10 Hozier Songs That You Need To Listen To Right This Minute
When was the last time you heard a musician on the radio that you could also call a poet?
Andrew Hozier-Byrne, known by his stage name Hozier, is an Irish singer that many of you have probably heard on the radio. His two albums "Hozier" and "Wasteland Baby" are two that everyone deserves to experience, where he uses his platform for all the right reasons. Hozier spreads messages of human rights, moral leadership, love, heartbreak, homophobia, social issues, drug abuse, domestic abuse, and even politics through his music. As someone who has listened to Hozier for years now, I've yet to listen to a song I dislike.
However, there are a few particular songs that always stood out to me, and I think it's important to share their messages.
"Someone New"
Someone on the Internet once called this Tinder's theme song — sad, cynical people looking for a connection but finding only momentary thrills that leave them empty. This is an accurate representation of today's generation and not just for teenagers. This song tackles cheating and the lifestyle of having only loveless sex, where connections are hard to make and maintain.
"Shrike"
No exaggeration: this song is goosebumps-inducing, heart-pounding, breath-shortening. Throughout this song, Hozier is comparing himself to a bird who is often known to shriek or cry, implying that he is "singing like a bird" from the loss of a loved one. As someone who is currently healing from a past relationship, I easily understand the regret and dependence that occurs and how it feels like you are crying out to your lover when it ends.
"To Be Alone"
This song is about the seductive power of a woman, saying that the feeling of being with her is so intense, even heroine pales in comparison. He is addicted to this woman, though she is no good for him. He says "you don't know the hell you put me through to have someone kiss the skin that crawls from you" and talks about "the damaged love she makes." This conveys the type of unhealthy obsession that occurs in relationships.
"Work Song"
"No grave can hold my body down I'll crawl home to her" is a reflection of the relationship between two people that the rest of us would like to have. Every day when Hozier goes to work and he is tired, all he does is think about his baby to make him feel better. Also, I'm convinced that singing comes more naturally to this man than breathing.
"Cherry Wine"
This song makes me cry every time. This accurately depicted the conflicted emotions attached to domestic violence, and the sick and twisted love the couple has for each other. Everyone imagines abusive relationships as just fighting and abuse all the time. This still occurs, but one of the main reasons people stay in the relationship is because they think they're in love and the abuser almost always makes them feel sorry or constantly says they won't do it again. Of course, this doesn't just go for physical abuse. All the way around If you identify with any of this, please leave your relationship.
"It Will Come Back"
In music, men have been comparing themselves with animals for ages but never this compellingly. In this song, Hozier is comparing his love to a wolf who is dependent. This song is absolutely how I feel whenever I get attached to anyone. I quickly become dependent and attached to their attention which is why it resonates with me. Even the wolf needs love. If that's you, don't be hard on yourself. You'll settle down when you're ready.
"Sedated"
Hozier has stated that this song is about escapism. One can only assume listening to the lyrics that it is most likely about escapism through drugs. Drugs will absolutely detail and destroy your life if one is not careful, don't let it play this track instead.
"NFWMB"
Enough said.
"Movement"
Hozier got Sergei Polunin to dance in the music video for this song, who is known as the "bad boy of ballet," where it seems as if he is running from different versions of himself. This is one of my favorite music videos for the amazing performance it gives. Every time I hear this song it makes me want to dance and create movement. A true masterpiece by Hozier.
"Nina Cried Power"
Fun fact: Obama listed this as one of his favorite songs of the year. If that doesn't make you instantly like it, the meaning will. Hozier said his song was intended as "a thank you note to the spirit and legacy of protest; to the artists who imbued their work with the vigor of dissent, and a reflection on the importance of that tradition in the context of the rights, and lives, we enjoy today." This is for all the activists around the world and specifically in Ireland who have cried power.
6 Tips for Improving Your Listening Skills
Being a good listener only affects every aspect of your life!
Almost everywhere you go you will be listening to someone (consciously or unconsciously). How well you do it can affect your relationships, grades, career, and more. In short, listening is important! Here are 6 things to keep in mind if you are trying to improve at it.
1. Stay focused on the train of thought that the other person is on.
Many people have very short attention spans. I don't know if this is a new development or not, but it is very aggravating. If you are trying to be a good listener, but then immediately change the subject as soon as the other person stops talking, it is clear that you were not engaged. Even if the topic of discussion is not something you are interested in, at least follow it until it fades out. If it matters to the other person you should listen, not be thinking about how you're about to change the subject.
2. Make an effort to not look at your phone, the clock, the window next to you…
Even just looking at your phone to check the time screams, "I'm not paying attention, you aren't really worth my time right now, and I'm thinking about something else!" Your eyes function as a huge pointer towards whatever your attention is on. If it is not the person talking, or maybe the notes you are writing based on what they are saying, or something they are showing you… you aren't engaged.
3. Support what the other person is saying (assuming that you agree and want them to continue).
Nod your head when you understand or agree with what they said. Do not interrupt, but subtly interject. Say things like "mmhmm","yeah", or "right." It helps encourage the other person to feel comfortable and continue.
4. Display open, positive body language.
Body language has a big effect on listening skills. If you are trying to truly be receptive to what the other person is saying, make sure that your arms (and probably legs) are uncrossed. Keep your feet/stance facing toward them. Keep your eyes on them. Stay in a relaxed position (as in, no hard fists or tensed muscles). Make an effort to not yawn, rub your temples/eyes, or stretch.
If your body language is closed off (arms crossed, legs crossed, facing away) then consciously or not, you are going to be less open to really anything they have to say. The other person will also see your body language and take it into account. They'll either stop talking or wish they could stop talking. With the yawning, stretching, and rubbing of your temples or eyes, these are all indicators that you tired and bored over the situation at hand. The speaker may or may not take this personally, but I can promise they will feel ineffective in speaking to you while you are exhausted.
5. Ask questions and make little comments.
Ask questions while they are talking to clarify what you aren't sure of. This is so important. Specific questions show the speaker that the listener was surely paying attention. It also shows that you are dedicated to getting it right. Answering the question clears the air and makes the communication between the two of you stronger. Also make small comments! Just words like "wow" or "seriously??" can show you are engaged. Help complete the sentence when the word is on the tip of their tongue. Actions like that help the listener feel like they are understood.
6. Think WHILE they are speaking!
If they telling a story, envision what they are saying as if they are painting a picture. Follow their ideas and their thoughts, building your own on top of them in your head. This will keep you occupied/awake and actually able to add commentary once they are finished.
All in all, if you're going to listen to someone, do it right! You cannot divide attention well among different things, so just try to focus on the person in front of you and the words coming out of their mouth. If you can practice these listening skills, you can help foster good relationships by helping people feel encouraged and comfortable around you. You can also increase your job performance and work towards moving up faster. Keep working on those listening ears!