Communications 2150
Hozier's Take Me to Church
This piece, titled "“Take Me to Church” by Hozier; a Narrative Criticism" was written for Comm 2150, Rhetorical/Critical Communication Inquiry. In this class, which took place in Winter of 2022, we explored how communication and persuasion shape media, movies, music, advertisements, fashion, and texts. We learned to apply rhetorical and critical theories to analyze how these artifacts are produced, consumed, and influenced by larger social and global forces. In this piece, I closely examined the music video to "Take Me to Church" by Hozier. I looked at how this song/music video was very influential, specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community during a time of unrest in Russia after the passing of anti-gay laws that still stand today. I really enjoyed writing this piece, as both the topic and the song have a special place in my heart.
“Take Me to Church” by Hozier; a Narrative Criticism
Hozier's music video for "Take Me to Church'' serves as a poignant narrative critique of anti-LGBTQ+ laws and homophobic violence, particularly in Russia. Through powerful visual storytelling and emotive lyrics, Hozier brings awareness to the systemic discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, challenging societal norms and advocating for human rights. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the Russian gay propaganda law, depicting the tragic consequences of institutionalized discrimination and societal intolerance. Despite its release over a decade ago, the music video continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, sparking conversations about social justice and inspiring activism. This analysis explores the cultural and historical context of the music video, its impact on audiences, and avenues for future research into its enduring relevance and significance.
Three possible key word searches for this text are: "Take Me to Church Hozier music video analysis", "LGBTQ+ rights activism in music videos", and "Narrative critique of anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Russia".
Abstract
Introduction
The Rhetorical Situation
Rhetor
The song, “Take me to Church'' by Hozier, legally named Andrew Hozier-Byrne, has a remarkably impactful music video that aims to spread awareness about violence against the LGBTQ+ community. We can assume that Hozier is the rhetor, as he is the one singing over the video, the song loosely relaying the story of two lovers. One can also assume that YouTube is a rhetor, as it is the platform that is conveying the story to the viewers.
In a 2014 interview with The Cut, the interviewer asks Hozier if there is any personal reason as to why he is so outspoken about gay rights, to which he replies, “No, and I don’t think there needs to be. To me, it’s not even a gay issue or a civil rights issue, it’s a human rights issue, and it should offend us all…You have to recognize in yourself, and challenge yourself, that if you see racism or homophobia or misogyny in a secular society, as a member of that society, you should challenge it. You owe it to the betterment of society.” So, technically, his credential for making such strong commentary on gay rights is not because he is gay, or that he has someone close to him that is gay, but rather because he is simply human; Queer rights are human rights.
Occassion
This music video was filmed in Cork, Ireland. However, the actual story is supposed to be taking place somewhere in Russia (Wikipedia, 2024). At minute 1:31, there is a brief image of a television showing protesters holding a sign that says, “геи за равенство без компромиссов”, which roughly translates to “gays for equality without compromise”. During the time of the song’s release in 2013, the Russian gay propaganda law, which prohibits the “distribution of propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships among minors”, was being put into place. Far-Right groups were performing organized attacks against queer people, then filming it and putting it on social media (Knight, 2023). The law is still actively in place, and shows no signs of being revoked.
Audience
This artifact was given to the general public, as Hozier originally released the song as an independent track. Specifically the music video is meant to bring awareness to both the anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Russia and homophobia from the Christian church. However, this song can also be for the gay community to relate to, as 64% of LGBTQ people have experienced anti-queer hate or violence (LGBTQ+ facts and figures, 2022).
The audience is quite wide, as this song has broken many records and still remains popular in America, Australia, and Europe. Initially, the targeted audience for this song was likely people within the gay community to find solace in the violence, and perhaps for lawmakers to understand how their biases and decisions may affect real people.
Without watching the music video, one would have no idea that the song is about a homoerotic relationship. Because of this ignorance, many different types of people listen to the song without thinking twice. However, I have personally seen (on social media) that people will, unfortunately, purposely abstain from listening to the song once they learn its true meaning.
Exigence
This text was clearly being given to incite action against anit-LGBTQ+ violence and laws. This is a narrative of irony; the main characters are trapped in their situations, they lack control, and the story contains sadness and confusion. Because of this powerful, yet sad, message, Hozier is able to reveal the reality of what had/has been happening in not just Russia, but all over the world. With awareness comes action, and with action comes change. This music video is rhetorical exigence because it shows that there is a problem that (hopefully) everyone can agree exists, that action must be taken, and steps have been taken.
