Meaning of First Time by Hozier

The Hozier song, 'First Time', is a hauntingly beautiful track that delves into the depths of emotion and the impact of significant moments in our lives. The overall theme of the song seems to revolve around the transformative power of love and the profound effect it can have on an individual. Through its rich and intricate lyrics, 'First Time' explores various themes that add layers of depth to the song's overarching message.One standout lyric in 'First Time' is, "And the first time that you kissed me, I drank dry the River Lethe, The Liffey would have been softer on my stomach all the same." This lyric symbolizes the intensity of the sensation experienced when love first enters one's life. The River Lethe, in Greek mythology, represents forgetfulness, while the Liffey refers to the river in Dublin where the artist is from. The juxtaposition of these two rivers implies that the impact of love is so overwhelming that it erases all previous memories and experiences, leaving one entirely consumed by the new emotion.Another impactful line in the song states, "Some part of me must have died, The first time that you called me 'baby', And some part of me came alive, The first time that you called me 'baby'." These lines explore the concept of rebirth or transformation within a relationship. It suggests that love can resurrect dormant parts of the self while simultaneously eclipsing other aspects. It highlights the power of affection to breathe new life into someone, while also acknowledging the potential loss and sacrifice that comes with it.Moving further into the song, we encounter the verse, "This life lived mostly underground, Unknowin' either sight nor sound, Till reachin' up for sunlight just to be ripped out by the stem." This verse reflects the bittersweet nature of love. It explores the idea that, like a delicate flower, we may spend much of our lives hidden beneath the surface, shielded from both the joys and sorrows that love can bring. When we finally reach out to experience the warmth and light of a romantic connection, it can sometimes result in a painful separation or loss, described here as being abruptly ripped out by the stem.Continuing to unravel the beautiful complexities of 'First Time', another striking lyric states, "Sensing only now it's dyin', Drying out, then drowning blindly, Bloomin' forth its every colour, In the moments it has left, To share the space with simple living things." This continuation of the flower metaphor suggests that love, like a dying bloom, can give its all in the final moments it has left. It emphasizes the inherent beauty and vibrance of love, even in its fleeting existence. It serves to remind us that, despite the potential heartache, love is worth pursuing and cherishing, as it enriches our lives and interacts with the simple joys found in everyday existence.Finally, the song concludes with the poignant line, "Some part of me must have died each time that you called me 'baby', But some part of me stayed alive, Each time that you called, each time that you called." This lyric encapsulates the complex nature of love and its ability to simultaneously inflict pain and provide solace. It acknowledges the contradictory emotions that can arise within a relationship and the resilience of the human spirit to endure and find moments of light amidst the darkness.In conclusion, 'First Time' delves into the profound impact of love on an individual's life. Through its poetic and evocative lyrics, the song explores themes of rebirth, sacrifice, fleeting moments, and the dichotomy of love's nature. Each individual line contributes to painting a vivid and emotional picture of the transformative power of love. 'First Time' serves as a reminder that while love can be both beautiful and painful, it is undoubtedly an essential part of the human experience, enriching our lives and shaping our very identities.