Hozier – Take Me To Church lyrics

I'm gay too and this song makes me feel like there is a weight lifted off my shoulders for just a few seconds. I do not hate the church in itself, I admire people that can believe and take strength in that. The thing is the church hates people like me for being an abomination, but so are shrimps and pork according to the bible and it also days in there that brides that aren't virgins should be stoned, so I don't think too much into it. For me personally, this song is about freedom, not caring that 'we were born sick, you heard them say it.' But instead living and loving however you want. There are some aspects of this song that I don't agree with either, but mostly I am just happy to have the pressure of church, because I'm sorry to say but there is LOTS of pressure coming from there, lifted from me for the time I am listening to and I am very grateful for that.

He mentions Paganism and the Goddess. The sun represents the God in the old religion. This along with the love he mentions were/are suppressed by the Catholic Church. Being that his real birthday is on St. Patricks Day, and him being Irish, is probably not coincidence. As one person said, take what makes you feel good from this song. Your own personal interpretation is all that matters.

Seriously, for all the verbiage, this is just a love song, and the author of it simply captures what it like to be totally, deeply in love. The way it weaves religion into the narrative makes it more powerful and earthly at the same time, and it hearkens back to the time when love takes over your mind. When you're in love, nothing matters except the union, and all parts of your life are servants to your relationship. Love is like that. In the later parts of the song the author talks about reaping the rewards of the relationship. There is surplus, and the couple reaps rewards from the tight bond. Under all of it is a conscious reservation of how that love can be destructive, because the fire burns so brightly. The sex and religion just bonds the song into our souls. Simple.

I looked up the lyrics because I love listening to this song on the radio and am disappointed as well at the glorification of sex instead of God. As far as the whole Gay issue and all the comments on here, you have the wrong idea of Christianity if you think God frowns on you for being gay. It couldn't be further from the truth. Everyone is born into sin because of Adam. Homosexuals and hetero. He made the wrong choice in a free will situation. Christ was sent to win the victory over our sin. He was the second Adam that won the prize for us so we wouldn't have to suffer the consequences. Information explosion is happening right now in the worldly sense as well as within the Christian realm. Satan tried to infiltrate mans bloodline from the very beginning because he knew the plan of a Savior. There are even references that Cain might have been half Satan. Humanity could be a lesson for the angelic realm basically showing them that they have it made with God and staying on the side of holiness. Ever heard of Nephilim? Look up Joseph Princes story of Noah. There is good reason God wiped out earths population. It had the seed of Satan to try to foil the line of Christ. YouTube it and accept Christ as your savior today. Don't get hung up on the gay issue. Churches are run by sinful men. No one is perfect except Christ and he was without sin FOR you. The battle has been won. you just have to accept Christs forgiveness and love and Victory over death! God loves you beyond your understanding if you are gay or straight. Research it and make him Lord of your life today.

Others have found strong implications in the song that 'sin' specifically refers to homosexuality, but this stems mostly from the music video as I understand it. I haven't seen the video and based on the lyrics as written, I don't see that a specific sexual orientation has any bearing on the meaning. It seems to be more about the intense love between 2 people regardless of their sexual orientations, at least to me.

Impressive. I enjoyed reading all of the interpretations above but I'm most impressed by the writers. They all seemed to be able to convey their interpretations succinctly and sound very intelligent at the same time. It's a relief to see a non-professional forum where people actually take the time to use decent grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Maybe I'm just old fashioned but when I start reading someone's opinion and all I can see is laziness or a lack of education, I get very turned off and just ignore the rest of the piece. By the way, I, too, love this song and am very inspired when I hear him sing.

It's about love between man and woman, death of yourself and rebirth in love. This person you love so much, your soul mate. Go to his site and let him explain it to you. Awesome song Know the history of the Irish before you slam it. Church and religion in Ireland is very much a part of the people. It is beaten into them in catholic schools. No judgment, like some of the comments above. Seems to me some of the folk's casting stones need to open a book and read about the Irish and Irish history. Lovely song. I thought it was about drugs until I went to his site and listened to his version, from his lips. Not some video. Thumbs up to this Irish lad, a true poet. Passion filled song.