Constraints
There are many constraints and limitations when it comes to this text. This music video was released ten years ago, and thus, likely does not have the same cultural impact that it once did. As time goes on, people tend to quickly move onto the next best thing, attention shifts, potentially leading to the eventual obscurity of the work. It is unfortunate that this piece of work will likely one day be forgotten.
Additionally, this music video is published on YouTube; a social media platform that not everyone has access to. There are several countries, including China, Turkmenistan, Iran, and North Korea, that have YouTube banned (Wikitubia). If people are not able to have access to Youtube (or other social media platforms), they are likely ignorant to what is going on in the world, including homophobic violence.
Additionally, the use of gender-neutral pronouns in the song's lyrics may obscure the portrayal of a gay relationship, hindering audience comprehension of its message.As previously said, if one only listened to the song and did not watch the music video, then they would have no idea that this text is about a gay relationship. In the lyrics, Hozier uses the pronoun ‘she’ to describe his lover, so it is easy to assume that this song is simply a heterosexual love song.
It is important to try to overcome these obstacles so the piece might fully be understood. However, in some cases, this feat could be out of reach. Allowing for YouTube to be available to the general public in a place like China or North Korea can easily be considered impossible. Additionally, we can't stop the passing of time, as everything ages (even this text).
What was the cultural influence for the“Take Me to Church” music video by Hozier, and how did it bring about awareness in an artistic fashion?
Justification
This research is very significant in today’s world. Homophobic violence is still very prevalent in both America and Russia (where the music video takes place). There have been several new laws going into place that stem from fear. People are afraid of those that are different, and because being in the community is considered contradictory to what is ‘normal’, people strive to eradicate it. Both this research and the text itself strive to provide insight on the injustices that have happened in order to prevent more from happening. By showing the general public the reality of what is happening in the world, Hozier attempts to educate those that will listen. With education comes awareness, with awareness comes action, and with action comes change.
Research Question
Hozier's 'Take Me to Church' has garnered over two billion streams on Spotify alone, a testament to its widespread resonance. Interestingly, Hozier recorded this track in his parents' attic, highlighting the humble origins of such a monumental piece of music. This song's popularity is particularly poignant given the sobering statistic that 64% of LGBTQ individuals have faced anti-queer hate or violence, underscoring the urgent need for acceptance and equality in our society (LGBTQ+ facts and figures, 2022).
The first article I would like to highlight is from The Cut titled, “Q&A: Irish Musician Hozier on Gay Rights, Sexuality, & Good Hair” by Julianne Escobedo Shepherd. This is an interesting Q&A in which Shepherd interviews Hozier about the meaning behind “Take Me to Church” which was largely inspired by his cultural upbringing surrounded by homophobia. They discussed why he is so outspoken about gay rights, to which he replied, “To me, it’s not even a gay issue or a civil rights issue, it’s a human rights issue, and it should offend us all.”
The next article I would like to highlight is from Stonewall titled, “LGBTQ+ Facts and Figures.” This text highlights general data points about the injustices that queer people face every day. It is separated into eight sections; health, home & communities, at work, at university, hate crime, education, international, and sport. Personally, the most surprising (and disheartening) data fact was that “two-thirds (64%) of LGBTQ+ people had experienced anti-LGBT+ violence or abuse.” This work shows a variety of statistics that may be surprising, hopeful, or upsetting and is definitely worth a look.
Lastly, the article, “No Support: Russia’s “Gay Propaganda'' Law Imperils LGBT Youth” by Kyle Knight dives into the barriers that the Russian gay propaganda law presents to LGBTQ+ youth within the country. This paper explains how this law targets vulnerable sexual and gender minorities for political gain and fails to protect those who wish to express themselves freely. These youths are obviously scared for their future, their loved ones’ futures, and their countries' futures. Although this article can be heavy at times, it is essential to understand the horrors that LGBTQ+ people go through, not just to fully analyze the roots of “Take Me to Church”, but also to help understand what it means to be human.
Methods
My method when analyzing the music video for the song, “Take Me to Church” by Hozier was to use a narrative criticism lens. When doing a narrative criticism, it is essential to analyze what happens in the narrative, how it is told, and what is the medium/context. A narrative must have events that are linked together (this story has a cause and effect, causing it to be linked together; a gay couple live in a country that does not tolerate it, and thus they are targeted by homophobic violence), told chronologically (we start with two men, we learn that they are in a relationship, then they are subjected to violence because of this), have a central subject (the gay couple and/or homophobia in Russia), and be fundamentally communicative (is clearly communicated to the audience through a video). This music video successfully fulfills this criteria.
