Hozier - "Take Me To Church"

WEBVTT

1
00:00:00.160 --> 00:00:04.839
You can hear this episode commercial free, along with hundreds of others from Calaroga

2
00:00:04.879 --> 00:00:09.519
Shark Media, on Apple, Spotify
or many other players. Just click the

3
00:00:09.560 --> 00:00:25.280
link in the show notes for more
info Calaroga Shark Media. Welcome to the

4
00:00:25.320 --> 00:00:29.719
Hit Maker Chronicles and an in depth
exploration of Take Me to Church, the

5
00:00:29.760 --> 00:00:40.159
song that catapulted Irish singer songwriter Hosier
into the global spotlight. Released in twenty

6
00:00:40.240 --> 00:00:44.439
thirteen, This track is not just
a song. It's a powerful commentary on

7
00:00:44.560 --> 00:00:49.719
love, religion and identity, wrapped
in soulful lyrics and a haunting melody.

8
00:00:50.320 --> 00:00:54.479
Join us as we delve into the
origins, meaning, and cultural impact of

9
00:00:54.479 --> 00:01:00.240
this remarkable piece of music. Born
Andrew Hosier byrn on My seventeenth, nineteen

10
00:01:00.359 --> 00:01:04.879
ninety in County Wicklow, Ireland,
Hosier grew up in a musically rich environment.

11
00:01:06.359 --> 00:01:08.400
His father, John Byrne, was
a blues drummer and his mother,

12
00:01:08.640 --> 00:01:14.359
Rain Hosier Burn, was an artist. This blend of artistic influences played a

13
00:01:14.359 --> 00:01:21.000
significant role in shaping Hosier's creative sensibilities. He attended Saint Gerard's School before enrolling

14
00:01:21.000 --> 00:01:25.079
in Trinity College, Dublin, where
he pursued a degree in music. However,

15
00:01:25.439 --> 00:01:29.640
Hosier left college in his first year
to record demos for Universal Music.

16
00:01:30.200 --> 00:01:34.519
Hosier's early exposure to blues, soul, and gospel music deeply influenced his style.

17
00:01:36.040 --> 00:01:40.159
He drew inspiration from artists like John
Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, and

18
00:01:40.239 --> 00:01:45.200
Nina Simone. These influences are evident
in the soulful and bluesy undertones of his

19
00:01:45.319 --> 00:01:49.280
music. His journey from local gigs
in Dublin to international fame began with the

20
00:01:49.319 --> 00:01:53.959
release of Take Me to Church,
a song that encapsulated his critical perspective on

21
00:01:55.079 --> 00:02:00.599
organized religion and its impact on personal
freedoms, particularly concerning sex sexuality. Take

22
00:02:00.680 --> 00:02:05.879
Me to Church is as profound in
its lyrics as it is melodious in its

23
00:02:05.879 --> 00:02:09.599
composition. The song opens with a
gripping line that immediately confronts the listener.

24
00:02:10.000 --> 00:02:14.800
My lover's got humor, She's the
giggle at a funeral. This sets the

25
00:02:14.840 --> 00:02:20.240
stage for a narrative that challenges the
traditional norms imposed by religious institutions. The

26
00:02:20.360 --> 00:02:23.000
chorus, take Me to Church,
I'll worship like a dog at the shrine

27
00:02:23.039 --> 00:02:27.520
of your lies. I'll tell you
my sins and you can Sharpen Your Knife

28
00:02:27.919 --> 00:02:34.000
uses vivid religious imagery to criticize the
church's role in dictating moral authority, particularly

29
00:02:34.039 --> 00:02:38.759
criticizing how non heteronormative relationships are viewed. The lyrics delve deep into themes of

30
00:02:38.840 --> 00:02:45.719
hypocrisy, sin, and the quest
for authenticity. Hoosier uses religious metaphors to

31
00:02:45.800 --> 00:02:52.319
juxtapose the sacred and the profane,
highlighting the conflict between institutionalized religion and personal

32
00:02:52.360 --> 00:02:57.520
freedom. The line every Sunday's getting
more Bleak, a fresh poison each week

33
00:02:57.759 --> 00:03:02.800
criticizes the repetitive and harmful mens messages
propagated by some religious institutions. The song's

