest comment section I've ever read. No hate, but just love. HOZIER CAN MAKE PEACE IN WHOLE WORLD!

[@jessicahanscome5662]

Yesssss!! 😁💕🙌

[@leoza6714]

lennons rebirth ? :D

[@amandasmith7360]

Amen to that! 💛✌

[@jamesbns7261]

2nd only to van Morrison's

[@patriotpeasant199]

No doubt! What music like this can do to humanity is a beautiful thing 💙

[@WhammyTime91]

No one in mainstream music is doing anything close to this. Hozier is on a tier of his own.

[@hostilegrey9011]

You should check out Brad Wilson. He’s still independent, but he’s doing some great stuff.

[@goodToBeLost]

That is sadly kind of true. I also love Vance Joy. I guess we could call him 'mainstream' as well, and yet some of his songs are real gems.

[@wings4355]

Florence + The Machine

[@sathwicked619]

George ezra,jain

[@Karolina-cf8ql]

George Ezra

[@ooffactor]

In Indian folklore there was a singer called "Tansen", who could sing "malahar" so well that he'd summon rain storms and fires by his voice... now I know what those rain storms and fires were in the hearts of the listeners ... Hozier has the same effect.

[@alexandraduque3779]

Really? That's beautiful

[@_Zyon.i_x]

That's really amazing

[@Jasmine.190]

🙌

[@mwallace826]

"thus transformed by your grounded and giving and darkening scorn" is one of the most beautifully balanced and lovely lines I've ever heard.

[@CynicalCharmer]

Mathew Wallace He’s great at that. Despite the so-so reception of Better Love, the second verse is one of the best written verses I’ve ever heard.

[@user-jr6jf6qd6f]

dude i read this comment at this exact point in the song

[@christinekoper2407]

RIGHT. His lyrics are so well thought-out!

[@AlwaysRetr0]

I think he has way more poetic lines than that. Saying 'and' twice in 1 sentence always sounds a bit shit imo.

[@alildaisy2180]

This song has such strong “Ireland” vibes it make me just want to swim across the ocean and build a whole new life there in the ruins of a old fortress once occupied by kings.

[@zoyakhan312]

agreeeeeeddddd

[@devonmunn5728]

Plus his accent is showing more through this song

[@alildaisy2180]

Devon Munn that too

[@alildaisy2180]

JohN Berg thanks 😊

[@austinaxley81]

But all his music is inspired by american blues and spirituals...

[@darthzaida1881]

Nice to see the forest god Pan has let his most musical son out to mingle amongst the mortals again. Hopefully Hozier will stick around long enough to release some more music, but hey, those faery vineyards aren't gonna tend themselves.

[@korbaisblessed2562]

Yessss my thoughts too

[@soupstoreclothing]

[Verse 1] I couldn't utter my love when it counted Ah, but I'm singing like a bird 'bout it now I couldn't whisper when you needed it shouted Ah, but I'm singing like a bird 'bout it now [Refrain] The word hung above, but never would form Like a cry at the final breath that is drawn Remember me, love, when I am reborn As a shrike to your sharp and glorious thorn [Verse 2] I had no idea on what ground I was founded All of that goodness is gone with you now There when I met you, my virtues uncounted All of that goodness is gone with you now [Refrain] Dragging along, following your form Hung like the pelt of some prey you had worn Remember me, love, when I am reborn As a shrike to your sharp and glorious thorn [Instrumental] [Verse 3] I fled to the city with so much discounted Ah, but I'm flying like a bird to you now Back to the hedgerows where bodies are mounted Ah, but I'm flying like a bird to you now [Refrain] I was housed by your warmth, and I was transformed By your grounded and giving and darkening scorn Remember me, love, when I'm reborn As the shrike to your sharp and glorious thorn

[@soupstoreclothing]

Any comments on what you think is actually being sung would be greatly appreciated. I'm editing these lyrics based on what I hear.

[@soupstoreclothing]

Shrikes are known for their habit of catching insects and small vertebrates and impaling their bodies on thorns, the spikes on barbed-wire fences, or any available sharp point. This helps them to tear the flesh into smaller, more conveniently-sized fragments, and serves as a cache so that the shrike can return to the uneaten portions at a later time.

[@soupstoreclothing]

Their beaks are hooked, like that of a bird of prey, reflecting their predatory nature, and their calls are strident.

