After three long years Hozier has finally released music, and “Eat Your Young” is full of political activism, and beautiful messages that are woven through the lyrics on all three tracks of the EP. On March 17th Andrew Hozier- Byrne, more formally known as Hozier, released “Eat Your Young.” It was officially released on his birthday, but this was truly a gift to all of his fans.

Hozier is mostly known for his famous yet controversial “Take Me To Church”. Much like his other works, each song has a deeper meaning. “Eat Your Young,” the name of the EP and the first song, begins with celebrating selfishness, material success, wealth, and the ambition to experience new things. This is seen in the lyrics:

“I’m starvin’, darlin’

Let me put my lips to something

Let me wrap my teeth around the world”

– Lyrics from Hozier’s “Eat Your Young”

 However, the song then turns around and represents greed and the sacrifices people make out of selfishness, even if their children are victims to their profitable gain, hence the term “Eat Your Young.” 

“Get some

Pull up the ladder when the flood comes

Throw enough rope until the legs have swung

Seven new ways that you can eat your young

Come and get some

Skinning the children for a war drum

Putting food on the table selling bombs and guns

It’s quicker and easier to eat your young”

– Lyrics from Hozier’s “Eat Your Young”

The beginning of the chorus implies the desire for more of whatever it is they are trying to gain. And not giving others enough rope as the earth is flooding depicts the disdain for helping those in need. The goal is to profit off of violence, and the best way to do this is to exploit vulnerable classes which in often case involves their very own children. With its upbeat attitude and catchy chorus, “Eat Your Young” will be your go-to when you are in a good mood but also have a strong dislike for those with a little too much power economically and politically.