POET REACTS to WASTELAND, BABY! by HOZIER

My interpretation at first listen, aka an hour of me falling in love.
Instagram: sherthetruth / sherthetruth
Twitter: sherthetruth / sherthetruth
Blog: sherthetruth.com

[@sherthetruth]

0:20 Nina Cried Power 5:05 Almost 10:46 Movement 14:30 No Plan 17:57 Nobody 21:17 To Noisemaking 26:00 As it Was 31:02 Shrike Talk- oops left the clip out. Listen here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sISwnnisjbaoisk 39:48 Be 45:31 Dinner & Diatribes 50:50 Would that I 54:07 Sunlight 56:05 Wasteland Baby 58:24 Final thoughts I may have another video discussing this album! I loved it so much! I am set on hearing Hozier's majestic voice live one day. I really missed posting. Glad to be back! Hope everyone had a great New Year. I have so many plans for this channel in 2021 so I look forward to you all being apart of it. Thanks for watching! faves: nine said power, almost, no plan, nobody, to noise making, as it was, be, shrike, dinner & diatribes, wasteland baby

[@Benji-op4xi]

welcome back my love!!

[@soniachapple3141]

He is sooo freaking amazing live ... he is literally a musical poet 💕

[@alyssagggghik]

I saw him live alone in my hometown and cried...I’ve been a fan of him since his first album and it was a miracle to have him perform in my town

[@Yankeerose9973]

If you wanna really hear how wonderful he is, check him out when he did some free songs in the NYC subway. I think he sounds better live. He's the true definition of a poet, activist, artist, and musician.

[@Yankeerose9973]

Have you checked out his 1st album? Also...his song "Jack boot Jump." Talk abt poetic activism. L❤ve. "Take me to church "

[@insidious]

Also, he’s like Shakespeare in the way he’ll have a beautiful poetic line that is just... v explicitly sexual.

[@adambanayan3382]

Hozier could write hamlet, shakespeare couldn't dream of writing anything hozier

[@aprilrivas5071]

So true lol

[@artfanatsymanic]

But that’s the thing right, they’re not mutually exclusive... he understands the beauty in sexuality ♥️

[@Innnnnk]

If shakespeare was a music artist and was in modern time

[@mailia2874]

@@artfanatsymanicex - fucking - actly!!! i’ve always been kinda uncomfortable with songs that discuss sex, especially songs written/sung by cis men! but the way hozier writes about sex not in a possessive like gross way? but in a beautiful, poetic, almost worshiping the woman/person he’s having sex with instead? idk! maybe it’s also the future english major in me as well!

[@BevIsGuilty]

That “same sweet shock as when Adam first came line” was something people thought was referring to him breathing in life for the first time after being created. But then someone asked him about it on Twitter and he said “well I just figure the lad had quite a sticky surprise on his hands” so... it’s about when Adam first came in THAT way as well. Hozier is a naughty naughty man

[@TheShanemitchell]

The saddest and horniest man alive

[@MusicLover-sw3br]

I don’t think he’s sad. The first album was filled with heartbreak, but I think he’s celebrating a new love here, in all its complexity.

[@artfanatsymanic]

I fucking LOVE that line!!! 😭

[@mksketchms]

Nina Cried Power is a tribute to protest song-songwriters

[@lilyraimey3499]

“His voice is... Doing stuff to me.” Same.

[@mksketchms]

Did you know he's turned his songs gender neutral? And even though there's some distinct 'she' in some song narratives, whenever he sings even those songs live, he changes 'she' into either they or a simple the to remove any gendered narratives! ❤️

[@sherthetruth]

I love that!

[@cadenchase3112]

@@sherthetruth another thing he does is switch the genders in his songs and music videos, for example, in cherry wine the song talks about a toxic relationship where a man is abused by his girlfriend, but in the music video it's switched so the girlfriend is the one abused

[@katherinemorelle7115]

“It’s not the waking, it’s the rising” Because being woke isn’t enough, you have to stand up and cry power to those who keep you and others down. It’s both a love letter to the great musical activists of the past, and telling us today that it’s not enough to say we stand for something, or to realise there’s a problem. It’s urging us to stand up and cry power ourselves, to fight. This and Jackboot Jump are the two best protest songs so far this century.

