Meaning and Lyrics of Take Me to Church by Hozier

Song Lyrics meaning of Take Me to Church by Hozier

About Hozier

Andrew Hozier-Byrne, known professionally as Hozier, is an Irish musician, singer, and songwriter whose soulful voice and poignant lyrics have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Born on March 17, 1990, in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland, Hozier drew early influence from his parents, particularly his father, a local blues musician. This would lay a strong foundation for his eclectic mix of blues, soul, and folk influences. Hozier’s ascent to global recognition came in 2013 with the release of his hauntingly beautiful single “Take Me to Church”, a track that resonates with themes of love, religion, and defiance. The song, characterized by its powerful lyrics and emotive delivery, soared in popularity, earning Grammy nominations and establishing Hozier as a significant voice in contemporary music. Following this success, Hozier released his self-titled debut album in 2014, which was critically acclaimed and further solidified his reputation as a profound and introspective artist. Tracks like “From Eden” and “Cherry Wine” showcased his ability to blend poetic lyrics with rich, expansive melodies. In 2019, Hozier released his sophomore album, “Wasteland, Baby!”, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200. This album continued to explore themes of love, loss, and existential reflection, featuring standout tracks like “Movement,” “Almost (Sweet Music),” and the politically charged “Nina Cried Power,” which features legendary soul singer Mavis Staples. Hozier’s music is a testament to his deep understanding of the human condition and his ability to convey complex emotions through his artistry. His continued evolution in the music scene marks him as an enduring and influential figure. With a voice that can move mountains and lyrics that cut to the core, Hozier remains a beacon of authenticity and talent in the modern music landscape.

Meaning of Take Me to Church by Hozier

“Take Me to Church” by Hozier is a deeply profound and critically acclaimed song that delves into themes of faith, love, sexuality, and power. The lyrics paint a picture of a complex relationship where the protagonist’s lover is depicted as having a strong influence over him. The opening verse describes a sense of admiration and reverence towards the lover, contrasting societal disapproval with a deep emotional connection.

The imagery of a church is used metaphorically throughout the song to explore the idea of worship and submission. The protagonist acknowledges his own flaws and imperfections, but finds solace and acceptance in the intimate moments shared with his lover. The lines “Worship in the bedroom” and “The only heaven I’ll be sent to is when I’m alone with you” suggest a transcendent and sacred experience within their relationship.

The chorus, with its powerful repetition of “Take me to church,” suggests a yearning for redemption and salvation. The metaphor of worshipping “like a dog at the shrine of your lies” captures a sense of devotion and surrender, even in the face of potential betrayal or deceit. The plea to offer a “deathless death” and give one’s life to the other hints at a willingness to sacrifice and commit fully to the relationship.

The second verse introduces the idea of sacrifice and worship, symbolized by draining the sea and offering something valuable. There is a sense of ritual and tradition in the imagery of a high horse and a starving faithful, hinting at themes of power dynamics and hierarchy within the relationship.

The bridge reflects on the purity found in moments of sin and madness, suggesting that true humanity and redemption can be found in embracing one’s flaws and imperfections. The repetition of “amen” reinforces a sense of spiritual contemplation and acceptance.

Overall, “Take Me to Church” is a poignant exploration of love, devotion, and the complexities of human relationships. Its evocative lyrics and haunting melody invite listeners to reflect on the nature of faith, desire, and the search for meaning in a tumultuous world.

Lyrics of Take Me to Church by Hozier

Verse 1
My lover's got humour
She's the giggle at a funeral
Knows everybody's disapproval
I should've worshipped her sooner
If the heavens ever did speak
She's the last true mouthpiece
Every Sunday's gettin' more bleak
A fresh poison each week
We were born sick, you heard them say it
My church offers no absolutes
She tells me, "Worship in the bedroom"
The only heaven I'll be sent to
Is when I'm alone with you
I was born sick, but I love it
Command me to be well

Pre-Chorus
A, amen
Amen, amen

Chorus
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
Oh, good God, let me give you my life
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
Oh, good God, let me give you my life

Verse 2
If I'm a pagan of the good times
My lover's the sunlight
To keep the goddess on my side
She demands a sacrifice
Drain the whole sea, get somethin' shiny
Somethin' meaty for the main course
That's a fine lookin' high horse
What you got in the stable?
We've a lot of starvin' faithful
That looks tasty, that looks plenty
This is hungry work

Chorus
Take me to church
I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies
I'll tell you my sins, so you can sharpen your knife
Offer me my deathless death
Oh, good God, let me give you my life
Take me to church
I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies
I'll tell you my sins, so you can sharpen your knife
Offer me my deathless death
Oh, good God, let me give you my life

Bridge
No masters or kings when the ritual begins
There is no sweeter innocence than our gentle sin
In the madness and soil of that sad earthly scene
Only then, I am human, only then, I am clean

Pre-Chorus
Oh, oh, amen
Amen, amen

Chorus
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
Oh, good God, let me give you my life
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
Oh, good God, let me give you my life

Produced by Hozier and Rob Kirwan

Video directed by Brendan Canty and Conal Thomson

Discography Hozier

Unreal Unearth: Unaired

Release: 2024-08-19
Label: Rubyworks / Universal-Island Records Ltd
Popularity: 👏👏👏👏
1. Nobody’s Soldier
2. July
3. That You Are
4. Too Sweet
5. Wildflower and Barley
6. Empire Now
7. Fare Well
8. De Selby (Part 1)
9. De Selby (Part 2)
10. First Time
11. Francesca
12. I, Carrion (Icarian)
13. Eat Your Young
14. Damage Gets Done
15. Who We Are
16. Son of Nyx
17. All Things End
18. To Someone From A Warm Climate (Uiscefhuaraithe)
19. Butchered Tongue
20. Anything But
21. Abstract (Psychopomp)
22. Unknown / Nth
23. First Light
Tracklist Collapse

Unreal Unearth

Release: 2023-08-18
Label: Rubyworks / Universal-Island Records Ltd
Popularity: 👏👏👏
1. De Selby (Part 1)
2. De Selby (Part 2)
3. First Time
4. Francesca
5. I, Carrion (Icarian)
6. Eat Your Young
7. Damage Gets Done
8. Who We Are
9. Son of Nyx
10. All Things End
11. To Someone From A Warm Climate (Uiscefhuaraithe)
12. Butchered Tongue
13. Anything But
14. Abstract (Psychopomp)
15. Unknown / Nth
16. First Light
Tracklist Collapse

Wasteland, Baby! (Special Edition)

Release: 2019-03-01
Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Popularity: 👏👏👏
1. Nina Cried Power
2. Almost (Sweet Music)
3. Movement
4. No Plan
5. Nobody
6. To Noise Making (Sing)
7. As It Was
8. Shrike
9. Talk
10. Be
11. Dinner & Diatribes
12. Would That I
13. Sunlight
14. Wasteland, Baby!
15. Shrike – Live At Windmill Lane Studios
16. Moment’s Silence (Common Tongue)
17. Why Would You Be Loved
18. Be – Acoustic
19. NFWMB
Tracklist Collapse

Upcoming Events for Hozier

Hozier - Unreal Unearth Tour 2024

Price Range: $45 – 99.5
Date: 2024-07-29
Location: The Pavilion at Star Lake

Hozier - Unreal Unearth Tour 2024

Price Range: $39.5 – 99.5
Date: 2024-09-06
Location: Gorge Amphitheatre

Hozier - Unreal Unearth Tour 2024

Price Range: $45 – 129.5
Date: 2024-09-10
Location: Shoreline Amphitheatre
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