One of the things I find so special about his music is the way he paints women to be so incredibly powerful- whether for good or evil. The worship feels to me like a kind of awe at this power- not beauty or sweetness (famously) but just raw power. I haven’t come across another male artist who does that (please let me know if I’m missing someone!)
Already 3 mins in, I'm thinking that the first verse of phrases is not necessarily allegory for artistry, a lot of those phrases are used in an office on the daily." Living the Dream", "Bootstring" could be a reference to "Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps", "Working Miracles" are often used to describe office-work, as well as "coffee and blue light screens" commonly found in a modern office workspace. This is all from an American office-worker in Marketing's perspective. I feel its a read on labor in general. We can work and work and work but what matters is a corporate bottom line. This weaves seamlessly into the allegory of genocide, the genocide happening now is built upon corporations in a capitalist space. Capitalism and private companies aren't tied to government entities and they can put their money into whatever they choose, they choose politicians and war machines.
i am so ecstatic to know that "that you are" is a dante related song and i loved learning about the history that went with it!! hozier showing off his histroy nerdiness is so iconic
I love that he's decided to step a little bolder with his music choices. I can honestly say that that everything in the Unreal Unearth universe has been a rare gift. I've been looking forward to Wildfire and Barley's sister song since I heard of it's existence. I was blown away by how exquisite it is. He picked the perfect singers in Allisson & Bedouine Thanks so much for this content. Love your breakdown and interpretation of each song. Thrilled that I will see Allisson Russell In October. Loved the merch I bought at the shows. If you want to get one of the lovely locally inspired pins then I suggest you get it before the show as they sell out fast. Mine was a beautiful queen bee and it's in a frame looking beautiful.🐝💚
I’m Chloe and I’m from Houston!! I love love love your videos and I’m so thankful you make them because, as someone whose knowledge on literature is pretty small as of now, you really help me understand just how MANY LAYERS THIS MAN PUTS IN HIS MUSIC. truly my favorite artist when it comes to prose. Thank you ❤❤❤❤❤
On verse 2 of That You Are: I think this person is saying they have certain destinations in mind, a place/emotional state that they hope to arrive at. But the vehicles they use, the choices they make to try to reach whatever it is they are aspiring to, only hurt them in the end. Hence, 'planes and trains and cars carve their lines into a curve-like blade'. So lovely to see you again Honor! Always a pleasure to hear your insights xx
Hi, I'm Shelley. I discovered Hozier a couple years ago, during COVID. I live in Orlando. Thank you for sharing the love and adoration of Andrew and his creative voice. :D
You got every point about Nobody's Soldier magnificently plus the input about being a tour artist that I couldn't point out in my hearing (I interpret it as having a functional job and still have to mask to go to working while keeping yourself update about the current situation) The interpretation about July is fresh, no notes. I got surprised a bit at you calling it a pop song, but hearing you nailing the points like that, yeah that tracks! No notes on That You Are, I think this is one of his beautifully devastated songs and it's not getting as much attention that I origionally thought. Thank you! Glad to see you back!
I always love your takes on his music. I think that Nobody’s Soldier is going to become a classic protest song , it also feels very reminiscent of protest songs from the 60’s (overall it had a very 60’s vibe I think) I saw him perform at Osheaga music festival in Montreal recently and it was nothing short of transcendant, you’re in for the musical performance of your life in November 😊
Thank you for your steadfast and dedicated work in unpacking Hozier's art. You are a gem! Enjoy the concert in November. He was phenomenal in Philadelphia in May! Cheers!
We've been so blessed with all the music he's given us lately! Is he ever going to release the EPs on vinyl and/or CD ? I haven't been able to find any release info
I didn't get to see Wildflower and Barley since I saw him before the EP release, and then at a festival in August where he played mostly just his biggest hits unfortunately, but I hope you get to see it live!!!