[@Varient]

YES. Seeing what's going on is not enough if you're not doing anything. Action is power. (Also I love you for the Jackboot Jump appreciation)

[@alzahraaalnasser2436]

Alternative title “1 hour of turning into a Hozier stan”

[@fieldbones]

"The nights were as dark as my baby / half as beautiful, too" always makes the hairs on my skin raise. Probably my favorite line in a song.

[@liaspooked4980]

Yes that song is one of my absolute favorites of his. Its so so so stunning, chilling and HAUNTING. And that last "The nights were as dark as my baby....half as beautiful, too" fucks me up everytime, its so freaking pretty UGH

[@Varient]

I love it especially because he compares the night to them, not the other way. ("The nights were as dark as my baby", as opposed to "my baby is as dark as the nights"). He puts his baby first and foremost, even to something as undeniable as nighttime.

[@mksketchms]

Literally no one reacts to him here and im always just looking for somebody to convince because i KNOW how good he is and just how underappreciated. You should look at any of his live performances, he's an amazing instrumentalist, especially a great guitarist, in every song he's performing it's a treat to look at how his hands work on the guitar strings! It blows my mind every time

[@mksketchms]

Would love for you to react to his self titled album as well! And when you do please look up the deluxe version because he added quite a lot of songs in it which are some of his best!

[@sunlesscity2419]

i came to say that! he's got so much content to unpack and i especially wanted her opinion on jackie and wilson

[@snailflowers]

hozier’s voice is UNREAL and his lyrics are so dense. i get something new out of his songs every time i listen to them. he’s a genius of a singer, songwriter, and musician and there’s truly no other artist like him

[@a2ad9c36]

ILL SAY IT UNTIL I DIE!! HOZIER IS UNDERRATED ASF!!! His mom paints his album artworks, there’s a whole video on the process. Highly recommend! Also he is just so baby!!!!!!

[@gabrielgarza8728]

Yeah he's mentioned in interviews that this song is a kinda of "love letter" for singer-songwriters of past generations that were also activists not only through their music, but also through the way they lived their lives.

[@jm4rshh]

I love hoziers music, and one thing that really stands out to me is that, whenever he refers to a woman in a song, shes always in a position of power. It's very refreshing to hear, especially because many songs are about the man in pursuit of the woman. But lots of the lyrics in his songs seem to be him just offering himself up to his lover, not actively pressuring them or perusing them.

[@mksketchms]

'honey, enjoy! It's getting late' in no plan was such an amazing lyric because its usually 'hurry, its getting late!' to rush to things and since there's 'no plan' he wants them to enjoy the rush

[@nicolei7162]

This is the best Hozier reaction I've ever seen. I loved how you appreciated his lyrics, because I get goosebumps just reading them (even without the music). Please react to the debut album "Hozier" too, I would love to hear your thoughts on the track "Cherry Wine".

[@mksketchms]

Almost is an amalgamation of all blues songs he grew up listening! The titles of many songs are a part of the lyrics

[@insidious]

I was really surprised and impressed when I looked that up. It’s so rare to get that density of referential in genres outside of rap.

[@zelbernil3790]

@@insidious & to weave a detailed story too using bits of references & lyrics, there’s even a nod to current political climate with “Russian lullabies”

[@insidious]

I always thought To Noisemaking was kinda about how when you’re a kid you’ll sing at the drop of a hat, just for the joy of it, but when you grow up you become self conscious about not being good at it. I love your insight as well, a professional looking back on the same time in their life is similar yet different.

[@dakotamundi]

He spent 3 years on this album. There's a reason its so good.

[@shoileesumaiya3544]

Welcome to the club sis, we all are completely under his spell😂❤️❤️

[@lydiameeks6327]

Thank you for this. Hozier is one of my favorites. I love his first album also. And you covering any of his music is a wonderful gift. And on a personal note this was needed so badly.

[@mksketchms]

He's the best and so underrated

[@mksketchms]

He's the best and so underrated

[@TheGalwayjoyce]

Shrike is by far, the best song on the album. It’s about a codependent relationship, and the pain when the two are apart. He talks about his rebirth and returning, so while there is grief, he is acknowledging that they will always find their way back into each other’s lives. He’s hoping they find each other at the right time to be together, but knows they will always be available to each other, even if it destroys them.

