"Unknown / Nth" is a new English song by Hozier, produced by Hozier and Sean Cook, and written by Hozier. The song is featured on Hozier's album Unreal Unearth, which was released on June 23, 2023. The track is available… Read More
Unknown / Nth Lyrics
- Lyrics
- Meaning
[Verse 1]
You know the distance never made a difference to me
I swam a lake of fire, I'd have walked across the floor of any sea
Ignored the vastness between all that can be seen
And all that we believe
So I thought you were like an angel to me
[Verse 2]
Funny how true colours shine in darkness and in secrecy
If there were scarlet flags, they washed out in the mind of me
Where a blindin' light shone on you every night
And either side of my sleep
Where you were held frozen like an angel to me
[Chorus]
It ain't the being alone (Sha-la-la)
It ain't the empty home, baby (Sha-la-la)
You know I'm good on my own (Sha-la-la)
Sha-la-la, baby, you know, it's more the being unknown
So much of the livin', love, is the being unknown
[Verse 3]
You called me "angel" for the first time, my heart leapt from me
You smile now, I can see its pieces still stuck in your teeth
And what's left of it, I listen to it tick
Every tedious beat
Going unknown as any angel to me
[Bridge]
Do you know I could break beneath the weight
Of the goodness, love, I still carry for you?
That I'd walk so far just to take
The injury of finally knowin' you?
[Chorus]
It ain't the being alone (Sha-la-la)
It ain't the empty home, baby (Sha-la-la)
You know I'm good on my own (Sha-la-la)
Sha-la-la, baby, you know, it's more the being unknown
And there are some people, love, who are better unknown
[Verse 1: Hozier]
In the first verse, Hozier reflects on the insignificance of physical distance in the context of a deep emotional bond. He likens his willingness to overcome any obstacle for the sake of this connection to swimming through fire or walking the ocean floor. The vastness between reality and belief is ignored, highlighting his idealistic perception of the relationship, where the other person is seen as an angel.
[Verse 2: Hozier]
The second verse reveals the true nature of the person he loved, as their true colors emerged in secrecy and darkness. The metaphor of scarlet flags being washed out in his mind suggests he overlooked red flags due to his idealization of them. The blinding light that shone on them represents his unwavering admiration, which persisted even in his sleep, keeping their angelic image frozen in his mind.
[Chorus: Hozier]
In the chorus, Hozier addresses the theme of loneliness and being unknown. He asserts that being alone or having an empty home is not the issue; rather, it's the feeling of being unknown that troubles him. The repetition of "sha-la-la" adds a rhythmic, almost comforting cadence to the acknowledgment of this deeper emotional struggle. The chorus underscores the idea that much of life's experience, particularly in love, involves the pain of being misunderstood or unseen.
[Verse 3: Hozier]
The third verse recalls a moment when the other person called him "angel," which made his heart leap. The vivid imagery of pieces of his heart stuck in their teeth conveys the lasting impact of this moment. Despite the emotional toll, he continues to listen to his heart's tedious beat, enduring the pain of being unknown and feeling like an angel to them, caught in a state of limbo.
[Bridge: Hozier]
In the bridge, Hozier expresses the weight of the love and goodness he still carries for the person. He acknowledges that this burden could break him, and he contemplates the injury of finally knowing them fully. This introspective moment highlights the tension between the desire to understand the other person completely and the fear of the pain that such knowledge might bring.
[Chorus: Hozier]
The final chorus reiterates the central theme of the song, emphasizing that being unknown is more challenging than being alone. Hozier suggests that some people are better left unknown, implying that the mystery and idealization might be preferable to the painful reality of fully understanding them. The repetition of the chorus and the "sha-la-la" refrain reinforces the emotional resonance of these themes, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.
More Hozier Songs
About Song
"Unknown / Nth" is a new English song by Hozier, produced by Hozier and Sean Cook, and written by Hozier. The song is featured on Hozier's album Unreal Unearth, which was released on June 23, 2023. The track is available on Hozier's official YouTube channel.
The song "Unknown / Nth" delves into the complexities of relationships, identity, and the longing for deeper connection. The lyrics explore the emotional weight of being misunderstood or unknown by a loved one, despite the profound love and devotion felt. Hozier uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the pain and beauty of these intricate emotions, emphasizing the contrast between being alone and being unknown.
Credits
Unreal Unearth Songs
Unknown / Nth Official Video
FAQs
The "Unknown / Nth" song is sung by Hozier.
The "Unknown / Nth" song by Hozier lyrics was written by Hozier.
The "Unknown / Nth" song by Hozier was produced by Hozier & Sean Cook.
Hozier released "Unknown / Nth" song on Jun 23, 2023.