The guitars on Nobody's Soldier are reminding me strongly of a David Bowie song, and it's been driving me nuts that I can't pinpoint which. I'm leaning toward something off Scary Monsters, which is interesting because that album is built around the idea of being overwhelmed by the suffering in the world. (I think there's even a specific track where the concept is a man watching the news, but again I can't remember which. Clearly I need a refresher.) There's a strong chance this is all wishful thinking, though, because I'd be thrilled if Hozier were quoting Bowie in some way :)
Thank you for these so much. They really help me see the lyrics of the songs in a different way while maintaining my own views on them. Looking forward to what else you have to say !!
Leave the door ajar, for me sounds less like an invite to come in in this verse and more like a preparation to leave. The verse seems to me to talk about a wonderlust, evreything the person is yet to do, even the mistakes are something they want to have, in a youthful indiscretions way I guess, so they being half-made speaks of an incomplete experience, the person here sounds to me like they really want to live life, to the point where it's painful, so "they carve lines into a curve like blade" that's the world that exists outside of their experience being almost painful, sharp, in its calling. "leave the door ajar" seems more like beging not to be locked in, away from all the world and exeriences they lust for.
As soon as the ep dropped i was hoping you would make a video😭 personally i saw july from a struggle with mental health, obv from a very personal lens, and felt like if only i keep living and bettering myself one day at a time i will get to see july, better times ahead, and that is enough to get me trough. Thank you as always for an amazing video❤
your video is great! you make really good points and its good to hear the analysis i already did but extended, and with such a chill voice to have in the background
I love your analysis videos and I really enjoyed this EP. Nobody's Soldier is such a powerful song, it has a ton of parallels to Eat Your Young and also brings to mind Jackboot Jump because it is far more on the nose with the lyrics and message than Hozier usually is, especially with the music video. I noticed that his references specifically to a 'butcher' and 'soldier' can also be seen in the Eat Your Young music video. I'd love to hear more rock sort of sounds from him in the future, and he seemed to really have fun with performing it live when I saw him a few weeks ago. I agree with your interpretation of the lyrics mostly, but I was on the fence of if it was meant to parallel his life as an artist, or a more conventional 9-5 life. I definitely thought of the 'pull yourself up by the bootstraps' for the 'bootstring' line, and imagined office work for the 'blue screen' one. But 'walking on water' definitely brought Jesus, and all the comparisons people make, to mind for me as well. For July, I enjoyed this song a lot more than I expected! An interesting thing to note is I'm almost certain the music samples 'Redbone' by Childish Gambino, as it sounds very similar just transposed to a different key, and he's definitely mentioned childish gambino a couple times so he would be aware of the song. Musically, I really enjoyed it but I hadn't put much thought into the lyrics aside from it being related to the pandemic, so I loved hearing your interpretation! That You Are is gorgeous and I'm glad it introduced me to Bedouine! Slower songs tend to take longer to grow on me, but this is such a pretty duet, and I love the devotion in his lyrics. It's so light and pretty, and I like that it reflects the difference between Dante and Beatrice's opinion of each other
I got to see hozier live just a few days ago🥹it still feels like a dream, best day of my life. Hearing Wildflower and Barley live was simply mind blowing
Also about the part in That You Are where Bedouin sings I thought maybe it was like a doubtful voice that doesn’t want to settle on this person before seeing more of the world like especially with all of the religious imagery that I interpret as holding the narrator back « city locked in to a song of prayer » and then when she says « carve their lies in to a curve like blade » as if the narrator is using that to defend herself against the world, also I definitely agree on the « leave the door ajar » part but idk that’s just what I think
First of, thank you so much for all your work in analyzing these beautiful lyrics. And secondly (and you absolutely don't need to do this) would you consider tackling his "Swan Upon Leda"? That song makes me feel so many emotions I don't know how to express and I would love to see someone else articulate the effects it has on them. Either way have a wonderful time and thank you again for your work :)
the leave the door a-jar bit reads to me-at least out of context- as the response someone might give when they feel like someone is nagging them, and all they want is for them to leave. like someone is going on about all the things they do for you and your tired of hearing them and tell them to leave the door open when they go. i’m gonna need to relisten to the full song to again to see if ive gotten the context right. something that keeps sticking with me is the way in which the artist-muse relationship dynamic is almost always portrayed from the artist/observers view of the muse. their idea of who they are. and their portrayal of their outside view can get reproduced and reinterrated at nausium drowning out and silencing the voice of the muse until theyre a passive object of the creators landscape
Hey I was wondering if you could analyze like real people do or the whole album. It’s my favorite song and I would like to understand it better, Love your videos!
