Hozier released Nina Cried Power as an EP before the release of his entire album. The song is titled as the first track on the album, and received great praise from his fans and critics alike. The song was the first peep he had made since 2016, after returning from a musical hiatus. Coincidentally, this time he was gone was a period in which big changes were taking place in the world. In 2016, Donald Trump was elected into presidency in the United States, causing a large divide between people and an even larger divide between the political parties. His next few years in office would prove to be a trying time for not just the US but for the world, and though not explicitly stated, Hozier may have been influenced in the writing of this song due to these times.
He has made comments about his political stance in numerous interviews, but never clearly states if he is committed to any sort of political party. One thing that is very clear, however, is that Hozier is a large supporter of oppressed groups, including people of color and women. In the music video to this song, he made sure to include people of every age, race, and gender. The concept is very simple but effective in placing focus on the intention of the song, without bells and whistles that would distract someone watching the video. The music video shows people reacting to the song playing, while images from political protests are projected on the wall behind them.
A lyric that stands out to me in the song is “And everythin’ that we’re denied by keepin’ the divide”. This seems to be a comment on the social divide that was so prevalent at the time of the songs release. This can also be tied back to, with potential for a duel meaning, with the division of people in the civil rights movement. In the song, Hozier calls out names of civil rights activists, and even has Mavis Staples singing with him on the track. In an interview with Hot Press, Hozier comments on public speculation of the application of this song to today’s current climate. He says, “There are clear parallels with the modern day political climate and the Black Lives Matter movement.” Hozier paints a image of gratefulness and appreciation for a numerous amount of activists that serves as a reflection of his political views.
February 27, 2020 at 5:47 pm
Jenn,
This is a tricky song because it holds its meaning from the context in which is was written and the people who are references in it, Nina Simone and others–all figures dedicated civil rights and social justices. The song is inviting you to look into institutions of power that are oppressing others and to figure out what and why that is happening. For this post, specifically, links to and discussions about how institutions oppress and suppress people would have been needed, and they will certainly be needed for your podcast. Indeed, the people who is mentioning and celebrating give you hints toward the kinds of issues that the song is discussing without stating it outright. So, it will take significant work for you to look into those artists and find out what they were fighting against.
Bill