First Time Lyrics – Hozier

[Verse 1]
In the first verse, Hozier reflects on his past feelings of discomfort with his own name and identity. He describes how his soul felt nameless and hidden, akin to an undiscovered underground river. This verse sets the stage for the song's exploration of identity and transformation, suggesting that his sense of self was elusive and difficult to grasp until the intervention of a significant other.

[Pre-Chorus]
The pre-chorus introduces the transformative power of a kiss, which metaphorically allows Hozier to drink from the River Lethe, a mythological river associated with forgetfulness and oblivion. The kiss soothes his soul, providing a sense of comfort and renewal. This section emphasizes the profound impact of love on his sense of self, suggesting that it has the power to erase past discomforts and bring a sense of peace.

[Chorus]
The chorus highlights the dual nature of love's impact on Hozier. He acknowledges that part of him must have died each time he was called "baby," suggesting that love brings about a profound change. Simultaneously, another part of him comes alive, indicating that love also brings new life and vitality. This chorus encapsulates the theme of transformation through love, illustrating how it simultaneously destroys and creates parts of his identity.

[Verse 2]
In the second verse, Hozier contemplates his existence and the influence of his mother, who gifted him flowers that symbolize life. He likens his life to a flower growing mostly underground, unseen and unheard, until it reaches for sunlight only to be uprooted. This verse deepens the exploration of life's struggles and the cyclical nature of growth and destruction, emphasizing the fragile yet resilient nature of existence.

[Pre-Chorus]
The pre-chorus reiterates the theme of transformation, with the flower blooming forth in its final moments. Hozier reflects on the shared experience of suffering and fighting for existence, likening it to all of creation's struggle against the absence of self. This section emphasizes the universal nature of the struggle for identity and the persistence of life.

[Chorus]
The chorus is repeated, reinforcing the theme of love's dual impact on the self. Each time Hozier is called "baby," part of him dies, while another part comes alive. This repetition underscores the cyclical nature of love's transformative power and its profound effect on his identity.

[Bridge]
The bridge features an intimate plea for the loved one to stay, underscoring the importance of their presence. The repeated "ooh-la-la" creates a soothing and hypnotic effect, emphasizing the emotional pull and the comfort found in the loved one's presence.

[Verse 3]
In the third verse, Hozier reflects on the last time his name was heard, highlighting the resignation and decline of arguments. He reminisces about his youthful contemplation of emptiness and its limits, questioning when the last significant moment occurred. This verse emphasizes the introspective nature of the song, focusing on the search for meaning and the impact of love on his sense of self.

[Chorus]
The final chorus emphasizes the ultimate impact of love, with part of Hozier dying and another part coming alive the final time he is called "baby." This concluding section reinforces the transformative power of love and its lasting effect on his identity, bringing the song to a poignant and reflective close.