Recently, I have seen many posts on social media about Hozier’s new EP, Unheard. I was curious as I had heard of his outstanding lyricism and musicality. Listening to these new songs, his voice and artistry did not disappoint. Here are some of my interpretations of three of his songs, but music is subjective and my analysis of his songs may be way off the mark! This is just for fun and songs can mean different things for different people.
“Wildflower and Barley“
Barley, the staple ingredient in beer and whiskey, undergoes a fermentation process before transforming. This transformation mirrors the passage of time and the patience required for growth and development. Similarly, wildflowers, often seen as symbols of renewal and growth, could represent the cycle of life and death within nature. When paired, barley and wildflowers symbolize nature’s ability to create something new from its sources over time. This connection with nature also reflects the cycle of life and death in the wild, where renewal follows departure and death. As depicted in Hozier’s lyrics, “The canal banks are empty again/The grass cryin’ out to be heated by bodies/The streets for the laughter of young women and men,” the isolation from the pandemic left public places empty, devoid of the sounds of laughter and human activity. Hozier’s desire for the lively streets ties to the profound impact of the pandemic on human connection and how many felt depressed and anxious to get back together.
“Empire Now“
From what I’ve read on Google, this song is an allusion to Ireland’s independence from British rule. The line, “Sun’s comin’ up on a dream come round,” details how a new beginning has formed from Ireland’s dream of revolution. In addition, the artist is probably referencing the phrase “the sun never sets on the British empire.” I think the song also illustrates Hozier’s faith in humanity despite its shortcomings (“If it falls, I would hold on for all it’s worth”), but he also recognizes the fault of humans in creating an imbalance between themselves and the natural world around them (“They power now the world we’ve made”).
“Fare Well“
When I first saw this song title, I was thinking of a goodbye song, but a short listen revealed Hozier’s underlying meaning. In the first verse, he talks about animals that feel happy in the moment, however their situation puts them seconds away from death. So in the moment they are faring well, but could go farewell. I think Hozier wishes he were in their situation (“I’ll take any high/Any glazin’ of the eyes/Any solitary pleasure that was sorrow in disguise”). He wants to feel happy again no matter what the later consequences are. From his lyrics, “Joy, disaster, come unbound here/I’ll deny me none while I’m allowed/With all things above the ground,” he expresses his desire to feel everything when he is alive. Whether it’s the instant pleasure of drugs (“glazin’ of the eyes”) or the painful aftermath (“sorrow in disguise”), he won’t deny himself any of those emotions.