Hozier's "Take Me to Church" Lyrics Meaning Behind the Viral Hit Song

The Story Behind Hozier's "Take Me to Church"

Released in 2013, "Take Me to Church" was the breakthrough single for Irish musician Hozier. The dark, soulful song became an international hit and brought the little-known artist into the spotlight. But beyond its catchy melody and haunting vocals, "Take Me to Church" has a powerful message that resonated with many listeners.

Using Religious Imagery to Discuss Relationships

On the surface, with lyrics like "I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies," "Take Me to Church" employs religious vocabulary to describe what seems to be a troubled romantic relationship. Hozier himself has said the song uses religious imagery to discuss the joys and strains of intimate relationships.

In the chorus, when Hozier sings "take me to church,” he is speaking to his lover, likening the feelings she invokes to a religious experience. But there is also pain there, with talks of her being a "fresh poison each week." So the relationship described has both rapturous highs and damaging lows.

Criticism of Organized Religion’s View on Sexuality

But beyond the relationship level, "Take Me to Church" has also been viewed as a criticism of organized religion’s teachings on sexuality and same-sex relationships. The song’s lyrics discuss sensuality being portrayed as shameful and sinful by the church:

"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"

Here, sexual intimacy is being treated as "sin" by the church, something for which someone should be punished or face judgment. With its release in advance of a historic same-sex marriage referendum in Ireland, many listeners interpreted "Take Me to Church" as Hozier's rebuke of religious condemnation of gay sexuality and relationships.

"That's Essentially What It's About, Yes"

This analysis of the song's meaning was further solidified when Hozier himself said this interpretation was accurate. When asked directly if the song had a pro-gay rights message, Hozier responded simply: “That’s essentially what it’s about, yes.”

So while the central relationship in the song seems to use religious imagery, the song takes on another level of meaning as social commentary on religious attitudes about sexuality. With lyrics that could apply to both a dysfunctional romance and the church’s view of sensuality as sin, it resonated with many listeners on multiple levels.

The Soaring Musical Accompaniment

Paired with this multi-layered lyrical content is soaring gospel-inspired arrangement that further draws in the listener. The piano and organ music swells with a soulful, hymn-like intensity that beautifully captures the catchy 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 "

Hozier's passionate vocals then belt out the words with conviction and emotional delivery that sends chills down one's spine. The music video also amplified these feelings - depicting hate crimes against gay couples adds further political weight and commentary against religious intolerance.

Global Reach & Lasting Popularity

This combination of bold lyrics and gorgeous music helped launch "Take Me to Church" as an international sensation. It reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2014 and scored Hozier his first Grammy nomination. It remains his most popular song to date.

But beyond charts and critical recognition, the song clearly resonated emotionally with many listeners. Cover versions spread across YouTube, with passionate amateur singers relating to its expression of love, pain and perspective on organized religion. Clearly the honesty in the lyrics and vocals touched many people across the world.

Launching an Important Music Career

For Hozier himself, this resonance was career launching. "Take Me to Church” made his name known globally in music circles and beyond (he was even featured in the New York Times).

His self-titled debut album reached #1 in Ireland based almost entirely on the single’s popularity. Despite some subsequent legal battles over rights to the song, it has come to define his unique style blending gospel, soul, blues and rock influences.

It also established him as an artist willing to tackle injustice and taboo issues - a reputation he has continued with other singles discussing political and environmental activism. But "Take Me to Church", with its fiery blend of personal intimacy, religious criticism and soaring vocals, remains his signature song years later.

FAQs

What inspired Hozier to write "Take Me to Church"?

Hozier said he was motivated to write the song after feeling disgusted about cases of "attacks on LGBTQI people in Russia." He used religious imagery to discuss the experience of an oppressive relationship, which many interpreted as commentary on religious intolerance of gay sexuality.

What genre is the song "Take Me to Church"?

The song combines influences from gospel, soul, blues and rock music. Hozier blends these genres into a signature sound, but it is most influenced by blues and gospel in its vocals and instrumentation.

What instruments are featured in "Take Me to Church"?

The soaring arrangement features piano, organ, percussion and strings. But the standout instrumental solos are the bluesy guitar licks between verse choruses, which compliment Hozier's raspy, emotional vocals.

Did "Take Me to Church" win any major awards?

While failing to win the Grammy nomination it received, "Take Me to Church" did win the VH1 Artist to Watch award in 2015. It also was nominated for several other prominent music awards like the Billboard Music Awards.

How can I listen to Hozier’s “Take Me to Church"?

The song is available on all major music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. It's music video has over 700 million YouTube views, one of the most popular music videos of the decade.