Meaning of Who We Are by Hozier

The Hozier song "Who We Are" beautifully captures the struggle of finding and understanding one's identity in the midst of life's challenges. The song delves deep into the human experience, exploring themes of loss, sacrifice, and the journey of self-discovery. Through its poignant and evocative lyrics, "Who We Are" invites listeners to reflect on their own individuality and the complexities that come with it.In the opening lines of the song, Hozier asserts that we often fail to appreciate what we have until it is gone. The lyric "You only feel it when it's lost" expresses the universal truth that we often take things for granted until they are no longer within our grasp. This theme of appreciating what we have becomes a recurring motif throughout the song, weaving together the overarching theme of self-realization.Hozier proceeds to paint a vivid picture of love slipping through our fingers "drop by drop," emphasizing the fragility and fleeting nature of relationships. This lyrical imagery not only speaks to the experiences of heartbreak and longing but also underscores the idea that love, as a fundamental aspect of our humanity, plays a significant role in shaping who we are.As the song progresses, Hozier introduces the concept of holding onto what remains. In the line "What I had left here, I just held it tight," he suggests that even in the face of loss, we instinctively cling to what is dear to us. This theme of holding onto remnants of what once was extends beyond romantic relationships to encompass any part of our lives that we are reluctant to let go of. From memories to personal aspirations, these remnants shape our sense of self and contribute to the complexities of our identities.The lyric "So someone with your eyes might come in time" lends a sense of hope and anticipation to the song. It suggests that amidst the search for meaning and identity, we might stumble upon someone or something that resonates with us, leading us closer to self-understanding. Love, as a catalyst for self-discovery, becomes both a source of vulnerability and possibility.Hozier further explores the dichotomy of holding onto something or someone, drawing a comparison to the contradictory symbols of water and a knife. He sings, "To hold me like water, or Christ, hold me like a knife." This juxtaposition speaks to the complexity of relationships and the duality of their impact on us. Water, with its fluidity and nourishing qualities, represents comfort and healing. Conversely, a knife symbolizes the potential for pain and growth. These contrasting symbols demonstrate that the people and experiences we hold onto may both nurture and challenge us on our journey of self-discovery.The chorus of "Who We Are" encapsulates the essence of the song, focusing on the notion that our lives are shaped by carving through the dark. The line "We're born at night, so much of our lives is just carving through the dark" paints a vivid picture of our existence as a continuous process of navigating the unknown. This theme suggests that it is through our struggles and challenges that we uncover our true selves. Each carving in the dark represents a moment of self-realization, contributing to the complex tapestry of who we are.Finally, Hozier emphasizes the difficulty in embracing our identities, stating, "And the hardest part is who we are, it's who we are." This lyric encapsulates the overarching theme of the song, contending that the journey of self-discovery is not always easy. Accepting ourselves, with all our flaws and complexities, requires courage and resilience. Hozier's poignant delivery of this line evokes a sense of introspection, encouraging listeners to embrace their individuality and find solace in the understanding that the struggle is part of the process.In conclusion, "Who We Are" by Hozier masterfully explores the intricate nature of self-identity. The song's standout lyrics delve deep into themes of loss, sacrifice, and the journey of self-discovery, weaving together a captivating narrative of human experience. Through evocative imagery and introspective storytelling, Hozier invites listeners to reflect on their own unique path of self-realization, navigating the dark and carving out their identities, one moment at a time.