34
00:03:02.879 --> 00:03:08.240
narrative is a plea for acceptance and
understanding, urging listeners to question dogmatic beliefs

35
00:03:08.400 --> 00:03:14.639
and embrace love in all its forms. Musically, Take Me to Church Blend's

36
00:03:14.639 --> 00:03:19.719
soul with indie rock, creating a
powerful gospel like sound that underscores the song's

37
00:03:19.719 --> 00:03:24.360
in motive weight. The song begins
with a somber, piano driven melody that

38
00:03:24.479 --> 00:03:30.840
sets a melancholic tone, inviting listeners
into Hosier's introspective world. The minimalist approach

39
00:03:30.879 --> 00:03:37.159
in the opening allows Hosier's rich textured
vocals to shine, emphasizing the emotional weight

40
00:03:37.199 --> 00:03:43.800
of his lyrics. As the song
progresses, it builds in intensity, incorporating

41
00:03:43.879 --> 00:03:49.199
richer instrumentation and production elements. The
use of a driving beat and subtle background

42
00:03:49.199 --> 00:03:53.080
harmonies in the pre chorus creates a
sense of anticipation, leading to the climactic

43
00:03:53.199 --> 00:03:58.919
chorus. Here the music swells with
orchestral strings and a fuller, more dynamic

44
00:03:59.000 --> 00:04:04.759
production, mirroring the emotional crescendo of
Hosier's storytelling. The bridge amen amen Amen

45
00:04:05.280 --> 00:04:11.159
serves as a cathartic release, with
Hosier's vocals soaring over a haunting, choir

46
00:04:11.360 --> 00:04:15.240
like background. This moment captures the
essence of the song's plea for liberation from

47
00:04:15.279 --> 00:04:20.079
societal and religious constraints. The transition
back to a stripped down arrangement in the

48
00:04:20.120 --> 00:04:27.839
final chorus emphasizes the cyclical nature of
grief and acceptance, bringing the listener full

49
00:04:27.920 --> 00:04:33.519
circle. This musical journey from simplicity
to complexity and back again mirrors the process

50
00:04:33.519 --> 00:04:40.199
of healing, highlighting the song's message
of moving through pain towards resolution. Upon

51
00:04:40.240 --> 00:04:45.199
its release, Take Me to Church
resonated widely, becoming a viral sensation,

52
00:04:45.759 --> 00:04:49.160
partly due to its compelling music video
that portrays a poignant story of a same

53
00:04:49.240 --> 00:04:55.480
sex couple's violent encounter with homophobes.
Directed by Brendan Canty and Connell Thompson,

54
00:04:55.839 --> 00:05:00.360
the video starkly contrasts the song's lyrical
themes with disturbing visuals of violence and persecution.

55
00:05:01.160 --> 00:05:05.879
It brought to light the struggles against
homophobia, sparking conversations about the rights

56
00:05:05.879 --> 00:05:13.800
and acceptance of the LGBTQ plus community, particularly in conservative societies. This alignment

57
00:05:13.839 --> 00:05:17.920
of visual and lyrical storytelling not only
broadened the song's appeal, but also cemented

58
00:05:17.920 --> 00:05:25.079
its place as an anthem for social
change. Educators and psychologists weighed in on

59
00:05:25.120 --> 00:05:29.720
the song's themes, using it as
a tool to discuss emotional well being and

60
00:05:29.800 --> 00:05:34.439
resilience with young people. Take Me
to Church also became a subject of academic

61
00:05:34.480 --> 00:05:41.639
interest, with musicologists and scholars analyzing
its composition and lyrical depth, further cementing

62
00:05:41.639 --> 00:05:57.480
its place in the broader cultural discourse
more in a moment. From the moment

63
00:05:57.519 --> 00:06:01.759
of its release, Take Me to
Church received eved widespread critical acclaim, lauded

64
00:06:01.759 --> 00:06:09.480
for its emotional depth, lyrical sophistication, and Hosier's compelling vocal performance. Music

65
00:06:09.519 --> 00:06:14.519
critics and industry insiders were quick to
herald Hosier as a significant new voice in

66
00:06:14.600 --> 00:06:19.199
pop music, drawing comparisons to the
confessional songwriting styles of Taylor Swift and Lord.