“Thank you Honor Luca,” we all say in unison
hahaha omg pinned
i still can't believe we got a full year of music from our man Andrew, i hope he enjoys his upcoming hibernation
One of the things I find so special about his music is the way he paints women to be so incredibly powerful- whether for good or evil. The worship feels to me like a kind of awe at this power- not beauty or sweetness (famously) but just raw power. I haven’t come across another male artist who does that (please let me know if I’m missing someone!)
AB👏SO👏LUTE👏LY👏
I got to see him perform Wildflower and Barley back in July and I wish for you that you do too!
Already 3 mins in, I'm thinking that the first verse of phrases is not necessarily allegory for artistry, a lot of those phrases are used in an office on the daily." Living the Dream", "Bootstring" could be a reference to "Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps", "Working Miracles" are often used to describe office-work, as well as "coffee and blue light screens" commonly found in a modern office workspace. This is all from an American office-worker in Marketing's perspective. I feel its a read on labor in general. We can work and work and work but what matters is a corporate bottom line. This weaves seamlessly into the allegory of genocide, the genocide happening now is built upon corporations in a capitalist space. Capitalism and private companies aren't tied to government entities and they can put their money into whatever they choose, they choose politicians and war machines.
Also just being a soldier. I think it's meant to be multiple at once, of course.
I definitely agree, 'pulling yourself up by your bootstraps' was my first thought as well
i am so ecstatic to know that "that you are" is a dante related song and i loved learning about the history that went with it!! hozier showing off his histroy nerdiness is so iconic
I love that he's decided to step a little bolder with his music choices. I can honestly say that that everything in the Unreal Unearth universe has been a rare gift. I've been looking forward to Wildfire and Barley's sister song since I heard of it's existence. I was blown away by how exquisite it is. He picked the perfect singers in Allisson & Bedouine Thanks so much for this content. Love your breakdown and interpretation of each song. Thrilled that I will see Allisson Russell In October. Loved the merch I bought at the shows. If you want to get one of the lovely locally inspired pins then I suggest you get it before the show as they sell out fast. Mine was a beautiful queen bee and it's in a frame looking beautiful.🐝💚
Oooo I'm gonna be the first one at that merch van then!
I’m Chloe and I’m from Houston!! I love love love your videos and I’m so thankful you make them because, as someone whose knowledge on literature is pretty small as of now, you really help me understand just how MANY LAYERS THIS MAN PUTS IN HIS MUSIC. truly my favorite artist when it comes to prose. Thank you ❤❤❤❤❤
Lovely to have you here Chloe!! ❤️🔥✨
He did It again!!!! Love Nobody Soldier When it all comes together, and His damn bass lines get you
Thanks for responding
On verse 2 of That You Are: I think this person is saying they have certain destinations in mind, a place/emotional state that they hope to arrive at. But the vehicles they use, the choices they make to try to reach whatever it is they are aspiring to, only hurt them in the end. Hence, 'planes and trains and cars carve their lines into a curve-like blade'.
So lovely to see you again Honor! Always a pleasure to hear your insights xx
Hi, I'm Shelley. I discovered Hozier a couple years ago, during COVID. I live in Orlando. Thank you for sharing the love and adoration of Andrew and his creative voice. :D
Hi Shelley! Sending love to Orlando!
when I first heard about the new ep my first thought was YAY NEW HONOR LUCA VIDEO I’m being so serious
Anyone else feel like the opening of nobody’s soldier reminds them of phantom
YES!
So good to see you again. Definately agree with your take that this is a little part of a dig at the cult of fandom!
Butcher versus a pauper is definitely a symptom of the capitalist system.