[@mksketchms]

'he's making me think today' 😂 me everytime i hear hozier or now, Taylor!

[@wintermoons1215]

Let me just rant about my favorite part of As It Was for a minute: “Tell me if somehow, some of it remains How long you would wait for me? And how long I've been away The shape that I'm in now, your shape in the doorway Make your good love known to me Or just tell me 'bout your day” The narrator is coming home from some kind of journey that’s been painful and dark and that’s nearly left him destroyed. But finally he’s coming back to his love and as much as he says with certainty that her love was unmoved he’s still not sure. Can any piece of her love really remain after how the journey has changed him? After he’s been away for so long and gone through so much? He’s changed so much and yet her shape standing in the doorway is so familiar, welcoming him home. And while he does want some deceleration of love even if she just told him about her day it would be more then enough. If she truly allowed him to come back home and fall back into the rhythm of their lives together by telling him about the mundane parts. The little parts he missed while he was away and never realized were so important. And in a way, if she’s willing to do that, it means there’s enough of the person he used to be left that she still trusts him. As It Was makes me think of homecoming and comfort, of finally seeing the lights of your house shining through the dark like a beacon a mile down the road after so long.

[@superdoesings2416]

If you want something by him that's REALLY Irish influenced by him, do a reaction to "The humors of whiskey" sung by him. It's a super traditional song that he uses as a warmup. Since that is such a short video, I would tack it on to the end of his first self-titled album, which you HAVE to react to, it is simply mandatory if you liked this album so much. I wouldn't say the first album is better objectively, but I prefer it, even if this album delves deeper into what he is comfortable with singing about. Loved the reaction, it's not often that people react to Hozier and it's rarer still that somebody who does has as much to say about him as you.

[@aymlarrie800]

I read this comment some time ago about Almost (sweet music), they said they interpreted the song as a story about someone losing their partner and raising their child by their own, watching her grow and noticing aspects of her passed parent in her. Although this person is still reminiscing of their loved one (and prbly always will), they're also learning to move forwards, heal and let them go. I thought it was a pretty cool and beautiful interpretation and I wanted to share it 💚

[@annetheelf8174]

I actually really like that interpretation

[@kayarnold3151]

Ok, so this song hits differently with this interpretation.

[@aymlarrie800]

@@kayarnold3151 it really does 😭

[@VincentOReilly-ts4jl]

We Of Ireland Are Intensely Proud Of Our Hoziers Positive Representation of Us As A Nation To The World

[@juneyokakul]

I love love love your reaction! I’m a huge Hozier fan and I’m glad that you’re actually breaking down his lyrics. Not many people do that when they react to his music which is such a shame because he’s an amazing lyricist! Looking forward to more Hozier reaction from you. Please do check out his first album, I think you’re gonna love the song ‘From Eden’ because the lyrics are so poetic and full of references and metaphors.

[@Kay-vf8wu]

This is such a beautiful and visceral reaction to an equally beautiful and visceral album. Main stream artists throwing in Orpheus and Eurydice, direct punches to Trump whilst still being so fluid in the song that they almost become subtle, and an entire song about being horny without it feeling seedy.

[@shannonwerner5271]

I’ve been listening to Hozier for a long time. And when this album came out, I don’t think I listened to anything else for weeks, I was just so enamored. Shrike is my favorite. The idea that the shrike cannot be nourished without the thorn...It breaks my heart in all of the right places. ESPECIALLY that line “Dragging along, following your form. Hung like the pelt of some prey you had worn.”

[@iamdarcluawhoisyou3900]

I'd loove to see you react to some of his older songs, especially Arsonist's Lullabye and NFWMB! There is a Gorgeous life acoustic performance video of NFWMB that will make you fall in love even more

[@ahebirds]

Every time I listen to Hozier I get chills. Every single time. "Shake like the bough of a willow tree, you do it naturally.." in the song 'Movement' is magical. He's the Pagan Poetry God I worship daily..lol.

