How is take me to church about being gay
tristapruitt
This paper was written for a course entitled Literary Criticism (ENGL ) and is interesting because I applied Queer Theory to a popular song without using any sources; I used knowledge gained through the class and no supporting texts. It was the final paper for the class, and it shows how we were able to use the content from the course and apply it to almost any medium free to us.
Queer Theory Applied to “Take Me to Church” by Hozier
In the hit song, “Take Me to Church” by Andrew Hozier-Byrne, the writer bids criticism of the current atmosphere found surrounding the LGBTQ community. While his lyrics clue the reader into the meaning of his song, the video component pulls the whole text together in command to offer a complete meaning and complete commentary. Hozier (his album name) uses the church as the reference point for his criticism of the social issue, but he does not fully ambush it. Rather, he uses the constructed institution to highlight the recent concerns with the community he defends; the church is at the forefront of the fight, advocating against rights for those associating as LGBTQ. Hozier used his song-writing skills and his place in well-liked cu
When Macklemore’s Same Love hit the scene, the song took in both praise and criticism. While issues of prominent homophobia were tackled head on, the designer himself was pulled into question for using his own (straight white male) privileged to get attention for a discrimination that does not affect him. This wasn’t the first time, either, as he has been called out for being a white-privileged body within hip hop culture (which he talks about in various songs). Since then, Hozier came out with his lyric Take Me to Church in with its song video depicting a lesbian relationship and the dangers surrounding it, specifically calling out “the church” for causing the violence. Hozier’s song and video communicate across the lines of sexual orientation and contact less for criticism than praise, despite the “fact” that Hozier himself is not (at least openly to the media) queer/gay/non-textbook-straight/etc.
The music video generates discussion surrounding homosexuality and religion, most of which posthaste turns vile, but are useful in the instinct of acting as a “test strip” (a designation I am borrowing from black and white production photography). The comments sparkle light on problematic views regarding
Content Warning: Mentions of homophobia, aggression, and hate crimes towards LGBTQ people.
Introduction:
Andrew Hozier-Byrne who goes by simply “Hozier” is an Irish artist with a background in gospel and blues song (Gale). He began his career in singing with talent shows, but progressed to singing in a local Irish choir and then to join a college orchestra (Gale). However, Hozier left college and his traditional gospel routes to begin creating his own music. Although he kept his same soulful and holy voice, the music he created on his own contrasted harshly with the music he previously sang. In truth, Hozier began criticizing the religious background he came from: his first released song in was called Take Me to Church (Gale). Despite its religious themes, it was in by no mean supportive of the Catholic religion and openly criticized the hypocrisy within the structure- specifically how the Catholic Church treated LGBTQ people and sexuality (Gale). Due to this Hozier had to produce Take Me to Church by himself as no one wanted to sign him because of the content: “Hozier has revealed music bosses told him they wouldn&#;t touch Take Me To Church ‘with a 20ft pole’ b
Persecution and Dialogue in Hozier&#;s &#;Take Me to Church&#;
He has been compared to Adele and Lorde, and his U.S. tour is now sold out. His most popular song, “Take Me to Church,” has racked up millions of views online, and he was recently interviewed on NPR and performed on David Letterman. Although only 24 and hailing from Ireland, Andrew Hozier-Byrne (known as Hozier) is making ripples in the song scene.
I must admit, I first liked “Take Me to Church” for its vibrancy. It builds appropriately, and has a gospel choral feel with folk and blues influences. The second time through the song, I paused at the lyrics, realizing an important message was contained within. Hozier sings of the relationship between the church, worship, his significant other , sins, and human nature.
Slow to Speak
If the Heavens ever did speak
She is the last true mouthpiece
The music video and lyrics make it evident the song is about homosexuality and its relationship to the church. The video, directed by Brendan Canty, follows the relationship between two gay men and the violent homophobic backlash that ensues when the community learns of one of the men&#;s sexuality. The video echoes the wave of vio
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