Meaning

Kuhio804 is close about the song meaning - it is about the Broadway neighborhood John grew up in and the local bars that use to be there (a lot weaker than it use to be) he makes reference to the how locals would sit and drink their problems away, next generation follows what the old man did- talks about the cowboy (was an actual bar in buffalo in his neighborhood) known for local bands - sad he doesn’t mention more - sheeben, Bronx zoo, and shadracks- those places rocked back in the day. The neighborhood has changed a lot from...

Negative
Subjective
Sadness
Neighborhood
and 4 more tags...
Back in the Day

Many are using the video to interpret, don't as a video has a producer and their use of the lyrics...

I looked into it (an austin texas interview with Hozier) and saw I was spot on with the following and Prior to seeing the music video...

My first thought when I heard the rawness and the way it flowed meant one thing and only one thing, a beautiful union of two people, yes f-ing but so much more. Just pure love and passion and giving yourself and that moment when you climax she is .... your church. But not to...

My Interpretation
Meaning

The words are taken from an old Soviet prison prayer.

Song Meaning
Objective
Objective
Neutral
and 5 more tags...
Meaning

I think the song is talking about a change,a change that he didn't like and it's hard for him to accept it he is trying to change it but he is powerless against the change like a child who is powerless against his parents whims. Also it's implied that he hates unremorseful people,maybe it's the one who caused the change,or the ones that don't care about his painful change.

Negative
Subjective
Sadness
Change
and 4 more tags...
Meaning

writing in Jan 2026. I have always loved the dual thanks and warning messages to the US. Considering how divided we are now I'm skeptical that we can "lift up your heart, make a new start And lead us away from here" I pray to God that we can. I don't want to contemplate the alternative!

Positive
Subjective
Fear
Division
and 4 more tags...
Meaning

Married July 1974 with this song played just before our vows. The priest was a little hesitant but let us do it. In the end he thought it was pretty cool. So did we!

Positive
Subjective
Enjoyment
Marriage
and 4 more tags...