What I interpret from this song is Hozier feels that "the church" is faulty and finds refuge in the arms of this "girl". So essentially the girl acts as his God so to speak. "I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies" feels like he's saying he's recognizes the imperfection of this "girl" but this imperfection is more straightforward and in result comforting. Overall, I don't think there is a literal girl Hozier is referring to but the point being he's going to dwell in the pleasure of imperfection-ism as to him it is more gratifying.

To me this song is about sex, absolute devotion in love and bedroom, about a strong bond. The sincerity, which is often judged. As about homosexuality theme for the video, I think it was chosen, because it is actual and catches enough attention (in good or bad sense) to make the song popular.

A lot of people are saying that this song is about sex and sexuality. I mean it is, but we mainly get that perspective based on the video that goes along with the song. The true values of this song is the realty of different types of love, and how society may judge us upon it. With that being said, I think the lyrics, and the lyrics only, are about a sinful and deadly love. Maybe there's adultery, or its abuse, or it could even be just a relationship that most people don't agree with. The guy, didn't know how to love (take that as you will) and then this girl comes along teaching him, and in the eyes of him its good and pure, but in the eyes of others (not necessarily the church) it shouldn't be promoted or agreed upon. The factor that causes them to feel that way is unknown, and probably up to the audience. Continuing, she becomes the center of his thoughts, because she has him wrapped around her finger, which is something that only he is oblivious to (it could even be vice-versa). So they become so consumed by the other person that they basically end up worshiping them, someone that they think is all good and are too blind to see the downfall of their treacherous love (hence the church parts of the song) . And then it goes on with how people don't agree with them, and the ending could be seen in different ways. The top two being that he continues to stay embarked in that harmful relationship, or that he becomes aware of their sinful love, and begins to deny it. Whale that's how I view this song, and I know some may not agree but hey, some probably will age: 13 from: California Name: don't wanna share. And the extra bit was for just in case you cared.

I think this song is really difficult to understand. But maybe it about a g** guy who's very religions but the church doesn't accept homosexuality. So he "tells them his sins", he comes out but the church and the society "can sharpen their knives", they command the way of his living. The song could also be about another love-story or just about the connection og the singer with god. There are so many ways to interpret this great song.

His lover is the one who he follows, his mentor -. She does not follow the rules society has laid out for human beings. The church (some kind of addiction or sin in his mind) .What she offers is the absolution he seeks, and what he gets, is making him 'feel' healed because no matter what - he knows he is not well. He needs this (his church) and he will worship for it and give the intimate parts of his life over and risk judgment and death but needs that healing so badly he will give his life. He will sacrifice his eternal life for the sunlight she gives, to keep her, she is like an idol. You bring offerings to idols, Makes me think of bribery and corruption - who ever or what ever 'SHE' is - she keeps taking from him .. and he gives in to keep himself satisfied - worshiping even if she lies, and he can never die or get away, its addictive , He gives his life over!

I like the sound of the song and don't care what it's writer thinks it's message is supposed to be any more than I care that Freddy Mercury may have had a Muslim meaning to one or more of Queen's songs or The Men at Work song was about the plight of the Aborigines in Australia. Make music to entertain us.

