He's talking to his persecutors. His sins sharpen their knives. He refers to them being on their high horse. He's sarcastically telling them he'll worship at the shrine of their lies where they preach love, but behave with hate.

They were burying their love because they have to keep it a secret. When he sees it missing, it’s because their secret was found out. 😞

The sorrow in Asia eyes. This is the reaction i love. True and honest.

I love this song. Interpretation is personal so no one is wrong. I was told he wrote this song because of the persecution of gays by the church in Russia.

In 2013, Hozier was a struggling musician, often seen in Dublin-area open mic nights. During this period, he penned "Take Me to Church" at his parents' home in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland, and recorded a rough demo in their attic with a programmed backing track.[2] He wrote the song after a bad breakup,[3] as he later remarked that "the vocals were recorded in my attic at 2 o'clock in the morning. So it's a real homemade job."[4] It took him three months to write the song; only two musicians feature on the track: Hozier and drummer Fiachra Kinder.[5] The demo caught the attention of independent label Rubyworks, which paired him with producer Rob Kirwan. The song was overdubbed with live instrumentation, but the original demo vocals remained because Kirwan found them "powerful" enough to remain.[2] Lyrically, "Take Me to Church" is a metaphor, with the protagonist comparing his lover to religion. The song grew out of Hozier's frustration with the Catholic Church which, as somebody raised in the Protestant Quaker faith, he saw as dominating the social and political outlook of the Irish state.[6] "Growing up, I always saw the hypocrisy of the Catholic Church", Hozier said in an interview with Rolling Stone. "The history speaks for itself and I grew incredibly frustrated and angry. I essentially just put that into my words."[2] In an interview with The Irish Times, Hozier stated that he "found the experience of falling in love or being in love was a death, a death of everything ... you kind of watch yourself die in a wonderful way, and you experience for the briefest moment-if you see yourself for a moment through their eyes-everything you believed about yourself gone."[7] The song contains sexual undertones; Hozier elaborated that "an act of sex is one of the most human things ..but an organization like the church, say, through its doctrine, would undermine humanity by successfully teaching shame about sexual orientation ... the song is about asserting yourself and reclaiming your humanity through an act of love.[8] "Take Me to Church" draws inspiration from author Christopher Hitchens and paraphrases the poet Fulke Greville's verse "Created sick, commanded to be sound".[9][10][11] The song's title was often misinterpreted by Christian pop listeners, with the message critiquing the Catholic Church lost in translation. In June 2019, Hozier explained that the intention behind "Take Me to Church" was to "write something that, that was a kind of celebration of sexuality." Hozier admitted that people took the title at "face value" and "were very upset when they found out that" it was not a song about "actually about being taken to church." The song explores the topic of "shame regarding sexuality," particularly the societal or religious "aversion to homosexuality."[citation needed]

The panic on Asia's face almost 3 minutes in. It's such an intense song and video. It brings out real emotions.

That's why I left religion and took the good (true understanding of love for one another) from them ALL to became more spiritual. We still live in a society where, due to religious beliefs, you can turn away someone who is anything but "straight". Even medically. This song helped me to start breaking ties with the lies I was fed about "love". You're to love your neighbor but I wasn't allowed to bring home anyone (even bringing someone "different" in the southern baptist churches I was raised in) but a white male. My ex husband told me I was a disgusting human being for not being straight". I cried like a baby the first few times I saw the video. I couldn't live it and had to break free. This hatred is still taught, especially in the deep south. You guys gained more respect from me. Not that you didn't have it already...it's just appreciated to see someone like BJ and not once was he appalled by their love in the video. We need more of those messages getting out. You guys are awesome.

I always get concerned when straight people react to this video because I never know what they're going to say or how they'll react. I've watched you both for a long time so I was hopeful. Thank you for being an ally. Our murders often go unnoticed.

Asia, you said it perfectly. We need to love each other. Love is love...is love.

i cried through this whole thing, even though i've seen it many times. the topic, the voice, the real hate that exists in the world...whew

I imagined it was their love letters… pictures… mementos. That guy saw it and got a mob and went to the one guys house. He saw they’re sacred spot dug up and went to his house.

