Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, known as Hozier, is an Irish singer whose soulful voice has won me over.

Born in 1990 in County Wicklow, he started writing songs at 15 and created magic with “Take Me to Church,” which became a worldwide hit in 2013.

I find it fascinating how he blends folk, blues, and soul music while tackling important social issues in his lyrics.

You can feel the depth of his songs when he talks about everything from love to social justice.

About the Song Take Me to Church

“Take Me to Church” is such a powerful and emotionally charged song that tackles religious oppression and human sexuality.

What strikes me about this track is how Hozier uses religious metaphors to express intimate love while critiquing religious institutions.

The song gained massive attention not just for its haunting melody but also for its music video, which powerfully portrayed LGBTQ+ rights issues in Russia.

It’s incredible how this song launched Hozier from a relatively unknown Irish musician to a global sensation.

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 The Song Take Me to Church By Hozier

Hozier performs his hit song ‘Take Me To Church’ | Later… with Jools Holland – BBC

Similar songs Like Take Me to Church By Hozier

Here are some thematically and musically similar songs from Hozier:

Nina Cried Power – This song carries the same spirit of protest and social justice as “Take Me to Church.” It pays tribute to civil rights activists and musicians who used their art for social change, featuring the legendary Mavis Staples.

Cherry Wine—While sonically gentler than “Take Me to Church,” this song addresses serious social issues, specifically domestic violence. Its haunting lyrics and emotional depth mirror the intensity of his breakthrough hit.

Work Song – Shares similar gospel and blues influences, using religious imagery to describe love, much like “Take Me to Church.” The song has that same raw, soulful quality in its vocal delivery.

From Eden: Though more upbeat, this work continues the theme of religious metaphors in relation to love and desire. The biblical references and complex storytelling align with his signature style.

Better Love – Features the same powerful vocal range and emotional intensity, with similar themes of devotion and worship in a secular context. The song maintains that gospel-influenced sound that made “Take Me to Church” so distinctive.

Movement – Carries forward the theme of worship and reverence in a romantic context, with similar vocal intensity and religious undertones. The song builds to the same emotional crescendo that made “Take Me to Church” so impactful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Real Meaning Of The Song “Take Me To Church”?

The song criticizes religious institutions’ stance on sexuality and love.

It uses religious metaphors to compare romantic worship to church worship.

At the same time, it challenges religious oppression of natural human relationships.

Is The Song Take Me To Church LGBTQ?

Yes, the song and its music video support LGBTQ+ rights.

The video specifically depicts the persecution of a gay couple, raising awareness about homophobia and discrimination in Russia.

Did Take Me To Church Hit #1?

While extremely successful, “Take Me to Church” peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

However, it reached #1 in several other countries and charts.

What Does “Take Me To Church” Mean In Slang?

In casual usage, “take me to church” means to experience something profound or spiritually moving.

It is often used to describe powerful emotional or physical experiences.