The Meaning Behind The Song: Better Love by Hozier
Irish singer-songwriter Andrew Hozier-Byrne, known simply as Hozier, gained international recognition with his debut single “Take Me to Church” in 2013. His music style carries a mix of blues, soul, and rock, and he is known for his socially conscious lyrics. “Better Love” is one of Hozier’s most beloved songs, and its powerful lyrics offer an intricate insight into the complex notions of love, pain, and healing.
Table of Contents
Introduction
“Better Love” was released in 2016 as part of the Soundtrack for the movie “The Legend of Tarzan.” The song is an evocative, poetic piece, carrying a deep message about overcoming emotional pain and longing for unconditional love. In this article, we will explore the meanings behind Hozier’s “Better Love” lyrics and how they relate to our perception of love, attachment, and healing.
The Lyrics of Better Love
“Better Love” offers a poignant expression of the emotions of a person who longs to break free from the emotional pain they have experienced in the past. The lyrics of the song are deeply touching and carry powerful messages of hope, love, and redemption. They narrate a story of being lost and broken but eventually finding salvation in the arms of someone who loves unconditionally.
The opening lyrics set the tone for the song: “I once kneeled in shaking thrill / I chase the memory of it still / Of every chill and fevered thrill / Of bodies pressed against the heat.” The narrator describes a feeling of being lost and chasing after something constantly. This could symbolize the pursuit of love, happiness, or acceptance.
The chorus is where the message of the song begins to resonate deeply: “Give me that old-time way / Of life and love and soul / And tell me everything is gonna be alright.” The narrator expresses a desire for a simple, straightforward approach to life, love, and relationships and seeks reassurance that everything will be okay.
The second verse paints a haunting picture: “I never knew a darkness / Could be as true as this / And if I ever lose my eyes / There’ll be the fire’s kiss.” The narrator describes a deep sense of pain and darkness that they have never experienced before. The lyrics “fire’s kiss” could symbolize the passion, intensity, and pain that the person has experienced in their relationships.
The final section of the chorus offers a promise of hope and a possibility of healing: “And no dead man shall tell me / That I must be born again / I want a slow, sweet burn / That’ll last all night and leave / A smoking memory.” The narrator rejects the idea of starting over completely and instead expresses a longing for a slow, sweet, and intimate connection that will leave an indelible impression.
Meaning Behind the Song and Its Significance
The song “Better Love” portrays an experience of pain and brokenness that is all too familiar to anyone who has ever loved and lost, felt longing or despair, and wished for a better, more perfect love. The message of the song is not just a universal cry for redemption and hope. It’s also a subversive commentary on the unrealistic expectations and flawed notions of love in our society.
Hozier is known for his socially conscious music and his willingness to speak up about social justice issues, inequality, and discrimination. In “Better Love,” he tackles the toxic cultural narratives that are often perpetuated about romantic love. The song offers a more grounded, realistic, and empathetic way of understanding and experiencing love that doesn’t rely on being saved or rescued by someone else. Instead, it advocates for the idea that healing and wholeness can come from within and through loving and accepting ourselves.
FAQs About The Song: Better Love by Hozier
1. Who inspired Hozier to write “Better Love?”
According to Hozier, “Better Love” is a song that explores the idea of seeking redemption and reconnection through love. While he doesn’t specifically mention any sources of inspiration for the song, it’s likely that his personal experiences shaped the lyrics of the song.
2. What messages or themes does “Better Love” convey?
“Better Love” conveys a deep message of hope, redemption, and healing. It’s about finding a way to break free from past traumas and pain and seek solace in the embrace of someone who loves unconditionally. The song also challenges the unrealistic expectations and societal narratives around love by advocating for self-acceptance and self-love.
3. What is the significance of the title “Better Love?”
The title of the song implies that there is a distinction between healthy and unhealthy forms of love. A “better love” suggests that the love that we seek should be based on genuine, tender, and authentic connections that bring about emotional and psychological wellness.
4. What does the line “give me that old-time way” mean?
The line “give me that old-time way” is a plea for simplicity and straightforwardness, a rejection of the complex and often toxic expectations and narratives of the modern world. It’s a call to return to the source of genuine human connection, rather than the superficial, transactional nature of modern love.
5. What does the line “and no dead man shall tell me that I must be born again” signify?
The line “no dead man shall tell me that I must be born again” is a rejection of the idea that we must start over from scratch or that our past defines us. It’s a message of hope that we can break free from our past traumas and pain and offer ourselves the love, compassion, and acceptance that we need to heal and grow.
6. What are some other songs that have similar themes and messages as “Better Love”?
Songs that explore similar themes to “Better Love” include “Lost Cause” by Billie Eilish, “Stronger Than You Think” by K.T. Tunstall, “Rescue” by Lauren Daigle, and “I Shall Cross This River” by The Black Atlantic.
7. What was the inspiration behind the music video for “Better Love”?
The music video for “Better Love” features clips from the movie “The Legend of Tarzan,” which the song was composed for. The video highlights the connection between the primal emotions of love, pain, and longing, and the natural world.
8. How has “Better Love” impacted the fans of Hozier’s music?
“Better Love” has become one of the most popular songs by Hozier and has resonated deeply with his fans. The song’s message of hope, redemption, and healing has touched the hearts of many listeners, and its lyrics have become a source of comfort and empowerment.
9. What are some critical reviews of “Better Love”?
While “Better Love” received generally positive reviews, some critics found fault with the song’s lyrics, which they perceived as overly sentimental or simplistic. Others felt that the song’s themes and messages were too vague and undefined, making it difficult to connect with the message of the lyrics.
10. How has Hozier’s personal experiences influenced his music?
Hozier draws heavily from his personal experiences and perspectives in his music. His lyrics often deal with the complexities of love, loss, and healing, and his willingness to address social justice issues and discrimination has distinguished him as a socially conscious artist.
11. What are some other popular songs by Hozier?
Some other popular songs by Hozier include “Take Me to Church,” “Someone New,” “Nina Cried Power,” “Cherry Wine,” and “Jackie and Wilson.”
12. What is the significance of Hozier’s decision to compose and perform music with a social message?
Hozier’s decision to use his music as a platform to address social issues is significant because it speaks to a necessary shift in the way that we think about art and creativity. By using his platform to speak out against injustice and inequality, Hozier is creating a space for dialogue and social transformation.