I am so sorry for accusing the church of my own downfall, and blaming the establishment who has never stood in my way but encouraged me to love God and know Jesus. My own heart having such blame and resentment that I can only shed one layer at a time. I feel that as the writer it has taken some time to find the need for seeking outside assistance. The very soul of this writer is crying out for acceptance. I think it is a personal cry for help. A need for being a part of a group or community. Some people are shy and feel strange if they are alone in such societies as the world sees only the individual when dealing with how to treat such a person. In other words being lonely and judging yourself because the world doesn't know who you are. The writer seems to be caught up in self loathing or judgment whether it is outward or inward directing towards others who may feel the same way. Yet the writer is intentional because there has not been such a bold cry towards the church or society that needs addressed. If you are the writer of such things it would seem that you are unapproachable. But this writer is begging to be approached, Wants to be taken to church. It has the trappings of judgment because they feel alone and yet gifted or empowered with a belief. It seems like they have a need to let the world or the church know who they are and that they exist in some manner to please God. Maybe they desire an outlet for this. God gives people gifts, and this writer clearly has a gift. It is undeniable. I feel that there is something more to this writer and it is just a heavy burden waiting to be lifted. Only the church can help this writer, but the fact is they feel trapped. If God gives you a talent such as this writer has, then the writer knows God and God knows the writer. But it is sad to think that there is no place for such a talent. I bet the writer is an ordinary person with an amazing gift that has been stolen for lack of a better word. God may be aware of this and that is what empowers this writer. But it is a important cry to the world. God looks to the future and is recorded as saying "There is no help,no man. Only a worthless one and a helpless one." So his own arm brought his salvation. I think the writer was saying the church is responsible because they represent God and have not reached out to the writer. Or with held them from contributing in a big way.I also know the writer is a woman. Only a woman would be refused in this type of situation. She is unapproachable in the eyes of all. A easy victim, even targeted as to moral accusation and condemnation. Brutal treatment, caused by envy and refusal to assist the Church. This woman is the church of the future waiting to be recognized. Payment is tribute to the Lord, but this writer and there for God is robed. The nation is cursed. The writer is saying release the curse, or we all are judged as unworthy. This writer has been continually a victim of song theft for which is massive and enough to anger God. He demands that the tithes be brought to the storehouse and meat for the table. Wow it is not a cry it is a demand by God! This writer is a victim of song theft. God will get his payment. Can man rob God? MALACHI 3:7 ..Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts. But ye said, Where in shall we return?
8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say where in have we robbed thee?
9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
10 Bring ye all the tithes in the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now here with saith the Lord of hosts, If I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive.
I don't want to stall anymore. I must complain because it is no longer safe to wait. When we have robbed God. I am guilty. I might be pardoned is I do this one thing and have warned you . I am the one to do it only because I am the one who was given a gift. I wrote many hit songs. Too many.

I love the lyric 'Giggle at a funeral". When I was a catholic school girl, my friends and I would sometimes try to suppress giggles during Mass. When you become an adult your Sunday morning ritual is love making in the bedroom with the person that reigns in your heart. However I think that the lyric in the chorus is not "shrine of your lies" but Shrine of your life". No matter what it's meaning I love this song.

To me this song is calling out all those hypocritical and judgmental people in the world that use religion to support or encourage their judgmental ways. And judgmental/gossipers over exaggerate everything and they are not perfect but look down on other and view them as inferior. This song reminds me of the quote "Don't judge other that sin differently than you."
"thats a fine looking high horse... what you got in the stables."

This song is not about being gay like the music video. it is about love. All the "she" in the song is referring to love. Like in the first verse it says "she's the giggle at a funeral" It means that even though he's at a funeral and everything is sad the nice thing is he still has love. and "Knows everybody's disapproval I should've worshipped her sooner." This is saying that he doesn't care if no body likes his love and that he has just discovered love and he wishes he had had it sooner. The whole song is just about embracing love and it doesn't matter who it is, boy or girl and if you have found happiness with someone you should want it for everybody else.

Children: stop trying to make life so complicated! I love this song because it expresses the depth of passionate love & its passionate sexuality. Whether you have had this magnificent experience in your personal life, or imagined it in your fantasies, or only hope to someday find it, stop trying to analyze the lyrics and just enjoy the bursting passion with which it is performed. If you don't like it, don't listen to it. FYI: "deathless death" is physical orgasm.

I think that he has a very clear opnion of the church, and that even though homosexuality isn't exactly a sin, he has been victim of chiding from the church on account of being 'different'. The lyric gives the impression that he does not think that what the church is saying is try and he doesn't understand why people believe it. I myself am and atheist, though I have no prejudices towards the religious and I see them as my equals, not my inferiors. People can believe what they want, and I mainly agree with Hozier in this song, as I don't believe what the church has to say about God, though I am not saying that believing in god or gods is wrong.