I've watched a couple reactors do this song and video and I must say y'all have won me completely over with your reaction. You reacted thoughtfully and maturely. Here's to you 🥂

This video always makes me cry. The comments here said it all so much better than I could. Thank you for reacting to this. Peace and love.

Watching Asia absorbing what the video was depicting was giving me life!

Love this song so much. His voice is amazing 🖤 This video makes me cry every time though.

Y’all are dancing around it, but the video is about Christian condemnation of homosexuality and the hypocrisy shown from anti-gay ‘Christians’ through hate from religious zealots that is unfortunately very real. Also, the word ‘faggot’ comes from hundreds of years ago when they used burn gays alive. And sadly in some countries today, still do. Hence the end of the video. Super deep.

The song is about the church condemning homosexuality.

Homophobia is a creation of religious interpretations. Black, white, gay, straight, disabled, religious, non believer........who cares. We are all humans who have the divine right to chose our own life and live it, without the fear of persecution. Gay people all over the world are beaten, targeted and even killed daily......all for what? This reaction video is awesome......I'm so glad it's 2 black individuals doing it......minority to minority. Your faces show so much truth and honesty. Bless you both!

Beautiful song, and this video is heartbreaking. I love how deep you went into analyzing this song; you are so in tune with the message. You are my favorites, really.

He sang this in a subway. It was BEAUTIFUL! I’d hunt it down and watch it!

The buried box was THEIR secret of loving each other. The thugs discovered their secret.

This video did more in a few minutes what whole other movies tackling the same subject couldn't do. Horrifying and heartbreaking.

To me love is love, you dont have to accept ppls way of living but you got to respect them enough to know its their own choice to make. In other words i wasnt put on this earth so that people can dictate my life, i was born to live my life the best way i can.

There’s a video of him singing this in the subway tunnels in NYC. It’s fucking fantastic.

I think the box was a symbol of their love for each other (also the fact they're gay) and so they put chains around it and buried it hoping to keep it secret.

Love this song and vid. Asia you are so right. When I dated my first black girl in the late 90s my home town still frowned on inner racial relationships. Wouldnt change a thing if I could go back though.

The buried can represents their love. Because they are gay in a non-accepting country, they have to keep it secret, so they bury it. It was exposed (unburied) and burned by the mob.

Andrew has a great voice and he followed the music of Van Morrison and Billie Holiday. He was born in Ireland and this song was a big hit there and in 2013 was also a hit the the United States The song was nominated for the Grammy award for song of the year. Usually people who are prejudice have low self esteem and have problems even liking themselves.

Great reaction ! Hope this finds you guys having a great holiday season! Thanks for what you do! ♥

This is a great song i've had it on a playlist since i've heard it dope reaction

Love is in the eye of the beholder✨

Honestly this touched my soul... Asia choking up a few times once she understood what the song was about and especially with the video just being a hard watch in general had me tearing up. However how both of you were sympathetic and understanding really means a lot to me being a part of that community. So thank you!

Hes talking about religion and love and others judging you for simply being who you are and the unjustice of it all ! Love this

this is a beautiful reaction to a beautiful song, truly 💜

thanks for the thoughtful reaction y'all!

I cry every time I watch this

I've noticed that you guys have a spiritual side. You guys also seem very kind. I think I enjoy listening to your reaction comments more than the music you're reacting to. Would you consider reacting to, "Never Fail (live) Kingly + Lloyd Nicks." I think you would enjoy it.

Andrew "Hozier" Byrne (his full name) said he wrote this song, not only about gayness, but about the harshness of the Catholic church in Ireland toward all kinds of unsanctioned relationships. The Catholic church doesn't condone any violence toward the "guilty," though. Btw, Hozier is Irish.

Great song, and by the way U2 are a beautiful couple keep doing what you’re doing❤️

Thank you for sharing this with me

The boxer simon and garfunkel.