[@mksketchms]

If you love his voice go to his insta and look at his lives! Back in june 2020 he read poetry and short stories for his fans on live! 🙈❤️ It was divine

[@Athanza]

I listen to a LOT of different music but Shrike is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. I cried when I heard him play it live.

[@saundracarter-hebert]

Experiencing your joy from this album brought me joy on a ruff day, and rekindled my excitement for Wasteland, Baby! Thank you for making and sharing this video

[@zelbernil3790]

Hozier is the real deal live & stripped. Watch his subway pop up & maybe you could react to the other songs besides Take me to Church. His rendition of Movement is divine.

[@springersedawn]

Nina Cried Power is a shout out to all the woke singers who sang truth to Power in their careers. Power to the people. Social justice.

[@zelbernil3790]

Oh Sher! Please do another video 🙏🏼 It’s great when a poet analyzes his lyrics because there’s so much to unpack & appreciate. I don’t blame you one bit for getting lost in his voice. He’s a such a siren luring you to the depths. Til you drown & are reborn into another world. Then you go to genius & read the 3 page annotations to a 3 minute song. & the process begins again. Live, die & resurrect seems to be his m.o. from the start. Love this reaction 🙌🏼

[@VictoriaRomanForNike]

HOZIER LITERALLY HAS NO BAD SONG....you cannot convince me this man isn’t Apollo

[@mksketchms]

Loving the blue eyeshadow to go with the album! ❤️😂

[@josephcarriker3967]

I loved this reaction so much. Old Irish folklore used to talk about a "fairy lover," an ephemeral, magical being from the otherworld, who would enchant you and pull you away from the world, overwhelming your senses and passions with their presence and love, until you were lost to the world of mortals. I swear to God, Hozier is all of our fairy lover. Utterly intoxicating.

[@mksketchms]

He has a song about... Oral sex😂 it's on his EP called Nina Cried Power! It has another song called NFWMB which fans wanted to be on Wasteland baby but it's on the ep. In the EP there's Nina Cried Power ofc, NFWMB, and the oral sex song which I'll let you figure out but you'll have to react 😂 it was inspired by a Genius app fan suggestion for a lyric in take me to church so now we know he's definitely reading those fan analysis of his lyrics lol

[@liztolley8488]

I have listened to that song and never noticed this before??? I have to relisten and recontextualize. I love this man.

[@chihirofujisaki6479]

How did I not know that was what that song was about 💀

[@saravictoria972]

yes!! I requested this!! so happy you liked it! and your eyeshadow matches the album cover perfectly I love it :) also you might find it interesting that "Almost (Sweet Music)" was a writing challenge for Hozier, most of the lyrics are almost entirely made up of titles of songs that he likes!

[@lilyraimey3499]

If you’d react to his duet with Karen Cowley called In A Week, I feel like you’d appreciate it. The lyrics are some of the most beautiful. Thank you for this reaction.

[@rosecoloredgal]

aaah i’m so happy to see this, hozier is truly underrated, he is one of the best musicians out there right now.

[@mindyrussodavis6760]

Girl!!!! Yes! Welcome. I cannot wait for you to sit down with Jackboot Jump. He released that while touring and the protests were kicking into high gear all over the world. All of the royalties were given to BLM.

[@emilyreeves4942]

His self titled album is every bit as great lyrically. It’s poetry set to music. He also has some singles not on either album. Strongly recommend every...single...song!

[@insidious]

I also p much just have to vibe with music and look up the lyrics later. You’re not alone! I really appreciate you diving into the lyrics like this - I can enjoy a song, but I don’t really connect to it until I’ve gone through the words like this.

[@dariajustdaria2292]

Hozier is such a gem 😊 the voice, the lyrics, the kind spirit, overall beautiful! And criminally underrated! If you want some more delicious lyrics, there is a ' Nina cried power' EP which has two tracks not on the album and there is NFWMB - a masterpiece and a must listen 😏

[@mindyrussodavis6760]

The internet: oh, is that song about oral sex? Teehehe Hozier: Oh, you want a song about oral sex then? ..... writes Moment's Silence

[@AimeeJLDB]

Hozier is amazing and sounds even better live, seeing him live was one of the best nights ever. Please please react to his debut album! Want to hear your thoughts on Cherry Wine ❤️

[@babigian15]

You should definitely do more videos on Hozier. His lyrics make a lot of references, but they’re also never just about one thing. A lot of times, the lyrics in the chorus will stay the same but the meaning is altered by the verse that precedes it. There’s always a ton to unpack when analyzing his music. He’s one of the greatest songwriters I’ve ever heard. I’d love to hear more of your thoughts on his music. Great video!