It's about the oppression people have always had, in every culture, the restrictions, and the consequences. You can't love those of the same s**, the lower class, the wrong color, the wrong shape, the wrong bloodline. The list is always there, and every culture adds bits as it goes, as a way to 'preserve the pure'. And their need to back up this belief with some Doctrine to prove the worth to the ideas, to shame others into being good sheep. "Take me to church" Haul me before the only one who has a right to judge me. you treat me like I'm a soulless animal, yet expect me to beg for scraps of righteousness and approval just to boost your ego, and let you feel superior and more holy in comparison, If I show any weakness, you'll use it to crucify me like I'm a criminal. Tell me I can be 'saved' that if I follow your rules, even if they make me miserable, I can live forever. Sure, great, read the fine print: You have to give up anything that could possibly make you happy or a better person. If it breaks the other person's rules or outshines them.

He's pointing out how stupid these rules are, how stupid it is to be punished for being happy. And yes I may take it this way because of my own issues with the Church, But if 'God is love' and 'God is all knowing' and 'God is perfect/never makes Mistakes' and 'God has plans for everyone' like it says over 300 times in the bible, then He had plans for me to be exactly who I am, and loves me for it and I am not a mistake. What I do, ie: hurting others, bully others, stealing, lying, ect. Can be a sin, Love never will be. -1 Corinthians 13: 13-.

I think that the person who said that "she's the giggle at a funeral" is wrong about that being disrespectful because she could just be trying to cheer up all the people, who are mourning for their dead friend or relative. Honestly, if someone I knew passed away, then I would like a nice knock-knock joke to cheer me up.

I always thought it was about ppl that preach about being good christians and calling others sinners yet they (the christians) arent all angelic either ... (and no offence meant just my own opinion and Im not anti christian at all) esp this lyric explains alot
"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"
basically says they are happy to condemn others for not being christian but wont take their own advice

I don't know all that Hozier wanted to express but he created a beautiful onion-layered parable.
The chorus captivated me the most and the way I appreciate this song was to change one word and to make this verse in my head intended for:

Dear Jesus Christ,

Take me to church

I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your LIFE
I'll tell you my sins so you can sharpen your knife

Offer me my deathless death 
Good God,
Let me give you my life!

I really like this song, because the meaning of the song can be interpreted in so many ways. You can hear the anger and sadness in his voice, speaking out against religious people who think being gay is wrong. That's like saying me having brown hair is wrong. Nobody can control it. Do you think people want to be judged and shunned from society? You think it's sinning? Well, if God is real, then he made everyone on Earth, including gay people. Who cares? Church used to be a thing of goodness, and learning to believe in a brighter future. Instead, it's becoming a weekly judgement lesson. I think everyone should be able to come to church and not feel guilty for "sinning". We have enough people in the world, for all you people saying they can't repopulate. It ticks me off when people are judged for who they love. Love can't be explained. Don't try to explain it. Please, just leave them alone. This song stands up against all the homophobic people in this world. No matter what, believe in yourself, believe in love, and don't judge someone on what their religious views are, who their lover is, or what they look like. We're all humans. Let's act like it.

That the term "church" can be and is different for everyone. For many it is a place to go to worship God or a Higher Power. For others it is a state of mind, a feeling rather than an actual building. When they are together, intimate, that is a scared and holy for them. He knows he views it in a different context then most of the population but doesn't really care. To him, making love to someone, that is the time when he can be closest to God, heaven and another person. And he wants the feeling to last so he will do whatever is asked of him so he can continue to be that close to the person he is with.

