‘Take Me To Church’ Takes On The Catholic Church
Andrew Hozier Byrne, better known just as Hozier and the singer and songwriter of “Take Me To Church,” has admitted that he would be more than happy to take on the Catholic Church.
The 24-year-old Irish artist wrote his hit, which he just performed at this past weekend’s Grammys with none other than the iconic Annie Lenox, about sexuality and tolerance – a direct jab at the Catholic Church.
A very special moment last night at @TheGRAMMYs with the legendary @AnnieLennox. Thanks everyone for the support. http://t.co/s0lbkCzGfl
— Hozier (@Hozier) February 10, 2015
Hozier spoke with Vanity Fair about his hit “Take Me To Church,” and how “it expresses frustration with the Catholic Church.” So how does Hozier feel about the possibility of picking a fight with the Catholic Church?
“I would love to get in trouble with the Catholic Church,” was his response.
Photo: Vanity Fair: Hozier Would Love to Get in Trouble with the Catholic Church 9 February, 2015 “A year… http://t.co/2gUapqaXnN
— FYeah Hozier (@FYeahHozier) February 10, 2015
The “Take Me To Church” singer added that although he’s not religious, his “issue is with the organization.”
So what is his problem with the Catholic Church?
“It’s an organization of men—it’s not about faith.”
Hozier explained that his song wasn’t attacking faith, but instead was meant to speak on the injustices of the organization of the Catholic Church.
“I don’t want the song to be considered an attack against faith, but when you have people feeling ashamed of themselves because of sexual orientation, or put themselves at risk by people telling them what [not] to put on the end of their penis, well, you wouldn’t tolerate that from a company, or a government.”
According to the San Francisco Examiner, Hozier penned “Take Me To Church” after a break up and intended the song to convey “a brief litany of the church’s crimes in Ireland– preaching against contraception, denying Communion to the divorced, discrimination based on sexual orientation.” He wanted to share with the world how the Catholic Church “undermines what it means to be a human being, and about asserting yourself through loving somebody, through an act of sex.”
It’s been a long but rewarding road for Hozier. Just last year, the “Take Me To Church” singer was living in his parents attic, writing songs such as this blues and gospel inspired hit. After his performance on Satuday Night Live, Hozier’s popularity grew to include fans like Adele, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and U2’s Bono.
One group which maybe isn’t the biggest fan of Hozier? The Catholic Church.
Although he’s ready for it, the “Take Me To Church” singer has not gotten a response to his powerful song from the Catholic Church.
[Photo Courtesy of CBS / Late Night With David Letterman]