[@thegalaxyturtle]

I think hung like a pearl may be hung like a pelt but otherwise THANK YOU FOR LYRICS and also shrike knowledge!!

[@soupstoreclothing]

That does make more sense than pearl. I pulled these lyrics from genius and then edited them with what I believed to be correct, so I will update that change as well.

[@onlythelonely93]

This is poetry,so glad to have his music back in my life

[@29jgirl92]

I have missed him so much!

[@zanetazaneta870]

Me too! ♥ ♪

[@danielbailey8001]

His lyrics are always so much more meaningful than other artists'.

[@zanetazaneta870]

Daniel Bailey You're absolutely right!

[@churchitnaib4600]

his songs are literally poems! perfection!

[@Vivita1414]

makes me want to dance barefoot in the woods and lay on the ground with the love of my life and let the tree roots grow over me. his music makes me feel nostalgic for memories i don't have of things i haven't experienced yet.

[@aliceestes1670]

You've put this emotion perfectly into words, thanks

[@K1ngBard]

I completely agree. The music is so magical, almost transports us to a beautiful place filled with love and sunshine. ♥️

[@alyssalgalindo]

Victoria Lago Have you listened to “In a week,”? I feel as though that you described the song perfectly there.

[@Vivita1414]

Aly Melody it's my favorite hozier song by far! love that he doesn't shy away from darker, more morbid imagery every once in a while, and i'm a big fan of the juxtaposition of the lyrics with such a sweet melody.

[@me19984tt]

Plot twist: don’t have a « love of my life » Plot twist 2: You are dead and this is exactly what life in heaven looks like

[@thisisfofy8498]

i will never be able to comprehend or put in words how this song make me feel

[@inca12111995]

Do you reckon Hozier is a Siren? I don’t own a boat but if I did I’d shipwreck it in a second to hear his voice 🧜‍♂️

[@MsFunkychunkymonkey]

Most definitely a siren 😍😂

[@hollyleafwell2118]

I think the album art already confirms that

[@devanman7920]

@@MsFunkychunkymonkey hahaha most definitely

[@kshitijkulshreshtha5505]

Do you write his songs :P

[@michaelward4256]

That's how they get ya

[@dinibaby21]

Hozier will always be worth the wait!

[@jamie.apollo]

There is no other artist like Hozier. He is simply extraordinary. Did anyone else tear up to this song?

[@mariadincheva1077]

Me too.... I love his music so much!

[@patronsaintofpink]

Yeah.

[@klarajovanov2011]

Hell yeah He is truly unique.

[@SakkiYasu]

I agree, but also, Keaton Henson exists and I believe they're both just magical

[@TommyTempleton]

Im not crying youre crying

[@joeldeakin2003]

I hope you see all these comments, noticing what that a difference your music makes to so many.... ive listened to all your songs about 5000000 times over 4 years and its so glad to hear something new from you

[@eamonnkirk6787]

I'm constantly slagged cuz of how much I play his music so I know how you feel

[@strabewrm]

same omg xx

[@aterrorinatuxedo7694]

Eamonn Kirk my little Liam says, “Mom, really? Are you really listening to him again?” I just laugh because I know he’s too young to appreciate the voice, music and lyrics.

[@badhabit7553]

Jesus send him directly to save us

[@eamonnkirk6787]

@@aterrorinatuxedo7694 teach him while he's young.

[@mnemo6266]

The instrumental gives me the Old-Irish music vibes.. I'M INLOVE..

[@racksonracksonracksonra2313]

Adrien Potato ... he is Irish

[@violetlovesyou]

the line “remember me love, when i am reborn” made me tear up. this song is impossibly beautiful

[@soupstoreclothing]

Shrikes are known for their habit of catching insects and small vertebrates and impaling their bodies on thorns, the spikes on barbed-wire fences, or any available sharp point. This helps them to tear the flesh into smaller, more conveniently-sized fragments, and serves as a cache so that the shrike can return to the uneaten portions at a later time.

[@tomasfaller5813]

So he's saying that she's killing him Or?

[@zoommiesbay]

@@tomasfaller5813 slowly tearing into him

[@shirayukizore123]

Maybe, he is singing about taking her for granted knowing she (the thorn) would always be there, but then when he realized he loves her, it was too late or something.

[@ranunculus222]

Interesting thought. I've been trying to figure out the 'shrike to your thorn' metaphor You'd expect it to be 'I'm the prey to your shrike' but that's not actually what he's saying...