The objective when doing this method is to successfully examine how this story might help others interpret their experiences, and further, what to do with that experience. The text presents a story that may not have been readily visible otherwise. For individuals who have undergone similar situations, it offers a sense of solace by affirming that they are not alone in their struggles. To those who haven't encountered homophobic violence, the narrative serves as a rallying cry for action, emphasizing the shared humanity of all individuals and the imperative to combat such injustices. It underscores our collective responsibility as fellow humans to support those facing discrimination by eradicating hate and promoting radical peace.
Conducting my analysis was fairly simple. I found a large variety of articles that provided sufficient background on the music video, the song itself, and Hozier (please see the ‘References’ at the end of this paper). Each article I encountered offered a fresh and intriguing perspective on the song, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of how this art piece was born. I watched the music video itself several times in order to ensure my understanding and to make sure that my justifications were thorough.
Analysis
The music video for "Take Me to Church'' by Hozier serves as a powerful medium for spreading awareness about violence against the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in the context of anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Russia and homophobia perpetuated by the Christian church. Hozier, as the primary rhetorician, utilizes the video to convey a message of solidarity and advocacy for queer rights. The video, primarily viewed through YouTube, acts as a conduit for delivering this message to a wide audience.
The occasion of the music video is set against the backdrop of the Russian gay propaganda law, enacted in 2013, which targeted the distribution of information on non-traditional sexual relationships among minors (Knight, 2023). This law sparked organized attacks against queer individuals, contributing to a climate of fear and violence. The inclusion of imagery depicting protests and social unrest in Russia highlights the urgency and gravity of the issue being addressed.
The intended audience for the music video is multifaceted. Initially released as an independent track, the video aims to raise awareness among the general public about the systemic discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in Russia. Additionally, it serves as a form of catharsis and empowerment for members of the LGBTQ+ community who may relate to the struggles depicted in the video. However, due to its popularity and widespread acclaim, the video reaches a diverse audience spanning across different demographics and geographic locations.
Setting
The setting takes place somewhere in Russia. This has a huge impact on the story itself, as Hozier has revealed that this story is about the homophobic violence taking place in Russia by far right groups in 2013. This injustice was so intolerable to Hozier that he had to bring awareness to it, particularly through music and art.
Within the music video, the viewers see glimpses of forests and trees, as well as run down urban areas too. It is because of this wilderness that the vigilantes are able to get away with hurting Man A; there is no one around to witness the brutality. The dilapidated urban areas may serve as indicators of the overall socio-economic condition of the country. The apparent lack of financial resources translates into diminished protective measures, such as law enforcement presence, potentially leading to an environment conducive to increased levels of violence.
Characters
The first character (Man A) the audience witnesses is a man of a heavier set and dark hair with little facial hair. He is wearing jeans, tennis shoes, and a jacket. The second character (Man B) is often seen wearing a hood or a hat, has facial hair, and slimmer features. He wears a hoodie and jeans. Both men’s appearances do not change over the course of the story, but their characters do evolve. It is revealed in the beginning of the music video that they are lovers, as they embrace tenderly, kiss, and are intimate. It seems that their love is very sweet and tender hearted, as they never do anything to hurt one another and Man B strives to protect Man A when he is kidnapped.
I believe that these are very round characters despite only having four minutes to tell their story. The audience learns their story and feels horrified about the cruelty they face. Their actions are unpredictable; being queer in itself is not a part of the preconceived social norm. Additionally, when Man B goes to save Man A was likely not expected from the audience. An act of bravery such as that is not seen often, especially in real life.
The villains, being the vigilantes, are flat characters. They remain masked or are not shown in detail, contributing to the perception that they lack depth and humanity; they simply serve as the hurtle that Man A and Man B must face.
Events
In a sequence of events, Man A buries a chest wrapped in chains while Man B arrives on his bike. Flashforward cuts reveal the chest engulfed in flames. The men share an embrace before walking together, unaware of a watchful figure in a jacket observing them. Their affection solidifies with a kiss, but tension mounts as the figure in the jacket marches purposefully with others. Man B hastily packs up upon spotting them, triggering a flashback of the buried chest and his frantic run towards it. Armed with weapons, the group of vigilantes advances, juxtaposed with television footage of Russian protesters advocating for gay rights. Memories of happier times between Man A and B intercut with scenes of the vigilantes ransacking a house, including a heart-wrenching moment as one man's father witnesses the intrusion. As Man B rushes to the scene, he finds the house destroyed, while Man A is dragged towards a fire by the vigilantes, the horrific ordeal filmed on a camcorder. As the chest is unearthed and incinerated, Man B arrives too late, witnessing the brutal assault on Man A.
