Hozier, whose real name is Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, is an Irish musician born on March 17, 1990, in Bray, Ireland. He grew up in a creative family and started his music journey early, joining his first band at 15 and later singing with the Irish choral group Anúna.
He became famous worldwide with his 2013 hit single Take Me to Church, which combines soulful blues and folk influences and addresses social issues. His debut album, released in 2014, was a big success, earning multiple platinum certifications.
About the Song
Take Me to Church talks about the struggle between love and organized religion. It uses strong imagery to show how love can feel sacred but also face judgment and rejection from society.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | September 13, 2013 |
| Album | Hozier (Special Edition) (2015) |
| Writers | Hozier |
| Producers | Rob Kirwan & Hozier |
Meaning of the Song Take Me to Church
This song discusses the deep connection between love, sexuality, and religion, using powerful metaphors to criticize organized religion’s harsh judgment on natural human desires.
It suggests that true worship and closeness to the divine happen through love and intimacy with a partner, rather than in traditional church settings.
For example, when Hozier sings, Take me to church / I’ll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies, he ironically points out how religious institutions often shame people for their natural feelings instead of offering acceptance.
The line My lover’s got humor / She’s the giggle at a funeral / Knows everybody’s disapproval shows how his lover represents a genuine, life-affirming force in contrast to the bleakness of religious condemnation.
Hozier also highlights how the church teaches people they are born sick, which he rejects by accepting love as a form of salvation. The song critiques the hypocrisy of some religious teachings that label love, especially non-traditional love, as sinful.
He uses the metaphor of worship to reclaim humanity and dignity through love, not shame. The phrase Offer me that deathless death symbolizes surrendering to love in a way that transcends physical and spiritual limits.
Overall, Take Me to Church is a powerful statement about freedom, acceptance, and the human need for love beyond dogma.
Take Me to Church Lyrics by Hozier
Verse 1
My lover’s got humour
She’s the giggle at a funeral
Knows everybody’s disapproval
I 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, 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
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
Live Performance of Take Me to Church
Similar Songs Like Take Me to Church
If you connected deeply with Take Me to Church, here are other songs by Hozier that carry similar power, mood, or thought-provoking themes:
- From Eden: Using stories and old ideas, this song shows someone who feels out of place but still wants to love deeply and honestly.
- Work Song: Even in death, the singer promises love will stay. With slow beats and strong words, this is a song about lasting love.
- In a Week: This song tells a dark story of two people lying in the woods, together even after life, peaceful in their strange bond.
- Foreigner’s God: It tells how someone’s love feels strange or unwelcome. The words show pain, confusion, and the search for truth in love.
Awards for the Song
| Category | Year |
|---|---|
| Best Song Musically and Lyrically (Ivor Novello Awards) | 2015 |
| Song of the Year (BBC Music Awards) | 2015 |
| Top Rock Song (Billboard Music Awards) | 2015 |
| Top Rock Artist (Billboard Music Awards) | 2015 |
| Alternative Rock Song of the Year (iHeartRadio Music Awards) | 2015 |
Similar Artists Like Hozier
Fans of Hozier may enjoy these musicians, known for their strong voices, emotional songs, and creative musical styles.
- Ben Howard
Genre: Indie Folk, Alternative, Acoustic
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Take Me to Church Often Shared on Social Media?
People connect with its message about love and standing up for yourself.
What does the Singer Mean by Worship in Take Me to Church?
He means giving deep love and respect to someone special.
What Makes Take Me to Church Different from Other Big Hits?
Its deep lyrics and unique sound make it easy to remember and special.