[@luke-a-duke9710]

Possibly showing the value of her to him, that he needs/relies on her. Also like how the shrike uses the thorn to make his food more manageable; that could be a metaphor to how she herself makes life more manageable for him

[@dearydarling]

you can just close your eyes and feel the breeze and the great big world around you in those first notes

[@rabikashrestha8484]

Mcdonald ft

[@douda3246]

I think all we can say is thank you

[@togilamockingbird]

I love this song, especially adore how he lets his accent peek through a little more than usual. Makes me want to fall in love with someone in the woods.

[@katherinebaker5586]

His music can completely transport your body and soul somewhere else if you just close your eyes...

[@apocalypsekiddo]

HE OWNS MY SOUL

[@damnrightibetitwontbeme9011]

Don't follow me... It's a mistake.... Sheep....

[@charitygilbert9496]

Idk what it is about Hozier’s music. His style is so unique, and I just love it. I’ve never heard another artist that I’ve wanted to listen to all the time. Before his music, I would be like, “oh, this person is good”, but this is so poetic yet relatable. Literally, I’m addicted to his music. And this song is just...wow.

[@supermamgu3948]

Could it be a voice like velvety, melting chocolate, caressing you like a gentle lover. Infused with the ancient knowledge of our common ancestors, each beat attaching itself to your heartbeat and you feel at one with the world and every one in it? just a suggestion!!!

[@inca12111995]

super mamgu most accurate description of Hozier 😂

[@charitygilbert9496]

Super mamgu, yes😂😂😂

[@devanman7920]

I'm a 100% percent with you!

[@Everglow95]

He makes that type of music which you listen to on a long road trip at night ❤❤🌒

[@acappi16]

If u don't fall asleep that is!

[@igisingorsomething]

Omg yo i just commented about that on someone elses post. 😭

[@SandeJune]

My husband and I actually listened to Hozier a few weeks ago when we drove from Northern Nevada to Tulsa, Oklahoma. There and back to Nevada. Didn't stop but to get gas. Hozier definitely made the ride more bearable. 48 hours in a car is not fun 😂

[@nathanielclarke5250]

Person: "What's your favorite Hozier song?" Me: "Yes."

[@junejune9013]

Nathaniel Clarke hahaha exactly! 👌😂

[@sunnymuhammad3912]

Ctfu !!

[@sandrapmurphy86]

Best comment ever!

[@thekub32]

Accurate.

[@the_nicette]

send them a link to his discography

[@kooosamonkey]

I'm pretty sure that even if I had no knowledge of the English language, the message would still be received. The reminiscent loveliness, sadness, and crushing regret just bleed right through his stunningly beautiful, poetic lyrics; and stain your heart, mind and soul with his striking and awakening vocals and emotionally charged (yet superbly soft) acoustically translated tragedy.

[@MaxxDW]

What a way to formulate an opinion.

[@onelia9152]

I’m already crying

[@29jgirl92]

Me too, it started with that beautiful guitar and I am in tears!!

[@versonix]

Shrike is definitely the greatest song from the newest EP. But to be honest every song you've created is a masterpiece. Thank you for sharing your talent and soul with us, it's priceless.

[@user-im1jq3lw2l]

1.shrike 2.nina cried power 3. Moment’s silence 4. NFWMB

[@vascanj]

hh ter I agree with you but for me switch 1 and 2.

[@hollyleafwell2118]

this song is my favourite in the entire EP. It makes me feel like I'm wearing a white sundress, my blonde hair tied up in flowers, in my kitchen making biscuits while my husband sings in the living room. I'm not even blonde. Nor married. Nor do I have an oven.

[@AleutianSailor]

Same

[@dxnnavalenzuela]

How did you made me feel the same way wow i felt that

[@tnbitisayas856]

i wasn't expecting to laugh this hard

[@GigglingDinosaur]

I feel you

[@meganjohnson998]

Ahaha that’s a mood

[@friedfishy]

This song is too beautiful. It is so, so, so difficult to stop replaying it. No exaggeration: it is goosebumps-inducing, heart-pounding, breath-shortening. It feels like falling in love. I wake up to my mind singing it. Everything about it has totally captivated me. Tragic magic. Pure poetry that lays thick on your soul. Thank you for your art, Hozier. You are a true blessing.

