Meaning of But the Wages by Hozier

In Hozier's thought-provoking song titled 'But the Wages,' the overarching theme revolves around the disparity between societal progress and economic well-being. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where various aspects are escalating, such as temperatures, sea levels, and even issues like murdered reporters or talk of hard borders. However, despite these concerning escalations, wages remain stagnant or even decline. By juxtaposing these contrasting elements, Hozier invites us to ponder the imbalance and reflect upon the consequences it has on individuals and society as a whole.One powerful lyric that compels deeper analysis is, "Don't mention the rent, or the money that's spent, keeping the banks in good health." This line raises the theme of economic inequality and the invisible hands that manipulate the financial landscape. Hozier subtly hints at the interests of powerful entities, suggesting that they care more about maintaining their own prosperity than addressing the struggles of everyday people. This theme emphasizes the frustration many face as they witness their wages falter while other economic factors soar.Another standout line is, "And those stuck in prisons with scarcely enough for a blunt." Here, Hozier sheds light on the systemic issues within the criminal justice system and the cycle of poverty that often accompanies it. By mentioning those "stuck in prisons," he brings attention to the individuals who are trapped in a cycle due to their socio-economic circumstances. The lack of financial resources extends even to those within the confines of the prison system, highlighting how economic disparity affects individuals at every level of society.Moreover, the line "That new hotel in the hood with an oligarch's name on the front" draws attention to the gentrification and economic exploitation that frequently takes place in underserved communities. Through this lyric, Hozier highlights the disparity between communities, where wealthy outsiders can invest in luxury establishments while local residents struggle to make ends meet. This theme explores urban development and its impact on communities, leaving some feeling left behind in the wake of progress.Additionally, the repetition of the line "It's all going up but the wages" throughout the chorus serves as a powerful refrain that reinforces the song's overarching theme. By repeating this line, Hozier emphasizes the frustration and urgency surrounding the issue of stagnant wages. The repetition drives home the message that while various aspects of society are advancing, wages remain stagnant, causing a growing disconnect between people and the progress they witness.To creatively encapsulate the broader theme of the song, one could expand on the concept of rising escalations versus stagnant wages as a metaphor for the tug-of-war between hope and disillusionment. Just as Hozier mentions the ascending sea levels and increasing stock prices, one could delve deeper into how these soaring elements can overshadow the struggles of everyday individuals. By exploring how hope can be dampened by economic disparity, the article can touch on the emotional toll this imbalance exacts on individuals and communities.Another imaginative theme that emerges from the song is the idea of society as a symphony of discord. As Hozier mentions murdered reporters and the pressure of blood, one could explore how these dissonant elements contribute to the overall disharmony found when societal progress outpaces economic well-being. This theme could delve into the consequences of disregarding the needs of the most vulnerable in society and the potential discord that results from such neglect.In conclusion, Hozier's 'But the Wages' illuminates the frustrating dichotomy between societal progress and stagnating wages. Through poignant lyrics, the song draws attention to economic inequality, the exploitation of underserved communities, and the cyclical nature of poverty perpetuated by the criminal justice system. By creatively exploring unexpected themes such as the erosion of hope or society as a symphony of discord, we gain a deeper understanding of the song's commentary on the consequences of economic imbalance. Hozier's powerful lyrics encourage us to reflect on the impact of societal escalations while urging a reassessment of priorities to bridge the gap between progress and economic well-being.