About 5 years ago my Grandson played this song for me as he was driving me to Church..💖 I Gave him Zeppelin .

First time watching. You guys are so grown and humble. I do not know you guys but I will subscribe. Nice people!

I’m southern Irish and love this artist and song so much

I love you both so much. Give love get love .

I've already always loved this song,watched ur reaction when y'all first posted it but watching today was kinda fun looking back on y'all end of last year or beginning this year.And I never watched the video.Great reaction again watching now today.

I always enjoy your guys reactions! You are good people

I love honest reactions like this. It was surprising to see the two men kiss cause it's not something we see nor expect in Western Media. But the moment you see the "mob" move against them, you immediately know what is right. One is shocking, one is evil.

That voice is a POWERHOUSE! Nice reaction that shows that you understand the song.

This song is about the church's condemnation of sexuality in general. You can interpret any song however it feels to you and you are never going to be wrong as music is so personal. I just wanted to give you what I learned the song was originally about.

Amen Asia. Church is love and community. Come as you are. All are welcome.

Yes. We do need to love one another. Thank you.

Luv u Asia 🤗

Can you guys please react to Selena Quintanilla’s disco medley live from the houstonastrodome it’s really good Selena was the famous singer from the 90s.

Worth listening to and I would most please to hear your comments: Australian Icon John Farnham " Your the Voice " and the Hollies " The Air that I Breathe "

Amazing song

This one and Nina cried power video from hozier both bring out the tears ❤❤

One of my all time favourite song's ever

Another awesome reaction! You broke it down right. When you really love somebody you reveal yourself to them. Your real self. And that can be good but it can also be bad. Because those feelings can be weaponized against you when and if s**t goes wrong in the relationship.

Kinda like Matthew Shepard try Melissa etheridge's scarecrow

3:00 LMAOO I USED TO SING THIS SONG ON SMULE TOO

This is one of the most powerful song's out there

Asia & BJ, time for you to hear the '5th Beatle'. Billy Preston played piano on 3 studio songs of the Beatles. You'll love Billy's "Outa-Space", "Will It Go Round In Circles", "Space Race" and "Nothing From Nothing". He gets credit for playing on the Beatles "Get Back", but also played on "I Want You (She’s So Heavy)" and "Something".

He's Irish form Co. Wicklow there songs are powerful ❤️❤️❤️

great band

Girl I was clutching my pearls right along with you towards the end lol

You should definitely react to more hozier, and specially his newer stuff if you haven’t heard it yet. I would recommend Jackboot Jump, Be, Nina Cried Power, and Foreigner’s God (this one isn’t really new but it’s excellent).

Thank you BJ. It was refreshing to see you get it first. Lynching is evil.

Thank You!

i think this song is one of my favourites, so it's nice to see other people enjoying it too! from what i understand (and from what hozier has said about it), the song and the video, whilst overlapping, are separate. the song is in reference to some of his experiences with the church growing up in ireland, and the discrimination against queer people, with the church being "she" and the partner/lover being "you" (to clarify, he is not gay, the person in the song presumably is). that being said of course, the song is really open, so tbh it's up to interpretation, and everyone will see it differently. the video is specifically about persecution in russia, and i think the story is fairly obvious. it made me cry when i first watched it - it's powerful stuff!

Great video. Would love to see you react to Hozier Work Song. It’s one of the best songs they did in my opinion.

The box represents his secrets.

From a native Dallasite who loves you guys!!! Y’all need to check out the cover of this song by Post Modern Jukebox featuring Morgan James it’s a masterpiece!