[@andygirl333]

Yes 🙌

[@imani3511]

friedfish completely 100 percent agreed

[@TaylorJohnson-ur8ek]

Exactly.

[@kaceface3277]

My best friend I’ve known since I was born died last November. I’ve always felt like he came back as a bird because the strangest things have happened since he passed. This song reminds me of him so much in SO many ways. I cannot thank you enough for it.

[@rissraley1707]

HOZIER RELEASED NEW MUSIC OH MY GOD MY CROPS ARE WATER MY SOUL IS CLEANSED I AM SOBBING

[@notarobot5077]

Riss Raley I WHEEZE

[@hershey6217]

Same. Sobbing with u

[@deeptinamdeo9302]

Mine too

[@dinibaby21]

Hozier has managed to soothe my soul during the grieving process of my grandfather. I was hatched from his warmth...

[@jenniferblackburn9408]

Dina Daniels 💜

[@dimitra5849]

The Irish god is backkkkk

[@angelvoices5370]

I LOVE how much his accent shows through in this song. It sounds like an ancient prayer. So beautiful and evocative.

[@gradeAtrash]

When he sings "Back to the hedgerows where the bodies are mounted" the chills I get on my arms intensify and spread thoughout the rest of my body.

[@lilyraimey3499]

ScarDemon Same here. So moving.

[@lilyraimey3499]

ScarDemon holy fucking shit, has this bee in our for six months already?

[@TaylorJohnson-ur8ek]

And he sings it just a bit different in every track. I feel like he splices the harmony and melody lines.

[@joeldeakin2003]

He has returned from eden

[@leanne1249]

one could say he slithered here from it

[@joeldeakin2003]

@@leanne1249 i would say that

[@maja7550]

yeah, and he brought us a piece of eden, too

[@ConnStoddart]

Just to sit outside your door?

[@silentkirby88]

So it did come back...

[@madisonmartin9035]

This song makes me feel like I'm standing in the grassy rolling hills somewhere, in a hand made cable knit sweater, with the wind blowing through my hair as I watch my sheep graze.

[@KimmyDoodlez]

Its Ireland btw (thats where you're feeling x) I Feel that everytime I listen to his music. Visited Ireland a few years back.

[@Kenya-gb4sp]

For me... its alpacas. One just had a baby!

[@leannemilne1975]

You could not have described this better!

[@vanessaborbe1236]

@@KimmyDoodlez Yes! Was driving around Antrim a few months back and decided to play Shrike from my phone - it was perfect.

[@luzmech]

Goodness, I’m speechless, completely mesmerized and blown away by the beauty of this song, I can’t wait for the album to drop, I’m glad Hozier found his way out of the enchanted woods he seems to live in, glad to have you back.

[@salome3049]

Beautiful. This Irish haunting melody... love it.

[@xeniasimeonidou7746]

I think there are only a few artists in each person's life that hold a special place in their hearts, because they learnt something from them, because they felt something unique listening to them, because they traveles with their voice, because because because. Hozier is one of these artists for me and I hope he will continue to hold this seat in the centre of my heart. I really want to see him evolving even more and taking us to unknown places

[@laradefendi8844]

The first times I listened to this I would get shivers down my legs and my spine and I’d start to feel like I couldn’t stand properly cause my limbs felt hollow. The amount of raw and sheer emotion that seeps through this song is indescribable.

[@nanolight2030]

❤

[@shirayukizore123]

hozier is one of the last few musicians, who still views songs as art, and cares how to communicate them as the masterpieces that the are. Very refreshing.

[@audreykoskei4072]

I used to obsess over having key moments in my life where stuff was happening, you know? But then, I'm listening to this song, and it's dawn and this soft sunlight filters in through my drapes and everything is glowing and this is a moment. This is a future memory.

[@lilgoldenbuddy]

Recently, the love of my life came back to me. He’s worked on his mental health, his finances, everything he squandered before. It’s a blessing to have him back. I think this song came at a proper time. Thanks Hozier.

[@nwamegbukom]

And now?

[@lilgoldenbuddy]

@@nwamegbukom and now we’re married :) and very happy.

[@nwamegbukom]

@@lilgoldenbuddy cheers to that! I hope you both stay happy for a long time.🖤

[@tlotlomolefe4057]

Congratulations to you guys 😊 sending yall love all the way from Africa.

[@R0n8urgundy]

It pains me how beautiful this song is. Haunting, beautiful, sad and uplifting. Quite simply a masterpiece.

