Wildflower And Barley Lyrics – Hozier & Allison Russell

[Verse 1: Hozier, Hozier & Allison Russell]
In the first verse, Hozier reflects on the arrival of spring in the countryside, describing the shock of light and the awakening of nature. The mention of the world lying fallow and the sense of separation suggests a period of dormancy and longing. The imagery of "riverboat, wheelbarrow, wildflower, and barley" evokes a sense of rustic simplicity and the natural cycle of life. The contrast between movement and life and the notion of departure and death highlights the duality of existence.

[Chorus: Hozier, Allison Russell, Hozier & Allison Russell]
The chorus speaks to a resolve to bury the past and move forward with actions and words. The healers and diggers symbolize efforts to heal and rebuild. The repetition of feeling "as useful as dirt" underscores a sense of humility and grounding. The idea of burying things close to the surface and the casket suggests a reconciliation with both the present and the inevitable end.

[Verse 2: Hozier & Allison Russell]
In the second verse, the setting shifts to the city, where the empty canal banks and yearning grass evoke a sense of emptiness and longing for human connection. The imagery of "canal boat and trolley, wildflower, and barley" ties the urban and rural settings together, emphasizing the continuity of life's cycles. The streets crying out for laughter highlight the absence of joy and the desire for renewal.

[Chorus: Hozier, Allisson Russell, Hozier & Allison Russell]
The chorus repeats, reinforcing the themes of healing and action. The determination to bury the past and the acknowledgment of the cyclical nature of life remain central. The phrase "unreal unearth" captures the surreal and transformative aspect of this process.

[Outro: Hozier & Allison Russell]
The outro reflects on the passage of time from the perspective of someone looking out a window. The sun's hesitation symbolizes the gradual transition between seasons and the anticipation of change. The wish for all things, including grief and sweet memory, to remain above ground suggests a desire to hold onto both the pain and beauty of life. The final mention of "wildflower and barley" reinforces the enduring presence of nature and memory amidst the cycles of life.