My lover's got humor She's the giggle at a funeral Knows everybody's disapproval I should've worshiped her sooner If the Heavens ever did speak She's the last true mouthpiece Every Sunday's getting more bleak A fresh poison each week "We were born sick", you heard them say it My church offers no absolutes She tells me, "Worship in the bedroom" The only Heaven I'll be sent to Is when I'm alone with you I was born sick, but I love it Command me to be well A-, Amen, Amen, Amen 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 Offer me that deathless death Good God, let me give you my life 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 Offer me that deathless death Good God, let me give you my life If I'm a pagan of the good times My lover's the sunlight To keep the Goddess on my side She demands a sacrifice Drain the whole sea Get something shiny Something meaty for the main course That's a fine looking high horse What you got in the stable? We've a lot of starving faithful That looks tasty That looks plenty This is hungry work Take me to church I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies 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 Take me to church I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies 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 No masters or kings when the ritual begins There is no sweeter innocence than our gentle sin In the madness and soil of that sad earthly scene Only then I am human Only then I am clean Oh, oh, Amen, Amen, Amen 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 Offer me that deathless death Good God, let me give you my life 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 Offer me that deathless death Good God, let me give you my life

I know he's the original singer ,but MORGAN JAMES kills this, Post Modern Jukebox

I heard this song 100s of times before I saw the video, I related it to drinking.

Asia singing along when she has her headphones on would be a very different experience to anyone hearing me singing along that's for sure!

*Please react to Hozier - Arsonists Lullaby and Hozier - Talk.* Also another small artist is “Stealth - Judgement Day (sofar London live)” you’ll love these songs!

Hi, new fan of y'all. I'd like to see your reaction to Danny Carey drum cam to the song Pneuma. It's from a live Tool concert in Boston. If you appreciate highly technical polyrhythmic drumming, you're going to love it

Love it

I’ve seen this so many times. I married a woman and it failed miserably but as queer woman; my fellow rainbow friends, making sure people get that it is still stigmatised. This breaks my heart but this song hits me so hard. I break down every time watching the video, still crying now. 💜

The point is that church DOES judge people for being gay, etc. in Ireland, the Catholic Church was extremely against anyone being gay, having children before being married, etc. it Hozier was singing about all of it but made reference to the gay aspect more because of our most recent referendum. If god loves us all, he shouldn’t care how they live or love. The silly rules people have now are made by people and not by god.

Its about any and every "sin" we all commit daily . Everyone judges without seeing the sins they commit themselves but want to condemn others

Hozier work song and like real people do are some other really good songs by him. To be alone is also really audibly pleasing but the other two songs I listed above have more depth imo.

He was burying their secret.

My interpretation of what is in the box is his heart, notice how at 2:01 the guy burning the box knows that someone is watching? So he then tries to lock away his heart and bury it to be safe, but it is too late, they got caught, at the end at 8:20 the guy trying to break the chain to open the box symbolizes them trying to get him to admit to his “wrong doing” but regardless they throw it into the fire

I need to get back on smule!! It was extremely fun!

Emotional crying...never saw the video before

Love is love, you can love anyone you want (aside from kids, not cool). My wife happens to be a white woman, but as long as they made me happy, my family wouldn’t have cared ethnicity or gender. My absolute best friend is Asian, godfather to my son, my family sees him as family. Bigotry is straight up bulls*.

"Love is blind" is the biggest quote on this whole video.

“ no master or king, when the ritual begins “ Your answers is all here ☝️

I LOVE " Movement by Hozier" please listen to " Movement" it s AMAZING! AMAZING!❤❤👍🇷🇴

Y’all gotta do Arsonists Lullaby by them!!!! Great song!! Love y’all man

This song is so powerful. The lyrics, his voice in this video each together and separately give so much strength and emotion to the song. I just listen to an interview he did talking about what this song was about and came and watched your reaction and it just put me in tears. Thank you for reacting to this song. ❤️

The church is not always a save space...💓

I am both Gay and religious but I take the view the pope said to another gay man "God made you this way and he loves you this way". I just wish all Christians would have the same view.

There is a comparison going on between society approved religion (which is judgemental and hateful) and his love (which is considered a sin but is his pure heaven).

You guys should watch the video where he sings this song in the subway 😍

Wow. Asia's eye toss when she realizes it's a homosexual relationship, and then her reiterating that in her mind it's still an imagined heterosexual relationship. Please soul search, friends.

Love this song. Watch lost on you by LP