[@catalinacarranco3135]

Its been 84 years...

[@zeegeejay]

That was my very first thought.

[@brammy7796]

Ajhhajahajhahahhaha

[@ilkinpoland]

I'm very alone these days...

[@austinrigdon462]

Lmfao

[@seth-lynnelohr149]

It's nearly 3 (three) in the morning here, and I'm in bed with headphones on - hearing this for the first time and I am honestly in love with this song and the feeling it gives me. Amazing.

[@jordant9392]

Please tell me I’m not the only one who started shaking the first time I heard this. Who am I kidding? I get chills and shivers every. single. time.

[@thomaschristopherwhite9043]

This song feels like home.

[@aKitti234]

I really think this might be one of the best songs ever written

[@anajuliamatarelli756]

the taste of being alive is running through my veins

[@nayelirubio456]

I was laying down listening to this and tears just started coming out of my eyes, beyond my control. Hozier's power everyone

[@zeinm.7391]

This is me right now....

[@rowieowo]

I've Cried so much it hurts listening to this beautiful song I can 100% relate

[@29jgirl92]

It reminds me so much of Cherry Wine, which is my all time fave song!

[@finnegan6530]

Exactly what I thought!

[@codiejagger]

Cherry Wine is my fav too

[@nataliaferraro3761]

I agree with you so much

[@Namelesssjade]

TinyTeacup welp, he is an Irish folk singer lol

[@CynicalCharmer]

TinyTeacup Cherry Wine is fantastic, and it’s incredibly refreshing for a song to tackle male domestic violence.

[@LizardOnAMushroom2358]

Shrike's meaning is incredibly symbolic, but simply: "What goes through him, she must first go through." First off, Shrikes are birds which impale their prey on sharp objects, such as thorns of a thorn bush, to kill and collect them. Now, the lines that come before " Remember that love when I'm reborn..." Are in the perspective of the prey, impaled and hanging off of her thorn, by him, the Shrike. "Like a cry a the final breath that is drawn," "Hung like a pelt, of some prey you had worn," "...that's transformed, by your grounded, and giving, and darkening scorn" The last of these is the biggest stretch, but as I see it, it goes "Grounded" (rooted like a thorn bush), Giving (Providing the thorn, or the means of which the Darkening occurs) and Darkening (Darkening the Light of life/killing) The prey, as I see it, are his hopes, aspirations, and attempts at love, or better put, the food he is dependent on, is dependent on her impaling, darkening, and (literally) going through, first. It's a subservient relationship, similar to a Stockholm's syndrome, that he has found himself in. The "grounded[...] scorn," of that seconded to last line, meaning that his thought of her scorn as something that's justified, comes from, possibly, his initial inability to "Utter his love when it counted," and his subservience comes from his attempt to make up for it by "Singing like a bird 'bout it now" and this dynamic is caught in a feedback loop where he is attempting to appease her, to the point of "glorifying," which is where she takes her roll of darkening and scornful lover, who knows it is all just a untruthful song sung by a bird. She is now the thorn bush on which he impales his own "prey" upon, collecting the corpses of his attempts at love, hopes, and virtues on, "Where bodies are mounted." His reluctance to utter these words of love, which already "Hung above," perhaps on a thorn already, could have been because he sensed that this love would be an eternal, and dark affair, a dynamic which would be repeat through lifetimes. With every verse, he goes through different stages of the relationship; First being Reckoning, then Adulation, Second being Corruption, Exhaustion/Indigence, and Nostalgia to a time before, And Third being his Ultimate Acceptance of how he is after she "Hatched [him] with her Warmth" and "Transformed" him. This seems to be the most coherent theme I could come up with. Symbols have so many meanings, and this song is riddled with them.Both Simply and Complexly a beautiful song, in one.

[@EvanaHuq]

It's perfect!

[@Amina2544]

I have searched for a plausible, understandable and logical explanation of the lyrics of Shrike for weeks, and of many that I have read, this one is by far the best. Absolutely perfect. Thank you so much.

[@NisheeShrestha]

WOW!

[@BryanAcostaswagelishious]

I read the whole thing.

[@seanuy4053]

CEO of analyzing music 🎼

[@GrammarGal1]

This song is a masterpiece, I can't stop listening to it.

