Lyrics
My lover’s got humor
She’s the giggle at a funeral
Knows everybody’s disapproval
I should’ve worshiped her sooner
If the Heavens ever did speak
She’s the last true mouthpiece
Every Sunday’s getting 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
A-, Amen, Amen, Amen
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
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
Good God, let me give you my life
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 something shiny
Something meaty for the main course
That’s a fine looking high horse
What you got in the stable?
We’ve a lot of starving faithful
That looks tasty
That looks plenty
This is hungry work
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
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
Good God, let me give you my life
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
Oh, oh, Amen, Amen, Amen
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
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
Good God, let me give you my life
Take Me To Church Lyrics Analysis and Interpretation
“Take Me to Church,” the breakout single by Irish musician Hozier, has undeniably left a mark on the music industry. Upon its release, it captured the attention of listeners around the globe with its soulful melody and powerful lyrics. It struck a chord with those who resonated with the song’s themes of love, freedom, and criticism of institutionalized religion. The track, rooted in Hozier’s personal experiences and observations, uses religious metaphor to explore the idea of worship in the context of an intense, romantic relationship.
The lyrics of “Take Me to Church” are open to interpretation, but they have often been analyzed as a commentary on the oppressive nature of certain religious dogmas and societal norms, particularly surrounding sexuality and human rights. This thoughtful crafting of words offers layered meanings, leaving listeners to peel back the layers of metaphor and symbolism. He brings a raw honesty to his work, which has not only defined his career but also made an influential cultural statement.
Song Analysis and Interpretation
This analysis dissects the layered lyrics of “Take Me To Church”, unveiling the metaphors and examining the social and religious commentary embedded within the musical composition.
Lyrics Dissection
The song’s chorus is a powerful call, where Hozier equates love with ritual, presenting the act of love as sacred. Phrases like “worship in the bedroom” and “born sick” suggest that love and its expression have been condemned despite being natural. The song challenges the idea of worship and sacrifice traditionally associated with church, instead celebrating them within the context of human relationships.
Metaphors and Symbolism
“Take Me To Church” is rich in symbolism. The lover is likened to a goddess, where the plea to “drain the whole sea” reflects an intense devotion. The song equates aspects of church with that of an oppressive institution, where “shrine of your lies” symbolizes deception, and “church” itself becomes a metaphor for systems that suppress humanity and persécute innocence. The sea stands for the vastness of love, and the sunlight speaks to the transparency and purity of genuine human connection.
Religious and Social Commentary
Behind its melodious harmonies, the song issues a critique of organized religion, especially in its control over humanity and condemnation of natural acts of love. It addresses themes of persecution, particularly toward the LGBTQ+ community, signaled through lines like “Sunday’s getting more bleak” and “church offers no absolutes”, positing that the institution fails to provide genuine sanctuary or absolute truths. The lyrics also paint a grim picture of religion as a construct that sometimes serves to starve rather than nourish the faithful.
Musical Composition
Musically, “Take Me To Church” is a pop song that merges soulful melodies with a brooding atmosphere. Its stirring piano chords and dynamic vocals create a soundscape that underscores the gravity of the song’s themes. The musical arrangement complements the lyrics by building from a subtle start to a powerful crescendo, mirroring the emotional weight and poignant message of the song.
The Artist Behind the Song
Andrew Hozier-Byrne, known professionally as Hozier, is the musician who penned the powerful “Take Me to Church,” reflecting on both his personal journey in the music industry and broader societal issues.
Hozier’s Career and Inspirations
Hozier, an Irish singer-songwriter, catapulted from the status of a struggling musician to a global phenomenon with his debut single. Born on March 17, 1990, his ascent in the music scene began with a breakthrough song that resonated with millions. He recorded “Take Me to Church” in the attic of his parents’ home in County Wicklow, Ireland. This song served as a poignant commentary on social issues, expressing his disillusionment with organized religion and its stance on homosexuality.
- Early Inspirations:
- Blues and jazz music from a young age
- Socio-political themes in his lyrics
Impact and Reception
Upon its release in 2013, “Take Me to Church” quickly gained traction, becoming a viral hit. The music video, directed by Brendan Canty, amplified the song’s message by depicting the oppression of same-sex relationships. This powerful pairing of visuals and lyrics led to immense critical acclaim, earning Hozier a nomination for a Grammy Award.
- Reception:
- Nominated for Song of the Year at the Grammys
- Received critical and commercial success globally
Global Influence and Covers
“Take Me to Church” has been covered and performed by a diverse range of artists and has been featured on TV series such as “The Leftovers.” It has impacted culture beyond just the music charts:
- Covers by Major Artists:
- Ellie Goulding’s acoustic version brought a different tenderness to the song.
- Demi Lovato delivered a powerful rendition on “The Voice.”
- Dance Interpretations:
- A collaboration with ballet dancer Sergei Polunin and director David LaChapelle resulted in a performance video that further extended the song’s reach.
- Global Discussions:
- The song sparked conversations about love and sex in places like Russia, reflecting its extensive global influence.
Hozier’s career has been marked by his soulful music that often addresses weighty themes, and “Take Me to Church” stands as a seminal work that has left a significant mark on listeners and fellow musicians alike.
Cultural and Personal Impact
“Hozier’s ‘Take Me to Church’ resonates deeply with personal and societal narratives, reflecting complex emotions and sparking discussions on a global scale.”
Reflection of Personal Experiences
Hozier channels his personal sentiments into the lyrics of “Take Me to Church,” transforming the song into a profound commentary on love and sacrifice. The phrase “lover’s got humour” indicates that humour and love intertwine, suggesting that a genuine connection often encompasses a shared sense of levity along with the gravity of emotional depth. The song’s portrayal of love as an act of sacrifice mirrors listeners’ experiences with falling in love, where one often prioritizes their partner’s needs, potentially at personal cost.
Influence on Society and Media
“Take Me to Church” became a cultural phenomenon, extending its influence beyond personal impact to make a marked imprint on society and media. Its powerful message about love’s intersection with sexual orientation sparked conversations on a societal level and thrust the topic into the limelight. The song reached viral status, partly due to its compelling metaphor comparing religious devotion with passionate love. It penetrated media, featuring in the TV series “The Leftovers” and prompting debates in countries with divergent cultural attitudes like the United Kingdom and Russia. Through its exploration of themes such as “death of everything” and “sacrifice,” the song invites its audience to reflect on the profundity of love and the sacrifices it entails.