Who We Are Lyrics – Hozier

[Verse 1]
In the first verse, Hozier reflects on the concept of loss and how its impact is most profoundly felt in its absence. He uses the metaphor of something slipping through one's fingers drop by drop to convey the gradual and often unnoticed nature of losing something valuable. The imagery of being held "like water" or "like a knife" suggests the duality of vulnerability and potential harm in relationships and life experiences. The verse highlights the delicate balance between holding on and letting go, and the emotional weight carried by these decisions.

[Chorus]
The chorus emphasizes the idea that much of life involves navigating through darkness and uncertainty. Hozier likens life to being "born at night," implying an inherent struggle to find clarity and purpose. The hardest part, he suggests, is understanding and accepting who we are amidst this journey. The repetition of "it's who we are" underscores the central theme of identity and the challenges associated with self-discovery. This section captures the existential struggle of carving out one's path in a world filled with ambiguity.

[Verse 2]

In the second verse, Hozier reflects on the disillusionment that comes from pursuing goals or dreams that may not truly be our own. He speaks about burning out while chasing someone else's dream, which resonates with the idea of sacrificing personal happiness for societal or external expectations. The lyrics suggest that these pursuits often feel heavier and more burdensome than they seem, emphasizing the disparity between appearance and reality. The line "we sacrificed, we gave our time to something undefined" captures the feeling of investing in a vague or uncertain future. The image of this "phantom life" sharpening like a knife evokes the sharp, painful realization of misaligned priorities and the emotional toll it takes.

[Chorus]

The chorus reiterates the themes introduced earlier, emphasizing that navigating through the darkness and carving out a path in life is a fundamental part of the human experience. The phrase "the hardest part is who we are" serves as a reminder that understanding and accepting our true selves is the most challenging yet essential task. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the central theme, highlighting the ongoing struggle to define and embrace our identity amidst life's uncertainties.

[Post-Chorus]

The post-chorus, with its simple repetition of "yeah," serves as a moment of reflection and emotional resonance. It provides a pause for the listener to absorb the weight of the lyrics and the themes discussed. This section allows the listener to connect with the song on a visceral level, emphasizing the emotional depth and complexity of the human experience.

[Outro]

In the outro, Hozier returns to the idea introduced in the first verse, emphasizing the theme of loss and the cost of getting through life. The repetition of the imagery of something slipping through fingers "drop by drop" reinforces the gradual, often unnoticed nature of loss. The outro serves as a poignant conclusion, bringing the listener back to the core message of the song: the challenge of navigating life's uncertainties and the enduring struggle to understand and accept who we are.