Hozier’s 2014 hit invited the listener to “Take Me To” Church.
“Take Me to Church” is the debut single by Irish singer-songwriter Andrew Hozier-Byrne, known professionally as Hozier. Although the song became strongly associated with 2014 through its self-titled debut album, radio impact, and worldwide breakthrough, it was first released digitally in September 2013 on an extended play of the same name.
Hozier wrote and recorded the song while struggling to establish himself, working in the attic of his parents’ home in County Wicklow. The lyrics use religious language to describe romantic devotion while criticizing institutional discrimination, particularly toward LGBTQ+ people. Its blues, soul, gospel, and alternative-rock influences helped distinguish it from conventional pop hits.
The song’s stark black-and-white music video, directed by Brendan Canty and Conal Thomson, expanded its audience and drew attention to anti-LGBTQ+ violence in Russia. In the United States, it reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100. A common date mix-up comes from its 2013 debut versus its major 2014 international breakthrough.