Hozier’s “Foreigner’s God” is a profound exploration of love, faith, and the internal battle one faces when these two worlds collide. The song depicts a relationship between the narrator and a woman, marked by intense attraction and an underlying tension due to differing beliefs. The songwriter sends a message about the complexity of love, the struggle of reconciling one’s faith, and the pain that ensues when external beliefs taint love. It delves into the personal turmoil of loving someone while grappling with the weight of religious and societal expectations. This heartfelt ballad seems to be a personal reflection of Hozier’s own experiences and observations, highlighting the universal struggle to find common ground in love amidst diversity.
“Foreigner’s God” is more than just a love story; it’s a journey into the depths of passion, belief, and the turmoil that comes when the two clash. Hozier illustrates a dazzling picture with his lyrics, and understanding the deeper meaning behind them adds a whole new dimension to the song.
“Foreigner’s God” Lyrics Meaning
“She moved with shameless wonder, The perfect creature rarely seen” – The song opens with the narrator’s captivation by a woman, who is described in an almost ethereal manner. Her confidence and uniqueness leave him in awe.
“Since some liar brought the thunder, When the land was godless and free” – Here, Hozier introduces a theme of lost innocence and purity, possibly alluding to religious colonialism, where foreign beliefs were imposed on native lands.
“Her eyes look sharp and steady, Into the empty parts of me” – The woman sees through the narrator, reaching the parts of him that are vulnerable and unfulfilled.
“But still my heart is heavy, With the hate of some other man’s beliefs” – Despite the connection, there’s a burden on the narrator’s heart, stemming from the clash of beliefs.
“Always a well-dressed fraud, Who wouldn’t spare the rod, Never for me” – He reflects on religious figures, possibly criticizing their hypocrisy and strictness.
“Screaming the name of a foreigner’s God, The purest expression of grief” – The chorus highlights the pain and confusion caused by the intertwining of love and differing religious beliefs.
“Wondering who I copy, Mustering some tender charm” – The narrator is self-aware, questioning his authenticity in love.
“She feels no control of her body, She feels no safety in my arms” – There’s a lack of security in their relationship, possibly due to the religious and cultural divide.
“I’ve no language left to say it, But all I do is quake to her” – His feelings are intense, yet he struggles to express them.
“The broken love I make to her” – Their love is tainted and fractured by the clash of beliefs.
“All that I’ve been taught, And every word I’ve got, Is foreign to me” – The narrator feels alienated from his own teachings and beliefs, possibly questioning them due to his love for the woman.
The Story Behind “Foreigner’s God”
“Foreigner’s God” offers a glimpse into Hozier’s reflections on love, faith, and the conflicts that arise when the two are at odds. The song’s emotional depth suggests a personal connection, possibly drawing from Hozier’s own experiences or observations. He’s known for infusing his music with themes of social and religious commentary, and this song is no exception. The lyrics reflect a state of internal conflict as the narrator grapples with his feelings for the woman and the weight of societal and religious expectations. It’s as if Hozier is questioning the validity of imposed beliefs, particularly when they hinder genuine human connection and love.
The song serves as a reminder of the universal struggle to reconcile our beliefs with our desires, and the pain that ensues when love is caught in the crossfire.