Hozier- "Foreigner's God"
Added 2023-10-14 15:46:37 +0000 UTCI discuss how Hozier explores themes regarding religion, culture and connection through his use of literary devices and symbolism in this song from his self-titled, debut album.
Note- Sorry if I missed additional incorrect lyrics. By now you know my toxic trait is choosing lyric videos where the lyrics are wrong 😭😭😭
Comments
I hadn't heard this song before (as always thanks for introducing me to great music and the wonderful analysis!), but I do know the Irish context well. When I first heard 'She feels no control of her body / She feels no safety in my arms' I thought of rape culture as well as restrictions on reproductive health. Ireland, until very recently, had really harsh anti-abortion laws, all in the name of Catholicism. And the male speaker sympathises with the feelings of unsafely that such a culture can cause, and understands that this can mean that even though he has no bad intentions, she might not trust him straightaway/fully. If I remember correctly, he's addressed rape culture in an earlier song on this album as well. I think it's so powerful to get a male perspective on these issues.
Sonja K.
2023-10-20 14:07:43 +0000 UTCThat's wonderful that you got to see him in Raleigh! Yes-- it makes me very sad to see some of the laws that have been going through my home home state of NC lately. And you know what, I love your point about colonialism because you are 100% correct! Thank you!
English Teacher KP
2023-10-14 20:13:23 +0000 UTCI love this song. I feel like there is a bit of a connection to colonialism because Ireland (where hozier is from) specifically has been very affected by the infiltration of Christianity due to English colonialism. And that has had a big impact on the country’s policies towards women and LGBTQ folks. Also, I went to see Hozier live last week in Raleigh!! It was an incredible concert—best one I’ve ever been to. I completely lost my voice. During take me to church, he always pulls a LGBTQ flag from the crowd to hang from the mic and this time it was the Trans flag, which felt perfect considering some of the anti-trans laws that have been infiltrating NC.
Sav Miller
2023-10-14 17:22:32 +0000 UTC
