The Art of Temptation

Yes, this is another post claiming Hozier is a poet. But when I asked if I should change my song to add a little more variety to our playlist, I realized that if our generation in fact sees Hozier as a modern poet, and his songs his poems, then we must explore them in the same way we do Brooks or Frost or Petrarch.

In his song, "From Eden," Hozier writes of love and temptation. He does so, however, in such a poetic way. He is not speaker. The story is told from the point of view of the devil, evident from the line: "I slithered here from Eden, just to sit outside your door."

Throughout the entire piece, Hozier alludes to the Biblical story of Adam and Eve. Specifically, he uses this story to highlight the temptation the serpent (explaining the verb choice "slithered') inflicts upon Eve. The devil, the emblem of temptation, is trying to convince someone to make love him.

Honey you're familiar, like my mirror years ago
Idealism sits in prison, chivalry fell on its sword
Innocence died screaming, honey ask me I should know
I slithered here from Eden, just to sit outside your door

In these four lines, the chorus of the song. Hozier explores such temptation in a poetic way. He begins with a simile explaining how familiar their love would be. This would entice his target into feeling comfortable and more likely to accept his proposal. I personally find the second line in the chorus to be the most interesting. The personification of chivalry falling onto a blade calls a grotesque image which makes it all the more powerful. Chivalry is dead, and the two are not bound by any morals, and they instead should explore their temptation.

One may see this song as immoral, but I disagree. Temptation is only human. While infidelity is not justifiable, there is no indication in this song that the speakers actually go through with their actions. In any situation in which we must be faithful, we all gravitate toward "what ifs" that may spiral us downward. Hozier explores these temptations through this song in such a poetic way.