Hozier Take Me to Church Lyrics: The Magical Lines
by Srinithi
Updated Jul 01, 2023
Take Me to Church
"Take Me to Church" serves as the inaugural single by Irish singer-songwriter Hozier. It made its debut on 13th September 2013, initially featured on his EP of the same title before becoming the opening track on his debut album, Hozier, released in 2014.
During the composition phase, Hozier faced challenges as an aspiring musician and created the song in the attic of his parents' residence in County Wicklow. Employing a mid-tempo soul style, the song's lyrics utilize religious terminology to depict a romantic relationship amid discrimination faced from religious institutions. After capturing attention, Rubyworks Records signed Hozier, and producer Rob Kirwan collaborated with him on the final recording.
The accompanying music video premiered in September 2013, directed by Brendan Canty, Emmet O'Brien, and Conal Thomson. Shot in black-and-white, it portrays a romantic bond between two men and the subsequent violent backlash they endure due to homophobia.
Upon its release on YouTube in September 2013, the video rapidly gained viral status, leading to Hozier securing a record deal with Columbia Records US and Island Records UK. In 2014, the song attained immense global popularity, reaching number one on charts in 12 countries and entering the top 10 in 21 other regions. It also garnered critical acclaim.
Leveraging platforms like Shazam and Spotify, "Take Me to Church" emerged as a prominent rock radio hit in the U.S., spending 23 consecutive weeks at the summit of the Hot Rock Songs chart.
This feat tied it with Imagine Dragons' "Radioactive" for the longest-running number-one position in the chart's history at that time. Eventually, the song crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at the second position in December 2014. It received a nomination for the Song of the Year category at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards and has been certified Diamond in the United States.
Hozier Take Me to Church Lyrics
[Verse 1]
My lover's got humour
She's the giggle at a funeral
Knows everybody's disapproval
They 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-a-a-a-a-a-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
Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd
Lana Del Rey
Candy Necklace
Lana Del Rey
Taco Truck x VB
Lana Del Rey
[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
Hozier Take Me to Church
Hozier
Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, widely known by his professional name Hozier, is an accomplished Irish musician, vocalist, and lyricist. His musical style predominantly incorporates elements of folk, soul, and blues, often exploring profound religious and literary themes. Hozier gained global recognition with the release of his debut single, "Take Me to Church," which achieved multi-platinum certification in numerous countries.
Hailing from County Wicklow, Ireland, Hozier made his mark in the music scene with the release of his debut EP in 2013, featuring the chart-topping sensation "Take Me to Church." The track gained significant popularity on rock radio stations in the United States and reached an impressive second position on the esteemed Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Following this breakthrough, Hozier released his self-titled debut studio album in September 2014, receiving widespread critical acclaim. The album attained a remarkable 6× platinum certification in Ireland and achieved multi-platinum status in various countries.
Continuing his musical journey, Hozier released an EP titled "Nina Cried Power" in September 2018, which showcased the impactful title track and soared to the top spot on the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart.
This release solidified Hozier's position as a prominent figure in the music industry. March 2019 witnessed the highly anticipated arrival of his second album, "Wasteland, Baby!," which made an impressive debut at number one on both the Irish Albums Chart and the prestigious Billboard 200. The album's success continued to soar as it received gold certification in the United States, further cementing Hozier's artistic prowess.
Throughout his career, Hozier has mesmerized audiences with his soulful vocals, thought-provoking lyrics, and musical artistry that transcends boundaries. His unique blend of genres and profound storytelling has resonated with listeners worldwide, earning him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
As Hozier's musical journey evolves, fans eagerly anticipate his future endeavors, eagerly awaiting the release of new music and eagerly embracing the emotional depth and sonic richness that has become synonymous with his name. With his undeniable talent and unwavering dedication to his craft, Hozier continues to captivate audiences and solidify his place as a respected musician and songwriter in the international music landscape.
What Does "Take Me to Church" by Hozier Mean?
The composition consists of two distinct parts: a depiction of Hozier's deep admiration for his female companion and a scathing critique of organized religion.Hozier begins by singing about an imaginary girlfriend who possesses unconventional traits, such as her ability to find humor even in somber occasions like funerals. He acknowledges the disapproval they face from society but laments not cherishing her earlier. Hozier is profoundly attracted to this enigmatic woman, whoever she may be.
In the following stanza, he asserts that if divine entities were to communicate, his lover would serve as the genuine mouthpiece. Hozier believes that if a higher power exists, it would express itself through this woman. In contrast, he perceives the church as a desolate place that spews venomous rhetoric upon its attendees, declaring them inherently sinful and tainted. Hozier regards his girlfriend as superior to the institution of the church, finding her to be a more fulfilling source of insight into life's purpose.
Continuing in the next stanza, Hozier sings of his lover's invitation to experience a spiritual connection in the privacy of their bedroom, suggesting that he attains a transcendent state akin to being in heaven when they are together. The central theme of the song emerges: Hozier feels a closer connection to divinity, the concept of a "good life," or righteous living through the act of lovemaking, rather than strict adherence to established religious dogma.
The chorus serves as a direct and sarcastic attack on legalistic churches or any religious institution that instills shame in its congregants. Hozier croons, "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." He highlights the church's tendency to belittle and condemn individuals for actions that deviate from its prescribed guidelines.
Hozier further reinforces his belief that acts of love, regardless of the partners' gender (as his interviews indicate), hold far more significance than conforming to religious traditions. He portrays himself as a hedonistic enthusiast, worshiping his lover as if she were a deity or the very embodiment of sunlight.
Drawing upon pagan imagery, Hozier suggests that his lover demands a sacrificial act, alluding to sexual intercourse using suggestive language like "something shiny," "drain the whole sea," and "something meaty for the main course."
Towards the song's conclusion, he restates his central argument: true humanity and purity are only attainable within the chaos and imperfections of earthly experiences, which the church dismisses as sinful. Hozier asserts that what the church perceives as an "earthly scene" – sexual intimacy outside of heterosexual marriage – he considers a pathway to profound satisfaction and a pursuit of innocence.
In a final juxtaposition, he contrasts the love he describes with his perception of the church, repeating the chorus twice to emphasize the stark contrast he discerns.Overall, Hozier's song explores the complexities of love, sexuality, and the constraints imposed by religious institutions, offering a thought-provoking perspective on personal fulfillment
“Hozier Take Me to Church Lyrics-FAQ
"Take Me to Church" conveys Hozier's admiration for his unconventional partner and critiques organized religion, highlighting the significance of love and intimacy over religious dogma.
The song was released on September 13, 2013, as Hozier's debut single. It was featured on his EP of the same name and later became the opening track on his debut album, "Hozier," released in 2014.
Hozier wrote the song during a challenging period as an aspiring musician, recording it in the attic of his parents' home in County Wicklow, Ireland. He drew from his personal experiences and used religious terminology to describe a romantic relationship facing discrimination from religious institutions.
The song gained popularity after the release of its accompanying music video in September 2013, which quickly went viral. It led to Hozier signing with Rubyworks Records, and the song achieved global success, topping charts in multiple countries.
"Take Me to Church" was nominated for the Grammy Award for Song of the Year at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. It has also been certified Diamond in the United States, indicating sales of over 10 million units.