[@jessjohnson426]

Fully cried when I heard this song for the first time. His song writing skills are so strong the lyrics stand alone, they don't need the music to speak just as poignantly

[@emileedickinson]

this is soooo beautiful

[@codymanzo4931]

Totally this is the one song that reminds me most of eden...

[@goodToBeLost]

Exactly. It reminded me a little bit of that song too. :)

[@liwest511]

it gives me mixed vibes of Like Real People Do and In A Week

[@subversusss]

This is what I love about Hozier. His music style hasn’t changed at all! It’s the same serenity filled poetry.

[@Bexxciirene]

I feel like this could almost be a second part to Like Real People Do.

[@nouranez5634]

Exactly what I thought just 4 secs into the song intro.

[@AbdaSamio]

Like Real People Do, Cherry Wine and Shrike are on a different level!

[@alildaisy2180]

Abda Samio on the same godly plane I think 😂😍

[@AvaBruno]

Your and Keaton Henson are two of my all time favorite singers. Both of you make me nostalgic for love I've never had, for feeling's I've not yet experienced. The poetic catharsis you make me feel is magical. Your voice is heavenly and I cannot wait to hear the other songs you've made. I don't doubt that I'll love them just as much as these.

[@coloureleven]

Imo this song is about redemption. One person should have done something for the other when they needed it most, but didn't at the time. Now they finally are. They're going back to be by their lover's side. They see something in that person no one else does. The way nothing except a shrike sees a thorn like that.

[@ninoncholette6550]

this song makes me feel like im walking home at the crack of dawn after spendin the night taking care of my friend who drank too much and who i am vaguely in love with and everything is silent and i fell terribly empty but also at peace

[@andreeaandronic1361]

"As a shrike to your sharp and glorious thorn"... Reminds me of Oscar Wilde's "The Nightingale and the rose". Thank you for this wonderful song, Hozier!

[@dute3272]

I can't believe he put out four songs and ALL of them are amazing again. this guy really doesn't have bad songs, does he?

[@gemdelargy1798]

Probably one of the most beautiful songs ever written, it touches my soul.

[@siaragrace1576]

I listened to this for the first time today and couldnt help but let the tears fall. This is beautiful and takes me back to a time that never happened.

[@DJTrinivibes4U]

Headphones on , laying on my sofa listening to this gem and tears comes to my eyes wow 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@tavsark672]

Hozier is the most beautiful piece of art.

[@원키스03]

I love the vision of this song, the opening melody is stunning, I feel like I'm in a different place, shiny green and there is love , witches , elfs , wooden cottages and fields of flowers where I wait for my love ♡

[@karmen4444]

I... This album was. It was. ...I'm sitting and listening and... My heart is full and my chest aches... I'm breathing deep and easy, and yet my throat is tight. Is this what 'sweet longing' means? Is this telepathy? Empathic transference, sublimation into sound. It resonates. I didn't know I could do this sort of emotion. I feel things I don't, I want things I don't - there's ...emotions. Someone else's, but somehow it cuts me. It's sweet. It is desolate worship of something out of reach. It is a butterfly kiss. It is a rage at an unjust world, determination to protect what is innocent and soft and sweet and beloved. Ahem. Mood. Big Mood. 10/10 Much Feels. Good.

[@friedfishy]

I think you've captured so much of what so many people feel about this music. This song in particular... it's like falling in love and feeling your heart break at the same time. I don't exactly relate to the words of the song, but it feels like you take on their emotions directly, like they're yours. Like he is strumming the strings of your soul and you just vibrate along with the music. It just fucking resonates, I don't know. There aren't enough words.

[@zocdraws]

Your interpretation of feels towards this song is perfection

[@tilliehendricks9303]

I can't say thank you enough for this song, it never fails to help my newborn calm down when she's worked up. She's almost 2 months old, has her first cold, and we've listened to this song probably 15 times in the last 12 hours because it is one thing that for sure helps her relax. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@schwiftyrick9386]

His sound transcends serenity. His words are the sovereign of my essence that will take me to church. Thank you for this beautiful music.

[@namratachatterjee5691]

I had been crying all day and night when my boyfriend left town for his job. I listened to this song today, it gave me a new life, a new ray of happiness. I've never felt so refreshed and pure. I don't cry anymore. Thank you Hozier

[@darraghmooneymusic3420]

One of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. Makes me proud to be Irish! Well done brother ☘️.

