Hozier - Cherry Wine 

I like that the video doesn't show the actual abuse, it chooses to show us their loving moments and then her black eye when she's alone. Frequently that's how it works.

I appreciate how the lyrics are about a man being abused by his girlfriend and the video is a woman being abused by her boyfriend It really shows how abuse can go both ways and isn't just specific to one gender

The way he comes up when he sees her staring at her black-eyed reflection just to kiss and cover her eye with her hair and walk away is such an intimate representation of abuse. The way someone will try to suck you back in with love and forgive the damage, but there’s no erasing the trauma.

spotify had this in their "that warm fuzzy feeling playlist" oh no oh no

The video kills me. He seems so gentle and loving with her, and yet he still hurts her. It hits too close to home. Thank you Hozier for a poignant and amazing song.

I love how Saoirse’s acting can pull us in with just her face. She doesn’t even have to say anything.

This song makes me cry every time because it’s about abuse, but it’s STILL a love song, and that combination of feelings is absolutely unbearable if you’ve ever been there.

On TikTok people are posting about their wedding or partner with this song and are meaning it to be romantic and I just....

Isn't it crazy how he's only ever loving to her and treating her with tenderness in the frames we can see. But the audience still knows that he's the person that hurt her.

"she loves like sleep to the freezing" is by far best description of unhealthy love I've ever heard...

Saoirse was 20 in this video. 20 years old! So mature and talented, incredible. give that girl an Oscar already!

I have watched this a million times but I just noticed at 2:54 that the man covered her bruised eye with her hair. Just like any other abusive person, they always refuse to acknowledge the abuse that they’ve done. Really love this song. 5/29 Listening to this during quaratine, I hope everyones safe. Not just from covid but from all other kinds of abuse.

Oh god, the fear in her eyes at 2:28 breaks my heart. She doesn’t know if he’ll kiss her or hit her. So touching.

I literally cried. Not because of abuse on my own. I thought about my lovely mother, my angel. I can't imagine the abuse she went through with her first husband, who thank fuck ain't my father and neither did I ever met him. Poor family, my young and beautiful mom, her husband who is secretly a demon. He would kick her with his feet until he thought she died. Then he would put water on her to wake her up. He was alcoholic and even abused his own mother. My mom got pregnant with two kids, the first one she aborted, the second one died in her stomach. I was born 10 years after the second one. She is way too good for me, I am extremely grateful and lucky for calling this godlike woman my mother, my everything. I still cry a lot while I wrote this comment. I love you mama, more than anything else in the world.❤

[Verse 1] Her eyes and words are so icy Oh, but she burns Like rum on a fire Hot and fast and angry as she can be I walk my days on a wire [Pre-Chorus 1] It looks ugly, but it's clean Oh mama, don't fuss over me [Chorus] The way she tells me I'm hers and she is mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine [Verse 2] Calls of guilty thrown at me, all while she stains The sheets of some other Thrown at me so powerfully, just like she throws With the arm of her brother [Pre-Chorus 2] But I want it, it's a crime That she's not around most of the time [Chorus 2] The way she shows me I'm hers and she is mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine [Verse 3] Her fight and fury's fiery Oh, but she looks Like sleep to the freezing Sweet and right and merciful, I'm all but washed In the tide of her breathing [Pre-Chorus 3] And it's worth it, it's divine I have this some of the time [Chorus 2] The way she shows me I'm hers and she is mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine

To anyone complaining that the video isn't showing a man getting abused: The lyrics talk about a man getting abused, the video shows a woman getting abused. The whole point is to raise awareness about domestic violence in general, so why is everyone getting mad because because he isn't focusing on one gender? He is representing both male and females getting abused. I don't understand why people have a problem with this.

The sweetness of the music contrasts so well with the bitterness of his situation. Like Cherry Wine. It's just perfect.

I just wanna add to my fellow emotionally abused victims out there who are still going through or who has been through it. your scars may not be visible to the naked eye but ik it's there and they are just as valid. don't ever let anyone tell you it's not. emotional abusers should not get a pass just because they never laid a hand on you. abuse is abuse.

When I learned that the line-- "It looks ugly, but it's clean Oh, mama don't fuss over me" depicts to when his mother notices the physical marks of abuse saying the wounds are ugly but it's clean (already disinfected) --I was at a loss

Okay the fact that I thought this was a sweet love song is kind of disturbing. But oh damn, this artist is a poet rare to be found. So glad I get to listen to his music.

This shot (2:24) is fascinating in the way that she is alone in the center and she has the two reflections looking back at the center. One reflection with darker light and showing her bruised eye and the other with light and clear. The two sides that complete her side of fhe relationship. Another thing is (and this is a stretch) the mirror and how you can adjust it to different angles to see what you want to see or simply close them and block it out. This is my interpretation, that's what makes art and music powerful to the artist and audience.

I used to love this song. It’s so different listening to it now after being in a relationship with domestic violence. It’s like a drug. He hurt me so much but those little moment where I just got to lay in his arms and looks him and feel loved….I felt like it was all worth it. That the price for love was pain. Idk how someone I love so much could hurt me so badly. I’ll never understand. Getting free is the only way.

As much as I love how Hozier can create such a soft but tragic song to spread awareness about domestic abuse I really hope Hozier himself hasn't had to face violent abuse in his relationships. He seems like one of the few musicians today that are so insightful and overall pleasant in general (obviously I don't personally know him but I can usually just feel when someone is a decent person.) I've been a fan since I was 13 and I truly love him so much, he deserves happiness and all the best! 💖

The fear in her eyes at 2:28, before he kisses her is just heartbreaking. It lasts a few seconds but it hurts. Haven't been moved by a music video like this, before.

