Damage Gets Done Lyrics – Hozier ft. Brandi Carlile

[Verse 1: Hozier, Hozier & Brandi Carlile]
In the first verse, Hozier and Carlile reminisce about their younger days when they had very few material possessions but felt rich in spirit. The imagery of having only two outfits and sleeping on someone’s floor conveys a sense of poverty, but it is juxtaposed with the joy and freedom they experienced. They recall their desire to explore and the lack of concern for how they would return home, highlighting a carefree and adventurous spirit. The verse underscores the idea that material wealth was irrelevant compared to the wealth of experiences and emotions they shared.

[Pre-Chorus: Hozier & Brandi Carlile]
The pre-chorus reflects on the disillusionment that comes with adulthood. The singers wish they had known that their carefree days were temporary and that they were not to blame for the world's problems. They acknowledge that despite having nothing tangible to show for their efforts, they held the best of the world in their hands. This section captures a sense of innocence and the realization that their youthful ignorance shielded them from the harsh realities of life.

[Chorus: Hozier & Brandi Carlile]
The chorus emphasizes the central theme of the song: the feeling of loss and longing for the past. Hozier and Carlile express that they haven't felt the same sense of freedom and joy since their younger days. They recognize that youthful recklessness did not cause the real damage in their lives. Instead, the true damage comes from losing that sense of youthful exuberance and becoming weighed down by the complexities and responsibilities of adulthood.

[Verse 2: Hozier, Brandi Carlile, Hozier & Brandi Carlile]
In the second verse, the singers reflect on the time when they felt they had everything they needed, even though they had very little. They miss the simplicity and contentment of those days, contrasting it with their current state of always feeling like something is missing. The verse highlights the irony of having more material possessions but feeling less fulfilled, emphasizing the intangible value of their past experiences and emotions.

[Verse 3: Brandi Carlile, Hozier & Brandi Carlile]
The third verse continues the theme of simplicity and contentment. The car is a symbol of their freedom and independence, representing their ability to go wherever they wanted. The mention of the sun shining on them and the tank being filled just enough to get them there captures a sense of resourcefulness and appreciation for the small joys in life. This verse reinforces the idea that they were content with what they had and didn’t need much to feel happy.

[Pre-Chorus: Hozier & Brandi Carlile, Brandi Carlile]
The second pre-chorus reflects on the magical feeling of their first car, likening it to wings on an angel. They remember the time before the world became overwhelming and complicated. The line about goodwill keeping up the engine suggests that their positivity and love kept them going. The image of steering the heart like a wheel conveys the idea of being guided by love and emotion rather than material concerns.

[Chorus: Hozier & Brandi Carlile]
The final chorus reiterates the longing for the past and the recognition that youthful recklessness did not cause the real damage. The singers express a sense of loss for the feeling of freedom and joy they once had. This repetition underscores the song's central theme of nostalgia and the inevitable passage of time.

[Bridge: Hozier]
The bridge poses reflective questions about why they never took more risks or seized opportunities when they had the chance. It conveys a sense of regret for not fully appreciating their youthful freedom and not taking advantage of the chances they had. This section adds depth to the theme of loss and longing, emphasizing the fleeting nature of youth.

[Outro: Hozier & Brandi Carlile]
In the outro, the singers express that all they needed was someone to share their experiences with when the world felt young and full of possibilities. This final reflection ties together the themes of love, companionship, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. It emphasizes the importance of relationships and shared experiences in making life feel rich and meaningful.