[@clairelovesbeom]

Loved this reaction!!!! Please react to Hozier’s self titled album as well😊 Oh, and I would love to see you react to Haim’s Women in music pt. iii!

[@autumn2845]

Watching your reactions get stronger after each song has all of us in the comments nudging elbows and passing knowing smiles. This was great.

[@izatheworld6142]

oh my goddd, i love hozier so much 😭 thank you for this reaction! please do his other album too!

[@matthewream1309]

I love all your takes and you have so much insight to the lyrics and songwriting that no one else on KZbin has!

[@mksketchms]

You would adore his self titled album i can tell! Excited for that too❤️ some of the best songs on that one

[@maryboylan3093]

He is an amazing singer he did sing in a choir back here in ireland also his mum is an artist his dad a musician.

[@rrysprks]

Youll be huge someday. Continue porviding commentaries of songs for us. We love you so much.

[@deashinibanerjee1911]

I NEVER watch videos - especially ones that are an hour long. But your review got me hooked - one of the most inquisitive pieces of content I've seen in a while. Bravo!

[@mksketchms]

'make your good love known to me, or just tell me about your day' (as it was) ❤️❤️

[@blulady1867]

Have you listened to Talk? It's also on this album and ITS LYRICS ARE GORGEOUS

[@JulieAcePe]

i would’ve loved to see her analyze Talk’s lyrics too

[@sherthetruth]

Oops did I miss it somehow?! I think I probably left the clip out. I’ll upload it and put the unlisted link if anything!

[@sherthetruth]

It’s up in case you all missed it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sISwnnisjbaoisk

[@adambanayan3382]

I love hozier so much. Please, please listen to melodrama by lorde. It's so gorgeous both in production and in lyrics, and is so amazing in storytelling and developing themes

[@aeri_taylors-version]

thankyou for giving us this 💖

[@shivanijoshi9439]

i love this video and oh gosh your eye makeup is stunning !

[@marciovelho747]

happy 2021! I discovered your channel in the last few days of last year and I absolutely fell in love with your reactions and interpretations. love this one and the make up

[@janetmiller7409]

Need to listen to Like Real People Do on his first album - the first album is full of wonderful, beautiful songs - Take Me To Church, Someone New, Jackie & Wilson, Angel of Small Death, From Eden, Work Song - must listen to Run, Arsonists Lullaby & Moments Silence not on either album - his covers of Bridge Over Troubled Water, Lay Me Down, Problem, Say My Name Caravan are amazing - he's influenced by politics, social issues & sex of course. No Plan is reference to book by Katie Mack "The End of Everything". Must see him in person - his shows are mesmerizing!

[@l.josino]

god i can't wait for your next video on these lyrics because they truly just keep on giving the more you listen to them and read them

[@pand9826]

If you're looking for more male artists to listen to, I'd recommend Father John Misty, Michael Kiwanuka, Black Pumas and Moses Sumney!

[@rebe6132]

i loved your reaction! i always do, hearing your perspective and reading the comments i feel like part of this small community :)

[@ashlabelle]

"Power has been cried by those stronger than me / Straight into the face that tells you to rattle your chains if you love being free"

[@rayahpulido8126]

now i love Hozier more. thank you sher

[@lilyraimey3499]

Love that your makeup is matching the album.

[@vincentli5170]

Thanks to your analysis! This is one of my favorites in 2019, really good voice, lyrics and melodies in one album

[@CherryLee-love]

loved this film!! as a hozier fan, i enjoyed your interpretations and also seeing how you fall in love with his music slowly

[@gyllenhaalic21]

AHHHHH IVE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU TO LISTEN TO HOZIER!! He is such a good person if there is a man whose music deserves to be the first on your channel its him❤

[@thatialfrei1060]

Andrew hozier is a forest God! Reacting to his other album and ep!