These events are clearly caused by human action, and it is the decisions of the vigilantes that cause the story to move forward into violence. In simple terms, the cause was that Man A and Man B were in a homoerotic relationship, and the effect was that they were subject to homophobic violence from people that do not believe in their way of life. This story is both dramatic and ironic. It is dramatic because the plot focuses on the evolution of the interpersonal relationship between two gay lovers. The music video shows the good times that they had with each other and how it morphed into tragedy. It is ironic because the main characters are trapped in their situations, they lack control, and the story contains sadness and confusion.
The major events, or kernels, within this story include the men kissing and being intimate (as it provides a necessary explanation as to why the story even happens in the first place), the chest being buried and later dug up, and the vigilanties kidnapping Man A (which also acts as the trouble in the story). Some minor plot events, or satellites, include the men doing mundane things together (like skipping rocks or sitting together), one of the men’s fathers witnessing the ransacking of the house, and the several scenes of Man B running.
Theme
This narrative is a critique on anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Russia, and is meant to bring awareness to the homophobic violence occurring within the country. Throughout the story, the audience sees how sweet the main character’s love is thanks to the several flashbacks of them being happy together. After establishing an emotional bond with the main characters, witnessing them endure unjustifiable tragedies becomes even more poignant and heart-wrenching. The music video shows the extent that homophobia may grow to, thus teaching the audience to be accepting of everyone despite their sexuality.
The music video ends abruptly, so the audience does not get to know what happened to the couple. The overarching theme can be interpreted as ‘love prevails’ if you are optimistic about how the couple ends up, or ‘love hurts’ if you are less so.
Type of Narrative
As previously stated, this story is clearly an irony when it comes to the anatomy of criticism. The irony lies in the fact that the main characters find themselves ensnared in circumstances beyond their control, leading to feelings of sadness and confusion within the narrative. It was not their fault that they fell in love, and it was not their fault that their lover happened to be of the same gender. It is because of their fated love that they are subjected to such horrors and brutality. The music video ends suddenly, leaving us in a moment of sadness as Man A is viciously beaten for simply loving someone.
This story could also be interpreted as a tragedy, as the protagonists’ goal is simply to love each other. However, this goal is not able to be achieved due to both the homophobic laws in Russia and the vigilanties themselves. Sadly, they were not able to overcome these formidable obstacles.
Literature Review
Story
Discourse
Structure
This story follows a paradigmatic structure, as there are several flashbacks and flashforwards used to tell the story. One of the first scenes shows the chest laying in a brutal fire. The viewers don’t know the weight of this scene until the end, when we see that it was the vigilantes who threw it into the fire. Additionally, there are several fashbacks of the men being intimate with one another. These scenes provide further evidence as to how in love this couple was; this isn’t a simple puppy love, they have truly fallen for one another. This allows for the audience to be more compassionate to the characters.
The narrative unfolds at a brisk pace, condensed into a mere four minutes, which may limit viewers' ability to form a deep connection with the characters. Unlike in movies, where extended screen time allows for a more profound bond with characters, the briefness of this music video may present a challenge to the viewers. Nonetheless, Hozier has skillfully bridged this gap by providing an ample amount of emotional moments. It is these moments that enable viewers to forge a lasting connection: witnessing the couple's joyful moments, their intimacy, mutual care, and ultimately, experiencing their traumatic ordeal together.
The primary building blocks of this text are the visuals which convey the explicit understanding. Because this music video is only about four minutes long and does not contain any dialogue, the scenes hold a heightened significance. Since the audience relies solely on what they are shown, each scene must carry significant weight, ensuring that every moment contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative. While the song itself may convey some thematic weight, its interpretation of the story is open to individual interpretation. Therefore, the visuals in the music video bear even greater significance, as they provide a concrete representation of the narrative and shape the audience's understanding of the story.