Wow. Some deep chit peoples. Gay not gay. OK maybe, whatever. Not the point. We are all broken, but we still want to give ourselves to something, confess out sins and still find connection. It's about 'church', worship, god - through punitive religions being BS. That unfortunately is not where we find acceptance and healing. He is saying (singing) 'church' is about finding and holding something that is real. And unreal. Something that catches our attention (like a giggle at a funeral) and we can really feel it. Like the touch of another human, warmth, connection, pleasure, depth of rapture. What we may call love - amazing, mesmerizing, captivating and satisfying contentedness. Amen!

Apparently, the real meaning of this song is about hatred toward homosexuals. But, although there is people saying that it is about s** as well. Having a sexual relationship with the same gender. Andrew, (aka Hozier) has talked about being sexually assaulted, and being tortured in inappropriate ways in any shape or form in his past. So personally, I think this song could be about that. But I am not 100% sure. Others also say it could be him being satanically raised and not liking it so the song is named "Take Me to Church" instead of a satanic one. But I do not believe that in anyway. Let me know if I am wrong.

It has many meanings in my opinion, and by the comments you can tell every person has a different way of looking at it. I, though, think it talks about human rights, which by that I mean LGBT rights. Either that, or it's talking about sex. But like I said, it can have many meanings to certain people.

Perhaps what is best about the song is its call to all of us who proclaim the love of God in our hearts to look at ourselves and to examine our church' to examine our own and the Body of Church's relationship with all of God's children in the world around us.

Please don't assume that all Christians and churches judge homosexuality. For instance the United Church of Christ, Episcopal and Lutheran ELCA (and others) allow the blessing of same-sex couples and the ordination (becoming a pastor) of members of the lgbt community. What an encouraging message to give one's life to an all loving God!

This song is awsome I will listen to this smog as much as I want. I'll sing this song so much and enjoy it. When I listen to this song it lifts my spirit and me happy. I really love the remix of the song it kind of me of good times I had when I was about eight ayers old. If the song spread and a lot of people hear it, it will make me feel good for some reason that some people have when other people are listening. If other people don't like the song I think it will be dissopointed to the writer. I believe that Hozer is a great artist and should make more songs for people to listen while thier relaxing and having fun. When I first heard this song I fell in love with it and wanted to sing it all day long.

This songs explains the sweet honey grip of the deadly hypnotic plot of the Adulterous Demonic spirit of Jezebel. S** immortality is her weapon of choice & it is so dominating this earth. So many are trapped by this silent & acceptable killer and don't even realize it. Ptl! Many are Calling for the church for help instead of going to the churches.

The song is not about him coming out of the closet, but about reality and society. Society and the people who rule society tell us that we have high tolerance toward everyone, but if you look at society outside of the dumb reality shows you realize that it isn't all happy dory. People judge for the most idiotic reasons, like skin color, aren't we all the same on the inside? Society has made us this way. Why hide what we are? Why pretend to be something your not? Be who you are and those people will eventually have to get over it.

The song is very sad and that is so rude someone who is laughing at a funeral I feel bad for the girl like what if the girl dies and the man is laughing at the girl I know she wouldn't feel anything but how would that feel not good right so never laugh if someone dies I'm dealing with my grandma and my friend my friend had cancer and my grandma had a heart attack sad right? I'm feeling your pain I like the rhythm too.

i love the tone of this music but i really hate the lyrics. because some of the lyrics is not good to god, like in the word "I'll workship like a dog at the shrine of your lies" don't incriminate god and god cannot accept people who are not contented in their personality. Homosexuality- there's no place in heaven because Man is for Woman.

i love the tone of this music but i really hate the lyrics. because some of the lyricsgi is not good to god, like in the word "I'll workship like a dog at the shrine of your lies" don't incriminate god and god cannot accept people who are not contented in their personality. Homosexuality- there's no place in heaven because Man is for Woman.

The song is a masquerade. A lie. A deception. It is the state of mind we are called to overcome, and through which we are to transform ourselves into perfect truth.
The song is that of the siren; calling you into the dark, calling you into the depths of damnation. Pleasure of earthly desires is a sticky web of lies, which purpose is to entrap your immortal soul.
The greatest treasure of truth is calling you out of the dark and into the light. Seek the light. Seek the truth. This is pleasure.