[@ExistentialIdiot]

I've watched this video several times because I love both the genuine joy you feel when listening to something good and the fact that you make an earnest attempt at interpreting the lyrics. So many reactors just breeze through them and if it's not instantly obvious what he's trying to convey they just shrug and move on. Hell, sometimes even when it is obvious they don't pick up on it.

[@annikazara1367]

you probably know this now but “nina cried power” was a song created kind of like a tribute to the artists mentioned in the song who fought for civil rights and used their music to relay their message. so it’s not just saying artists’ names who mentioned “power” in their songs haha

[@mksketchms]

The self titled album is much calmer than Wasteland, baby! And this was a surprise to us too with such upbeat tunes in some of the songs in Wasteland

[@thatialfrei1060]

And if u want sexy hozier, go listen to the acoustic of It will come back...it's on my eargasm Playlist!

[@rodrigorebolledo2146]

Loved your reaction! You should definitely react to his self-titled album "Hozier" !!!

[@fridar2752]

Yes!!! Do a deep dive!! Love the video

[@laug1576]

Can you please please react to Titanic rising by Weyes Blood? It is about feeling emotionally and intellectually lonely and I absolutely love it

[@pand9826]

100%!!

[@rebe6132]

I think she'd really like it!!!!!

[@diana-mj1xb]

yes yes yes yes yes yes

[@vincentli5170]

!!!

[@trulyquintessential5842]

He also did the song for the movie “The Legend of Tarzan” ...it’s called Better Love...check it out..powerful and amazing!!.

[@brecken5862]

Loved this video so much- I hope you’ll cover his other album at some point. It’s personally my favorite album of all time. While a lot of his content is rather sexual it’s always respectful which is something we don’t see a lot of in pop-culture

[@andrearowell9316]

I saw a tweet that referred to it as "tastefully horny" and it just fit perfectly with how somehow him being explicit never comes across as trashy or for shock value.

[@ekayaniperforms]

He’s talking about music ! Music is a force . The song is peppered with Song References: love supreme by John Coltrane , Russian Lullaby sung by Ella Fitzgerald, reference to the jazz great Chet Baker , song Stella by Starlight etc. He’s a musician moved by MUSIC ❤ @sher

[@JulieAcePe]

oh yes i’ve been wanting to suggest you react to hozier!!! omgg ❤️

[@mksketchms]

😂 I suggested him in like every video and so thankful it's here finally

[@kimberlyteran6787]

49:08 saaameee. I just discovered him like 3 weeks ago. I did listened his song "take me to church" before but non of other songs, and it makes me so upset that I didn't knew about him before. I'm obsessed with his voice. I want a cover of every song with his voice. Hahaha I'll be waiting for another reaction to him. Subscribe. 💞

[@marykatedoyle9574]

Hozier is one of the best to ever do it. His music is incredible and highly unique. Can’t recommend the deluxe of his first album enough!! I think you’d love it

[@shoileesumaiya3544]

Loved your reaction, It was so eloquent and noteworthy. Please react to his self titled album. Hope you would love that too!

[@niketaylor7824]

Yasss! His self titled next please

[@kimbunchalastnames5357]

yep, hozier is into music. music and revolution. 😜🤪😝

[@dxntonio]

love your videos so much, please keep reacting to artists like him, specially his first album, lana's discography, lorde's albums etc etc, i loooove your content so much, could watch it for hours and hours

[@mksketchms]

Thankyou so much😭❤️

[@randomerror6283]

please please do other of his albums!!!!!

[@MutilatedByLove]

This reaction is pretty identical to mine lol. “Why haven’t I been listening to this?! Where have I been?!?!?

[@s3twuvsU]

Ooh! Loved this! You should do his first album whenever you’re able. Some amazing lyrics on it

[@janetmiller7409]

I forgot to mention Cherry Wine - absolutely beautiful - refers to abuse by in a beautiful way!

[@nefelibata2555]

I love decoding Hozier lyrics but it's a little challenging for me as a not native speaker, thank u for your reaction, it really resonates with me Ps: It was fun watching you fall in love too 😂❤️