Hozier’s "Take Me to Church" is more than just a song; it’s a powerful statement that has resonated globally, sparking conversations and interpretations across diverse audiences. Understanding the Words To The Song Take Me To Church is key to unlocking its profound message, which intertwines themes of love, religion, and critique against established doctrines. This exploration delves into the layers of meaning embedded within the lyrics, revealing Hozier’s intention and the song’s enduring impact.
Analyzing the Lyrics Stanza by Stanza
To truly grasp the essence of "Take Me to Church," a detailed look at each lyrical section is essential. The song unfolds in verses and choruses that build upon each other, creating a compelling narrative of contrast and personal belief.
Stanza 1: Adoration and Rebellion
The song opens with lines depicting an unconventional and captivating figure: "My lover’s got humour of the coffin / Knows I’m a hopeless case." This sets a tone of dark romance and admiration for someone who defies norms. The lyrics, "She laughs like god in my ears and the death bells toll / I should worship her," suggest a profound connection that rivals religious devotion. Describing her laughter as divine and immediately followed by "death bells toll" creates an intriguing juxtaposition. The lines "She giggles at a funeral / Knows everybody’s disapproval / I should’ve worshipped her sooner" further emphasize her rebellious nature and the speaker’s regret for not recognizing her significance earlier. This stanza introduces the central theme of valuing a personal connection above societal or religious expectations.
Stanza 2: Heaven’s Mouthpiece vs. Bleak Church
The contrast between personal connection and organized religion becomes sharper in the second stanza. "If the Heavens ever did speak / She’s the last true mouthpiece" elevates the lover to a divine messenger, suggesting she embodies truth and authenticity. This is immediately juxtaposed with a critical view of the church: "Every Sunday’s getting more bleak / A fresh poison each week." The church is depicted as a source of negativity, dispensing "poison" rather than solace. The line "’We were born sick,’ you heard them say it" directly references the doctrine of original sin, a concept Hozier critiques as inherently shaming and oppressive. In this stanza, the song positions the lover as a genuine source of spiritual insight, contrasting sharply with a church seen as dogmatic and harmful.
Stanza 3: Bedroom Worship
The metaphor of worship takes a sensual turn in the third stanza: "If I’m the pagan of the good times / My lover’s the sunlight." This establishes a paganistic imagery, associating the lover with natural, life-giving forces. The invitation to "worship in the bedroom" is explicit: "To keep the Goddess on my side / She demands a sacrifice." Here, sexual intimacy is presented as a form of worship, a "sacrifice" to this personal "Goddess." The lines "Drain the whole sea / Get something shiny / Something meaty for the main course" use metaphorical and suggestive language to describe the act of lovemaking as a profound and fulfilling experience, one that the speaker equates with spiritual transcendence. The phrase "That’s a fine looking high horse / What you got in the stable?" hints at hypocrisy, questioning the moral high ground taken by those who condemn such expressions of love.
Chorus: Sarcastic Attack on Legalism
The chorus is the song’s most direct and provocative statement. "Take me to church / I’ll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies" is laden with sarcasm. The phrase "take me to church" is used ironically, not as a genuine plea for religious guidance, but as a setup for the critique that follows. Worshipping "like a dog at the shrine of your lies" portrays a demeaning and subservient form of worship directed at falsehoods. The lines "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" depict a church that is judgmental and punitive, focused on sin and punishment rather than compassion and understanding. The chorus serves as a powerful indictment of what Hozier perceives as the hypocrisy and harmful doctrines within certain religious institutions.
Stanza 4: Pagan Imagery and Sacrifice (Continued)
Returning to the pagan theme, Hozier further develops the idea of love as a form of worship. "No masters or kings when the ritual begins / There is no sweeter innocence than our gentle sin." This suggests that within the act of love, there is a freedom from earthly hierarchies and judgment, and a unique kind of "innocence" found even in what might be considered sinful by religious doctrine. The repetition of "In the madness and soil of that sad earthly scene / Only then I am human / Only then I am clean" underscores the idea that it is in these intimate, human experiences, often deemed worldly or sinful by the church, that true humanity and purity are found.
Hozier’s Intention: Beyond Personal Love
While the lyrics are deeply personal, Hozier has clarified that the song’s intention extends beyond romantic love to address broader social issues, particularly concerning the church’s stance on homosexuality.
Critique of Anti-Homosexuality
In interviews, Hozier explicitly stated that "Take Me to Church" is a critique of the Catholic Church’s anti-homosexuality stance and, more broadly, homophobia in general. He explained to the Star Tribune that he wasn’t condemning religion as a whole, but specifically targeting the policy against same-sex marriage, which he found deeply unjust. This context reveals that the song’s contrast between love and church is not just about personal spirituality, but also about social justice and challenging discriminatory religious doctrines.
Music Video: Visualizing the Message
The music video for "Take Me to Church" powerfully reinforces this message. It depicts a gay couple whose loving relationship is violently disrupted by a homophobic mob. Scenes of intimacy are juxtaposed with scenes of brutal violence and torture, visually highlighting the song’s central conflict. Hozier’s statement in a Fuse TV interview, regarding viewers being more disgusted by same-sex kissing than violence, directly challenges societal values and prejudices. The video serves as a stark visual representation of the song’s critique against those who prioritize dogma over love and acceptance.
Reclaiming Humanity Through Love
Hozier’s interview with The Cut further illuminates his intention. He stated that the song is about "asserting yourself and reclaiming your humanity through an act of love." This emphasizes the theme of choosing tangible, real experiences of love and connection over intangible, theoretical religious doctrines. For Hozier, the song is a call to prioritize human experience and love as authentic paths to understanding and fulfillment, contrasting with what he sees as the restrictive and judgmental nature of certain religious institutions.
Conclusion: A Question of Values
"Take Me to Church" ultimately poses a profound question about values and priorities. It challenges listeners to consider what truly constitutes worship, purity, and human connection. By contrasting the intensely personal and physical act of love with a critical portrayal of the church, Hozier provokes reflection on the nature of religious authority and the importance of love and acceptance. The song’s enduring popularity stems from its ability to tap into universal themes of love, spirituality, and rebellion against restrictive norms, prompting listeners to question established doctrines and embrace a more humanistic and compassionate worldview. What do words to the song take me to church truly mean to you, and how do they challenge your own understanding of church, love, and rules?