[@shirleytomlinson708]

I'm sitting alone on a hilltop in Portugal watching the sun go down, listening to this song. Thank you Andrew for all your amazing music. Xxx

[@athiraraj8778]

I feel like writing down all these comments in one paper and keep it as a memoir. It's that beautiful to know how His songs make people feel. Its is true that #HozierisReligion

[@apoorvaupadhyay5183]

Haha I know right!

[@purplegirl2366]

Athira Raj couldn't agree more..

[@raebear95]

And your comment is one of them! 💜

[@235azrael]

ശെരിയാണ്

[@LoneNorseman]

I love the capital H on His

[@luluurie5504]

This guy will live a thousand years,I was just thinking about him yesterday and how I was longing for new music from him and here we are (even though I'm two weeks late for this).So Worth it,and the tune couldn't get anymore Irish than this c'mon😘I love this guy😘😘

[@pinecakemonster6543]

[Instrumental] [Verse 1] I couldn't utter my love when it counted Ah, but I'm singing like a bird, bird at night I couldn't whisper when you needed it shouted Ah, but I'm singing like a bird, bird at night [Refrain] Bites on above But never would fall in Like a cray at the final breath that is drawn Remember me, love when I am reborn As a shrike to your sharp and glorious thorn [Verse 2] Had no idea on what ground I was found in All that goodness is gone with you now There when I met you my virtues uncounted All of my goodness is gone with you now [Refrain] Driving alone, following your form Hung like the pearl of some […] you had worn Remember me, love when I am reborn As a shrike to your sharp and glorious thorn soil [Instrumental] [Verse 3] I fled to the city with so much discounted Ah, but I'm flying like a bird to you now Back to the hedgerows where bodies are mounted Ah, but I'm flying like a bird to you now [Refrain] I was [?] by your warmth And I was transformed But your gounded and giving And darkening scorn Remember me, love when I'm reborn As a shrike to your sharp and glorious thorn Is a shrike to your shine and glorious soil

[@bones6616]

“Words hung above, but never could form, like a cry at the final breath that is drawn” UFFT MY SOUL

[@MrsAferova]

My neighbours should thank me for blasting this song at least 20 times per day since the release. Btw, thanks Andrew, you cleansed my sinful soul.

[@MAGA_EXTREM1ST]

Me too lol

[@helenhello2375]

oh, yes, all Hozier's fans have a lot in common... a looooot of grateful neighbours :))

[@samanthareed2487]

ha same

[@Arttective]

Hozier is a master. His choir like style with very earthy sounds of instruments just takes you places. Most of the pop music today use heavy synths and loose all that beauty that real life instruments with slight imperfection achieve. Some day, I'd like to see the auroras above, a warm fire and Hozier playing cozily by my side.

[@anetaturcinova2460]

The best birthday gift, thank you.

[@imaneaffaoui1640]

Happy birthday wish you all the best lol

[@allure_s1369]

Happy birthday booo

[@anetaturcinova2460]

@@imaneaffaoui1640 thank you, you're so sweet! 💙

[@anetaturcinova2460]

@@allure_s1369 thank youuu

[@doci6139]

Happy birthday!

[@thotticus1505]

ITS GO TIME GIRLS

[@anabalcao6483]

Thank God. Good music still exists.

[@gabyrocks1539]

I feel stripped down of everything negative holding me back. Like I’m as vulnerable as can be, but I feel safe in the sounds of serenity. No matter what sins or mistakes you’ve made, it doesn’t matter at this moment. You’re safe in the sweet voice of a fervent soul, Hozier. 💕

[@SalmonOfK84]

Having heard it live, can confirm that this is one of the single most beautiful pieces of music Andrew has ever released. A perfect mix of Work Song, In a Week and Cherry Wine that somehow manages to be uplifting and absolutely heartwrenching all at once. If this is the standard that's been set, I can't wait to see the rest of the album in a few months.

[@katiefarrell5332]

God, thank you for creating this man

[@minac7968]

Yours was the first concert I'd ever been to, and your music, the atmosphere, your performance, made it the best concert I've ever been to thus far. Thank you.

[@sevil_suleymanova]

I can't be happier finally a new music ❤

[@Étoile_30]

Heard this from Locke and key season 2. I don’t know….it brings out so many emotions in me. Makes me feel nostalgic but it also makes me look forward to something beautiful. I love it! I love Hozier! WOW

[@zanoa6898]

Thank you, spirit elf Hozier. We so desperately missed this.