Music plays a huge role in today's society. It has the power to impact culture and every person in it. From young to old, all across the globe, melodies, lyrics, and rhythm touch lives, feed imagination, and spark revolutions. One incredibly talented and relevant example of this is artist Andrew Hozier-Byrne, better known as Hozier. (Perhaps I am biased having seen and met him in concert, but this man is the real deal, vocals and vision combined.)

On February 12th, Hozier released a new single, "Cherry Wine," from his acclaimed self-entitled album. To the ears, this song is a ethereal acoustic guitar ride to a place of deep, smooth, and melodious Irish excellence. But to the mind, the lyrics prove to be of a more serious subject.

Released with the purpose of calling attention domestic violence, Hozier advocates an issue that cannot continue to be overlooked.This song, written from the perspective of a suffering male in an abusive relationship, offers listeners a compelling view of the many damaging effects of abusive relationships. Deft lines like, "I walk my days on a wire" and "Her fight and fury is fiery / oh but she loves" encompass the complicated psychological side of these relationships, while the chorus comes in for the blow, literally:

"The way she tells me I'm hers and she is mine

Open hand or closed fist would be fine

The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine"

Hozier is taking his message one step further by donating the proceeds of this single to 23 different domestic abuse charities internationally.

And if hearing the song wasn't enough, the Irish artist recently released the "Cherry Wine" music video, leaving no doubt in the minds of the public what this song is advocating for. Starring Saoirse Ronan, this video cleverly depicts a passionate, romantic relationship that does not show any violence onscreen, but portrays the horrifying effects of what happens in the private moments domestic abuse. The video ends with the hashtag: #FaceUpToDomesticViolence as a call to action for the audience.

Even if you do not like any of his other music, hopefully you can take the time to listen to this hauntingly beautiful song and applaud the artist for using his position to supply a voice to the voiceless. Music should liberate, elucidate, and express. And I, for one, am nothing but enthused to see artists responsibly and admirably wielding their power.

To learn more about #FaceUpToDomesticViolence and how you can help, visit: http://hozier.com/cherrywine/