You are the church.

The way I understand the song, the writer has had very negative experiences with "christian" [sic]church, and "christian" [sic] dogma. I can understand the rant, and am sorry this is the writer's experience with "Christians" and the teachings of the Christ. But what I find most disturbing is that if this song, which expresses such sadness, anger, and rejection, was directed at members of a temple or synagogue, the song would not be on mid-day commercial radio. There would be an outcry, demanding such an anti-Semitic song be removed from the airways.

I agree there are lousy Christians, but why is it ok to attack them in the media, but it isn't ok to badmouth those of other religions?

What's the difference?

I'm sorry the only place you have found safe to worship is in the privacy of your lover's bed. I hope you someday find a greater community in which to find peace.

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.

Aren't the words I would choose to use before the almighty god. And through Christ is the only place I feel released from sin. I don't hear him sharpening any knives. If your church condemns you then your going to the wrong church. But if your church preaches against something your doing wrong then quit sinning. You can not serve 2 masters for you will cleave to one and hate the other. I don't know about catholic cause I'm Christian. But don't expect the pope to encourage homosexuality when the bible clearly says it is an abomination. Men are not to lie with men or with beast. Remember you can not serve 2 masters if you love your sin you serve it. And if you love Christ then he will loose you from the chains of your sin. So the question is who do you love?

A gay man is forced into conversion therapy (thus the female "lover") and devotes his life to Christianity in an attempt to seem "good" based on current societal values. He progressively feels worse and worse about himself, but the requirements of society don't seem to be changing, so he simply resigns himself to being sick - as he's told every Sunday. He recognizes that what the church tells him is lies but he can't fight it, probably out of fear for his life.
Despite all this he makes the claim that he's only TRULY human and truly "clean" when he's able to live his life on his own terms.
If we go by what Hozier has said, this is related to the current Russian LGBT+ climate. It can apply to pretty much anywhere though as homosexuality and other variants are not fully accepted today.

Obviously the lyrics can relate to other sins and other sexualities, as well as other completely different interpretations, but the homosexuality argument seems to be the most striking and important to me.

Personally, I feel its like an abusive relationship. The counterpart of the relationship is powerful and overbearing, yet he needs to go back and repent because if he leaves, he feel like he's done something terrible. But I love the addiction side to this song and it really shows that whether you're addicted to a drug or love you'll keep coming back even if you know its bad.

@5sosahstonirwin This is why many people don't go to churches anymore because of how "christians" judge when in the bible it says we are not suppose to judge! The song is beautiful and has many meanings. Shame on you for saying your christian and then judging people who like and enjoy this song. This song has different meanings for me as it might for others too. Some people have had it rough throughout life, nothing has been easy for some - but at the end of day they have their faith and still pray to god for the life he's given us. And knowing that he is there. We all have different lives and sure as hell have not walked in everyone else's shoes - this is why I don't judge people and keep having to say "I'm a Christian" but in the same sentence throw stones at others who listen to a beautiful song. Thank God there is artists out there who create lyrics like this - make us feel! That what real music is. Christian or not its a beautiful song, so please don't judge others and look at yourself, when your perfect, then let us know. God Bless ya.

This song is a satanist pray. You don't even need to read between the lines. The Bible never said that Sexuality is a sin. Total opposite, it's a gift from God, there is just a plain chapter in bible dedicated to the beauty of love, physical love between a man and a woman. Cantiques des cantiques. Men, then corrupted the initial message, God make us by love and the physical love a husband and a wife can share is a marvelous gift from God which has been given not only in the goal to make children, but also just to make love.

It means what you want it to mean unless Hozier tells us himself. However, worshiping anything other than God is bad, so he is addicted to a bad habit, whatever it is, but appears to enjoy it so much that he has no intentions of leaving it. Sad, it makes him a victim of his vice without learning the power to overcome it. It's nothing to celebrate or play over and over, once was enough!