There are several examples of micro content within this music video which represent the implicit side of the narrative. Two fleeting scenes depict birds in flight and a passing plane. These visuals likely serve as symbolic representations of Man A and B's desire to escape to a more accepting environment for their love. The chest also plays an essential role in the metaphorical understanding of the text as it represents their queer relationship. In the initial scene, Man A is shown burying the chest, a clear attempt to conceal its presence. This action can be paralleled with the experience that many queer individuals feel while living in Russia; they frequently are compelled to conceal their sexuality out of fear of potential repercussions. Later in the narrative, when Man B discovers that the chest has been found, his reaction is one of apparent panic, underscoring the sense of fear and vulnerability experienced by many in similar situations. At the end, the chest is revealed to have been found by the vigilanties. They force open the box and throw it into a fire, representing the fact that the men’s secret has been found out and the impending punishment they will face as a result.
Causal Relationships
There is a clear cause and effect relationship established in the narrative; two lovers are in a homosexual relationship in a country that does not tolerate it, and in effect, they are subjected to violence. Both the cause and the effect were equally highlighted, as each played an equally significant role in the telling of the story. The cause, being their relationship, may be from human action or forces of nature depending on how one might interpret it. Was it human choice that the two fell in love, or rather the force of nature that caused them to find each other?
Narrator
There is no direct narrator to the “Take Me to Church '' music video, as the story solely relies on the visual input to tell the narrative. There is no voicing over to explicitly tell the audience what is happening. However, some could argue that the song itself loosely narrates what is happening in the story. This may be true, as the song does speak about a love affair that is not accepted by the current culture, which is identical to the story in the music video. Personally, because there is no specific storytelling that a narrator often requires, I don’t think that this is substantial enough to be a true narrator.
Role of the Medium
Mechanics
This music video was originally posted on YouTube. YouTube is a popular video-sharing platform where users can upload, share, and view videos on a wide range of topics, and viewers are welcome to comment their thoughts and opinions. It is fairly easy to use, and one can easily navigate to their preferred video. In order to use this platform, one must have access to wifi and a streaming device (such as a phone, laptop, or tablet). The algorithm likely influences the popularity of this music video by regularly recommending it to viewers based on their preferences, contributing to its visibility and reach.
Distribution Across Media
This narrative was originally posted to YouTube, one of the most common social media platforms that is widely accessible. People are welcome to leave their thoughts and options in the comments, negative or positive. The freedom to comment facilitates deeper exploration and discussion of the narrative.
There have been cases of the music video being recorded and posted to other platforms such as Instagram or TikTok. Oftentimes, the video is split up into one minute increments so the viewer has to scroll through four separate videos to get the whole narrative. This could 'water down’ the impact of the story, as the call to action is far less significant when the audience is constantly being interrupted by scrolling, other videos, or ads.
Audience Interactivity
"Take Me to Church" by Hozier effectively engages its audience in a thought-provoking narrative that challenges societal norms and critiques institutional power dynamics. The video aims to persuade viewers to reflect on issues of oppression and hypocrisy within organized religion and homophobia. With this persuasion comes radical discussions of social justice, human rights, and personal freedom. These types of conversations aim to initiate change through awareness.
This narrative addresses individuals who resonate with the struggle against oppression and the quest for authenticity and self-expression. The intended audience comprises socially conscious individuals who value critical thinking and empathy, as well as people in the LGBTQ+ community, bringing with them attitudes of inclusivity and skepticism towards authority. While the narrative may exclude those who strongly identify with traditional religious beliefs, it effectively reaches its intended audience by provoking strong emotional responses and encouraging critical reflection.
While the narrative itself may not feature direct interactive elements, it invites viewers to interpret its meaning and engage in discussions about its themes within online communities. Through YouTube comments and platform interactions, users can influence the interpretation and discussion of the narrative, fostering a sense of community engagement and dialogue. Overall, "Take Me to Church" prompts viewers to question societal norms and encourages them to engage critically with its thematic content.
Implications
Effect of the Aritfact
As we have established, this music video acts as a call to action to address homophobia and injustice. It is safe to say that this goal has been fruitfully fulfilled, as the song has amassed over 2 billion streams on Spotify alone. Many see this song (and the music video) as a rally cry to fight for queer, and human, rights. In 2022, 16-year-old Iranian vlogger Sarina Esmailzadeh filmed herself singing along to the song and posted it to YouTube. This gained widespread attention shortly after her death at the hands of Iranian security forces during one of the nationwide protests triggered by the passing of Mahsa Amini. Hozier has commented on this event, saying that, “I didn't have a global view when I was writing it as a 22, 23-year-old man… and what's funny to me is that in our part of the world it seems more applicable now than it did 10 years ago." (Rashotte, 2023).