You got every point about Nobody's Soldier magnificently plus the input about being a tour artist that I couldn't point out in my hearing (I interpret it as having a functional job and still have to mask to go to working while keeping yourself update about the current situation)
The interpretation about July is fresh, no notes. I got surprised a bit at you calling it a pop song, but hearing you nailing the points like that, yeah that tracks!
No notes on That You Are, I think this is one of his beautifully devastated songs and it's not getting as much attention that I origionally thought.
Thank you! Glad to see you back!
I have been WAITING for this video
Thank you
I get to see him live on the 25th!!!! I will absolutely lose my mind if he plays anything from his first album
Honor, you can put the butterflies in my gut into words. Thank you ❤🫂
Thank YOU! x
I always love your takes on his music. I think that Nobody’s Soldier is going to become a classic protest song , it also feels very reminiscent of protest songs from the 60’s (overall it had a very 60’s vibe I think)
I saw him perform at Osheaga music festival in Montreal recently and it was nothing short of transcendant, you’re in for the musical performance of your life in November 😊
“That is..unfair” 💯😂😭 I just saw him live finally, UNREAL. Thanks for another incredible video!! Never stop doing hozier videos 🫶🏻
As long as that man continues creating, I won't cease mine! x
Thank you for your steadfast and dedicated work in unpacking Hozier's art. You are a gem! Enjoy the concert in November. He was phenomenal in Philadelphia in May! Cheers!
Thank you thank you!
Everytime this year, Hozier comes out with something new, I’m then most excited to hear your breakdowns
Aw thank you so much! That really means a lot ❤️
We've been so blessed with all the music he's given us lately! Is he ever going to release the EPs on vinyl and/or CD ? I haven't been able to find any release info
Love to hear your take on his songs. Very insightful. Hello from Michigan in the US. 👋🏼
I’ve been waaaiiitinngggggggg for your video since the day he released Unaired! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ❤
Aw yay! Hope you enjoyed it x
Thanks Honor for the insights.
Think Hozier will soon back to the woods after the tour.
And you look really great.
i missed you and your uploads! it's great to have you back!!
I didn't get to see Wildflower and Barley since I saw him before the EP release, and then at a festival in August where he played mostly just his biggest hits unfortunately, but I hope you get to see it live!!!
again, an amazing video!! and love your look!❤
The guitars on Nobody's Soldier are reminding me strongly of a David Bowie song, and it's been driving me nuts that I can't pinpoint which. I'm leaning toward something off Scary Monsters, which is interesting because that album is built around the idea of being overwhelmed by the suffering in the world. (I think there's even a specific track where the concept is a man watching the news, but again I can't remember which. Clearly I need a refresher.) There's a strong chance this is all wishful thinking, though, because I'd be thrilled if Hozier were quoting Bowie in some way :)
I was literally just thinking about how i’ve missed your videos when i saw the notification!!
Aw yay!!
Thank you for these so much. They really help me see the lyrics of the songs in a different way while maintaining my own views on them. Looking forward to what else you have to say !!
Congratulations on the new job girly so happy for u!🎉
Wildflower and barley is on his set list do not worry
July's gotta be my favorite from this one. It's been stuck in my head this whole week
The line and July also kind sounds like angels I. which is really sweet
Great video so far. But I have to go to bed now. I'll watch the rest tomorrow. Also, love the look
so glad you covered this love your videos !!
Leave the door ajar, for me sounds less like an invite to come in in this verse and more like a preparation to leave. The verse seems to me to talk about a wonderlust, evreything the person is yet to do, even the mistakes are something they want to have, in a youthful indiscretions way I guess, so they being half-made speaks of an incomplete experience, the person here sounds to me like they really want to live life, to the point where it's painful, so "they carve lines into a curve like blade" that's the world that exists outside of their experience being almost painful, sharp, in its calling. "leave the door ajar" seems more like beging not to be locked in, away from all the world and exeriences they lust for.
Oh I really like this!!
