Meaning of Unknown / Nth by Hozier

The Hozier song titled 'Unknown / Nth' explores the theme of being unknown and its impact on relationships and self-discovery. The lyrics delve into the complexities of connection, loneliness, and the transformative power of embracing the unknown. Through vivid imagery and thought-provoking metaphors, the song invites listeners to reflect on the uncertainties that shape our lives and the beauty that can be found in the mysterious.In the opening verse, Hozier sings, "You know the distance never made a difference to me, I swam a lake of fire, I'd have walked across the floor of any sea." These lines, paired with the subsequent lyric, "Ignored the vastness between all that can be seen and all that we believe," highlight the courage to navigate through the unknown and profound trust in the bond shared with another person. The theme that emerges here is the willingness to journey through uncharted territories, whether physical or emotional, to maintain a connection that defies conventional limitations.Moving to the second verse, the lyrics take an unexpected turn as Hozier sings, "Funny how true colors shine in darkness and in secrecy, If there were scarlet flags, they washed out in the mind of me." Here, the theme of hidden truths and self-deception unfolds. The idea that true colors shine in darkness suggests that it is often in the unknown and hidden aspects of a person or a relationship where our true nature reveals itself. The scarlet flags washing out in the mind signifies the blurred boundaries between intuition, denial, and the capacity for forgiveness. This theme dives deeper into the paradoxical nature of human connection, as vulnerability and secrets intertwine to shape the understanding of one another.The chorus, with its repetitive "Sha-la-la" and refrain, brings forth the theme of acceptance and empowerment in embracing the unknown. Hozier sings, "It ain't the being alone, it ain't the empty home, baby, you know I'm good on my own. Sha-la-la, baby, you know it's more the being unknown." Here, the lyrics suggest that being alone is not the source of pain, but rather the fear of being unknown or misunderstood. The embrace of this unknown allows for personal growth and the discovery of one's true self, beyond the labels and expectations imposed by society and relationships.In the third verse, Hozier sings, "You called me 'angel' for the first time, my heart leapt from me. You smile now, I can see its pieces still stuck in your teeth. And what's left of it, I listen to it tick, Every tedious beat, Going unknown as any angel to me." This verse introduces the theme of shattered illusions and the lingering traces of past connections. The metaphorical image of pieces stuck in teeth suggests the remnants of a relationship that still hold sway over one's emotions, while the ticking heart represents the enduring impact of past encounters. The line "Going unknown as any angel to me" sheds light on the transformative power of distance and unseen aspects that shape our perception of others.The bridge brings forward the theme of vulnerability and the pain that comes with truly knowing someone. Hozier sings, "Do you know I could break beneath the weight, Of the goodness, love, I still carry for you? That I'd walk so far just to take, The injury of finally knowin' you?" Here, the lyrics explore the intricate balance between the desire for emotional intimacy and the fear of being hurt. The willingness to bear the weight of love's complexities symbolizes the depth of affection, while the idea of taking the injury of truly knowing someone speaks to the acceptance of both the joys and sorrows that come with understanding another person on a deeper level.Ultimately, 'Unknown / Nth' weaves together a tapestry of themes that explore the transformative power of embracing the unknown and the complexities of human connection. Through vivid imagery and metaphors, Hozier invites listeners to contemplate the beauty and growth that can arise from embracing uncertainty, shedding light on the enigmatic nature of our relationships and ourselves. The song serves as a reminder that it is in the unknown realms that we often find the worthiest of connections and the deepest truths about ourselves.