Hozier is right to have this perspective on his song; injustices are seemingly occurring more and more, or with the evolution of social media they are less likely to be swept under the rug. “Take Me to Church” is more relevant than ever due to its ability to be applied to current inequities that lie within society. People have used this song to make videos about the unfairness of the Chirstian church, general homophobia in and out of government. The song has been used in more than 47.8K posts on TikTok alone.
Effects on Rhetoric
My research question is: What was the cultural influence for the“Take Me to Church'' music video by Hozier, and how did it bring about awareness in an artistic fashion? This question seeks to uncover the cultural events or influences that motivated Hozier to create such a powerful song or narrative. As we have previously discussed, the implementation of anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the homophobic violence by right wing groups in Russia were the events that triggered the creation of this text. Additionally, this video reaches to bring awareness about said events. Hozier achieved this by creating a heart wrenching story that can appeal to a large array of people. Hozier employs pathos to evoke emotional responses from viewers, strengthening his argument and resonating deeply with the audience.
Recognizing the narrative presented in "Take Me to Church" is important in life as it prompts critical reflection on societal norms, encourages empathy towards marginalized individuals, and fosters a deeper understanding of issues related to oppression and freedom of expression. By engaging with narratives that challenge established beliefs and promote social justice, individuals can broaden their perspectives, cultivate empathy, and become agents of positive change in their communities. Moreover, understanding the themes and messages conveyed in such narratives allows individuals to participate more actively in discussions about important social issues and advocate for meaningful societal transformation.
Limitations
Writing a comprehensive analysis of the "Take Me to Church" music video by Hozier presented several challenges. Firstly, time constraints and due dates may have limited the depth of exploration that I was able to perform. There are various aspects of the video, such as more subtle metaphors, that I would have liked to explore. Additionally, I found it challenging at times to look at the text in a fair way and give thoughtful insights without letting personal opinions affect the analysis. Personal bias and opinions regarding homophobic violence and anti-LGBTQ+ laws were particularly difficult to not get in the way of a fair analysis. Moreover, discussing technical concepts such as narrative structure and discourse in a manner accessible to a wide audience required skillful communication. Despite these challenges, the analysis aimed to provide a thorough examination of the music video's themes, messages, and cultural influence, ultimately highlighting its significance in addressing social injustices.
Future Directions
To address the research question in the future, I would consider delving deeper into the cultural and historical context surrounding the creation of "Take Me to Church" by Hozier. This could involve exploring the broader societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights in different regions during the time of the song's release and how these attitudes may have influenced Hozier's motivations and artistic choices. Other facets that could be examined in the future under this style or a different style include the musical composition of the song itself and its use of lyrics, melody, and instrumentation to convey its message. Additionally, a further analysis of the visual symbolism and imagery employed in the music video could provide insights into Hozier's artistic vision and the intended emotional impact on viewers.
If the constraints were lifted, I would give more attention to conducting primary research, such as interviews with key figures involved in the creation of the music video. This could provide valuable firsthand insights into the creative process, inspirations, and intentions behind the song and its accompanying visuals.
Citaions & Sources
Deshler, K. (2021, February 21). Why do lesbians love hozier? an investigation. Why Do Lesbians Love Hozier? An Investigation. https://kiradeshler.substack.com/p/why-do-lesbians-love-hozier-an-investigation
Knight, K. (2023, March 28). No support - Russia’s “Gay Propaganda” Law Imperils LGBT Youth. Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/report/2018/12/12/no-support/russias-gay-propaganda-law-imperils-lgbt-youth
LGBTQ+ facts and figures. Stonewall. (2022, November 21). https://www.stonewall.org.uk/cy/lgbtq-facts-and-figures
Rashotte, V. (2023, October 17). Hozier on the legacy of Take Me to Church as a rallying cry for activists around the World | CBC arts. Hozier on the legacy of Take Me to Church as a rallying cry for activists around the world. https://www.cbc.ca/arts/q/hozier-on-the-legacy-of-take-me-to-church-as-a-rallying-cry-for-activists-around-the-world-1.6985003#:~:text=The%202013%20music%20video%20for,people%5D%2C%22%20explains%20Hozier.
Shepherd, J. E. (2014, March 11). Q&A: Irish musician Hozier on Gay Rights, sexuality, & good hair. The Cut. https://www.thecut.com/2014/03/qa-hozier-on-gay-rights-sex-good-hair.html
Wikitubia, C. to. (n.d.). Countries that have blocked YouTube. https://youtube.fandom.com/wiki/Countries_that_have_blocked_YouTube
Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, April 4). Take me to church. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Take_Me_to_Church