67
00:06:19.800 --> 00:06:24.680
The song was praised for its seamless
blending of pop and indie elements,

68
00:06:24.720 --> 00:06:30.399
with Rodrigo's ability to convey complex emotions
in a relatable manner, earning particular commendation.

69
00:06:30.040 --> 00:06:34.560
The song's commercial success was matched by
its critical accolades. Take Me to

70
00:06:34.680 --> 00:06:40.720
Church received numerous awards and nominations,
highlighting not just its popularity but also its

71
00:06:40.800 --> 00:06:46.240
artistic merit. It was celebrated for
breaking streaming records and for its impact on

72
00:06:46.279 --> 00:06:50.439
the music industry, signaling a shift
towards more introspective and authentic musical expressions.

73
00:06:50.680 --> 00:06:55.879
Critics also noted the song's production values, commending the way it built from a

74
00:06:55.879 --> 00:07:00.040
simple piano melody to a rich,
cinematic climax, enhancing the us emotional journey

75
00:07:00.040 --> 00:07:05.439
described in the lyrics. The strategic
use of silence and space within the song

76
00:07:05.560 --> 00:07:11.319
was highlighted as a powerful tool in
conveying the feeling of emptiness and longing that

77
00:07:11.399 --> 00:07:15.959
lies at the heart of Take Me
to Church. The success of this single

78
00:07:15.000 --> 00:07:19.240
helped establish Hosier not just as a
one hit wonder, but as a thoughtful

79
00:07:19.360 --> 00:07:25.519
artist capable of discussing deep and often
dark themes with eloquence and poise. It

80
00:07:25.600 --> 00:07:30.000
paved the way for his subsequent works, which continued to explore complex themes with

81
00:07:30.040 --> 00:07:34.000
a poetic and often soul searching approach. The album Hosier, released in twenty

82
00:07:34.040 --> 00:07:40.519
fourteen, features tracks like Cherry Wine
and From Eden, which further showcase Hosier's

83
00:07:40.600 --> 00:07:46.480
lyrical prowess and ability to blend genres
seamlessly. His music often delves into themes

84
00:07:46.480 --> 00:07:49.439
of love, faith, and the
human condition, making him a distinctive voice

85
00:07:49.480 --> 00:07:55.839
in contemporary music. Hosier's follow up
album, Wasteland Baby, released in twenty

86
00:07:55.959 --> 00:08:01.279
nineteen, continued to receive critical acclaim, solidifying his status as a prominent and

87
00:08:01.360 --> 00:08:05.439
influential artist. Take Me to Church
is more than just a song. It

88
00:08:05.519 --> 00:08:11.959
is a powerful social commentary wrapped in
a soul stirring musical composition. Through this

89
00:08:11.079 --> 00:08:16.279
track, Hosier not only left an
indelible mark on the music industry, but

90
00:08:16.319 --> 00:08:20.600
also contributed to important global conversations about
love, freedom, and human rights.

91
00:08:22.160 --> 00:08:24.680
As we look back on the impact
of Take Me to Church, It remains

92
00:08:24.720 --> 00:08:31.560
a poignant reminder of music's power to
challenge the status quo and inspire change.

93
00:08:31.639 --> 00:08:35.440
This exploration into Take Me to Church
highlights the profound impact music can have as

94
00:08:35.480 --> 00:08:39.720
a form of cultural expression and social
commentary. Join us next time as we

95
00:08:39.759 --> 00:08:46.519
continue to uncover the stories behind songs
that have shaped our cultural landscape. I'm

96
00:08:46.639 --> 00:08:50.440
Andrew Irons and this has been another
engaging episode of The hit Maker Chronicles.

97
00:08:50.919 --> 00:08:54.919
Join us next time as we continue
to uncover the stories behind the songs that

98
00:08:54.960 --> 00:09:00.440
have left an indelible mark on the
music world. The hit Maker Chronicles is

99
00:09:00.440 --> 00:09:07.120
a production of Calaruga Shark Media executive
producers Mark Francis and John McDermott. Portions

100
00:09:07.120 --> 00:09:09.320
of this podcast may have been created
with the assistance of AI