As soon as the ep dropped i was hoping you would make a video😭 personally i saw july from a struggle with mental health, obv from a very personal lens, and felt like if only i keep living and bettering myself one day at a time i will get to see july, better times ahead, and that is enough to get me trough. Thank you as always for an amazing video❤
your video is great! you make really good points and its good to hear the analysis i already did but extended, and with such a chill voice to have in the background
I love your analysis videos and I really enjoyed this EP.
Nobody's Soldier is such a powerful song, it has a ton of parallels to Eat Your Young and also brings to mind Jackboot Jump because it is far more on the nose with the lyrics and message than Hozier usually is, especially with the music video. I noticed that his references specifically to a 'butcher' and 'soldier' can also be seen in the Eat Your Young music video. I'd love to hear more rock sort of sounds from him in the future, and he seemed to really have fun with performing it live when I saw him a few weeks ago. I agree with your interpretation of the lyrics mostly, but I was on the fence of if it was meant to parallel his life as an artist, or a more conventional 9-5 life. I definitely thought of the 'pull yourself up by the bootstraps' for the 'bootstring' line, and imagined office work for the 'blue screen' one. But 'walking on water' definitely brought Jesus, and all the comparisons people make, to mind for me as well.
For July, I enjoyed this song a lot more than I expected! An interesting thing to note is I'm almost certain the music samples 'Redbone' by Childish Gambino, as it sounds very similar just transposed to a different key, and he's definitely mentioned childish gambino a couple times so he would be aware of the song. Musically, I really enjoyed it but I hadn't put much thought into the lyrics aside from it being related to the pandemic, so I loved hearing your interpretation!
That You Are is gorgeous and I'm glad it introduced me to Bedouine! Slower songs tend to take longer to grow on me, but this is such a pretty duet, and I love the devotion in his lyrics. It's so light and pretty, and I like that it reflects the difference between Dante and Beatrice's opinion of each other
Excellent Luca
Excellent presentation!
I got to see hozier live just a few days ago🥹it still feels like a dream, best day of my life. Hearing Wildflower and Barley live was simply mind blowing
Oh my goodness I am counting down the days until I see him!
You did a great Job describing
Im baaaaack babes 🎉 was here the first video now here we r
Also about the part in That You Are where Bedouin sings I thought maybe it was like a doubtful voice that doesn’t want to settle on this person before seeing more of the world like especially with all of the religious imagery that I interpret as holding the narrator back « city locked in to a song of prayer » and then when she says « carve their lies in to a curve like blade » as if the narrator is using that to defend herself against the world, also I definitely agree on the « leave the door ajar » part but idk that’s just what I think
First of, thank you so much for all your work in analyzing these beautiful lyrics. And secondly (and you absolutely don't need to do this) would you consider tackling his "Swan Upon Leda"? That song makes me feel so many emotions I don't know how to express and I would love to see someone else articulate the effects it has on them. Either way have a wonderful time and thank you again for your work :)
Swan Upon Leda is certainly on the list to cover soon!
Just found you today and subscribed! Loved your interpretations! Watching from Canada
Thank you so much! So glad to have you x
the leave the door a-jar bit reads to me-at least out of context- as the response someone might give when they feel like someone is nagging them, and all they want is for them to leave. like someone is going on about all the things they do for you and your tired of hearing them and tell them to leave the door open when they go. i’m
gonna need to relisten to the full song to again to see if ive gotten the context right. something that keeps sticking with me is the way in which the artist-muse relationship dynamic is almost always portrayed from the artist/observers view of the muse. their idea of who they are. and their portrayal of their outside view can get reproduced and reinterrated at nausium drowning out and silencing the voice of the muse until theyre a passive object of the creators landscape
Ooooo I like this
How dare UA-cam not notify me about this video??? 😤😤
Poor form for UA-cam!
Hey I was wondering if you could analyze like real people do or the whole album. It’s my favorite song and I would like to understand it better, Love your videos!
An analysis of his debut album is definitely in the works :)
18:46 imo still the same person talking about how they've tried to look elsewhere but got burned anywhere else they've looked
Another Elvis Costello fan 🥹
Always!