Hozier Butchered Tongue Lyrics
by S Kaviya | Updated Aug 18, 2023
Hozier Butchered Tongue Lyrics
[Verse 1]
As a child it was the place names
Singin' at me as the first thing
How the mouth must be employed in every corner of itself
To say "Appalacicola" or "Hushpukena", like "Gweebarra"
A promise softly sang of somewhere else
[Chorus]
And as a young man blessed to pass so many road signs
And have my foreign ear made fresh again on each unlikely sound
But feel at home, hearin' a music that few still understand
A butchered tongue still singin' here above the ground
[Verse 2]
The ears were chopped from young men if the pitch cap didn't kill them
They are buried without scalp in the shattered bedrock of our home
You may never know your fortune
Until the distance has been shown between what is lost forever
And what can still be known
[Chorus]
So far from home to have a stranger call you, "Darling"
And have your guarded heart be lifted like a child up by the hand
In some town that just means 'Home' to them
With no translator left to sound
A butchered tongue still singin' here above the ground
Hozier Butchered Tongue Lyrics Meaning
These lyrics from "Butchered Tongue" by Hozier reflect on themes of language, identity, and the power of words.
In the first verse, Hozier recalls the fascination of place names from his childhood, highlighting the complexity of pronunciation and the act of using one's mouth to articulate them. This is a metaphor for the broader challenge of expressing oneself and conveying complex feelings. The chorus explores how Hozier's experiences as a young man, exposed to diverse road signs and unfamiliar sounds, have enriched his perspective. He finds comfort in connecting with music and language that are not widely understood, yet evoke a sense of belonging. The "butchered tongue" represents the ways in which language can be altered or adapted over time, but still retain its essence.
The second verse delves into the historical trauma of young men who suffered violence, symbolized by having their ears "chopped" and being buried without their "scalp." This could metaphorically refer to the suppression of voices and cultural expressions. The idea of not realizing the value of something until it's lost is explored, emphasizing the importance of preserving heritage and understanding what remains attainable.
In the chorus, the lyrics convey the emotion of being far from home yet finding solace when addressed affectionately. The foreign becomes familiar, as relationships bridge linguistic and cultural gaps. The final line, "A butchered tongue still singin' here above the ground," encapsulates the resilience of language and culture, even when subjected to difficulties and changes. The metaphor of the "butchered tongue" singing above the ground signifies that despite challenges, the essence and spirit of language persist and continue to be heard.
Hozier
Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, better recognized by his stage name Hozier, emerges as a notable Irish talent, encompassing the roles of a musician, singer, and songwriter. His musical expressions gracefully intertwine the threads of folk, soul, and blues genres, often beautifully entwined with themes drawn from religious and literary inspirations.
Hozier Butchered Tongue Lyrics - FAQ
Hozier is the professional moniker of Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, an accomplished Irish musician, singer, and songwriter known for his distinct musical style.
Hozier's music primarily blends folk, soul, and blues genres, creating a unique and captivating sonic landscape that resonates with a diverse audience.
Hozier often weaves religious and literary themes into his music, adding a profound layer of depth and thoughtfulness to his lyrics and compositions.
Hozier's birth name is Andrew John Hozier-Byrne. He adopted "Hozier" as his stage name, which has become widely recognized in the music industry.
Hozier's artistic impact is characterized by his ability to intricately blend different musical styles, while also infusing his songs with thought-provoking themes, resulting in a captivating and memorable musical experience.