Hozier get out from your beautiful spanish moss forest dwelling and give us a new album I'm begging you

I love how there’s this contrast between the tone of the song and its subject. Like we all know Hozier can write a damn good sorrowful song, but for this topic he chooses not to. It almost feels like a sweet love song to slow dance to if you don’t consider the lyrics. It’s interesting because that’s how it might be for someone in an abusive relationship. There’s all these joyful and romantic moments, but only if you ignore what’s really going on.

The most accurate and without vulgar stereotypes video about domestic abuse I've ever seen. I believe it captures very well the victim's side.

First time: feel the lyrics Second time: admire saoirse's acting

This made me cry, I just got out of an 6 yr relationship that was filled with violence. We have a child together. I loved him so much. He beat me regularly. I feel this accurately depicted the conflicted emotions attached to domestic violence. To love someone enough to allow them to abuse you. But I finally realized my love for him would never stop the cycle. There was nothing I could do because I wasn't the problem. It's been about 6 months since I got away and when I think about him breaking two of my ribs and then tenderly picking me up and taking me to the hospital, I get sick to my stomach. Thank you hozier for raising awareness for domestic violence. And for you beautiful song.

We accept the love we think we deserve ~ The Perks of being a wallflower

I love how the song is about a man, in an abusive relationship, and it’s the woman being violent, but in the video it’s the opposite, showing it can be either sex who can be an abusive partner.

I love how at 0:53 it goes "but it's clean" and it shows her cleaning her makeup off and then at 1:06 "open hand" his hands are open then 1:07 "closed fist" his closes his hands into fists then at 1:16 "cherry wine" she drinks her wine. Its such a detail music video and it gets me every time.

Couldn’t find the lyrics person so here: Her eyes and words are so icy Oh but she burns like rum on the fire Hot and fast and angry as she can be I walk my days on a wire it looks ugly, but it's clean Oh momma, don't fuss over me The way she tells me l'm hers and she is mine Open hand or close fist would be fine The blood is red and sweet as cherry wine Calls of guilty thrown at me All while she stains The sheets of some other Thrown at me so powerfully Just like she throws with the arm of her brother But I want it, it's a crime That she's not around most of the time The way she shows me I'm hers and she is mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine The blood is red and sweet as cherry wine Her fight and fury is fiery Oh but she loves like sleep to the freezing Sweet and right and merciful I'm all but washed in the tide of her breathing And it's worth it, it's divine And I have this some of the time The way she shows me I'm hers and she is mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine The blood is red and sweet as cherry wine

"but i want it, it's a crime that she's not around most of the time" it's like a comfort line that feels like he's safe and sound when she's with some other, oh ghad i love this song. there's a lot of possible meanings and different interpretation, hozier is so poetic...

Lyrics: Her eyes and words are so icy Oh but she burns Like rum on the fire Hot and fast and angry as she can be I walk my days on a wire It looks ugly, but it's clean Oh momma, don't fuss over me The way she tells me I'm hers and she is mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine Calls of guilty thrown at me All while she stains The sheets of some other Thrown at me so powerfully Just like she throws with the arm of her brother But I want it It's a crime That she's not around most of the time The way she shows me I'm hers and she is mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine Blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine Her fight and fury is fiery Oh but she loves Like sleep to the freezing Sweet and right and merciful I'm all but washed In the tide of her breathing And it's worth it, it's divine I have this some of the time The way she shows me I'm hers and she is mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine

It’s been 15 years since I got out.. alive somehow. I still get a racing heart and the feeling of ice in my blood if someone raises their voice (or hands) or moves quickly around me. Even after counselling etc and so many years ...I am still trying to feel complete. Each day one small step forward..... You are a survivor after if you're lucky, but you are changed forever.

I have a feeling that the reason only half of the woman's face is bruised is to show the two sides of the relationship: the loving and the abusive. She's conflicted whether or not she should leave because, as the lyrics say, the relationship teeters on a line between abuse and love that you can't find anywhere else. It's too good to throw out the window and she'd rather endure all the pain of domestic violence just to be with the person she loves.

“ Way she tells me I’m hers and she’s mine, Open hand or closed fist would be fine “ Hozier literally poured his heart in this ❤️ Forever favorite ❤️

“But I want it/ It’s a crime/ That she’s not around/ Most of the time” This isn’t just to say that the singer really loves this woman, it might also be to say that the singer feels he deserves this abuse. I’ll never forget the first time I saw The Perks of Being a Wallflower, while being a teen in an emotionally abuse household, and heard the line “We accept the love we think we deserve”. The effects of psychological/emotional/verbal abuse are devastating- I, along with millions of others, can attest to that. To add physical abuse on top of that? Terrifying, heart breaking. All of it.

Im a simple lady, i see Saoirse Ronan i click

Her eyes and words are so icy Oh but she burns Like rum on the fire Hot and fast and angry as she can be I walk my days on a wire. It looks ugly, but it's clean, Oh momma, don't fuss over me. The way she tells me I'm hers and she is mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine. Calls of guilty thrown at me All while she stains The sheets of some other Thrown at me so powerfully Just like she throws with the arm of her brother. But I want it It's a crime That she's not around most of the time. The way she shows me I'm hers and she is mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine Blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine. Her fight and fury is fiery Oh but she loves Like sleep to the freezing Sweet and right and merciful I'm all but washed In the tide of her breathing. And it's worth it, it's divine I have this some of the time. The way she shows me I'm hers and she is mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine.

There isn’t any singer out there able to cover this song even semi-decently. Andrew nails it with the rhythmic cadence and subtlest of nuances in his voice, and perfectly captures the *aching* and *longing* for a love that feels like home. Trauma bonds feel like a severe addiction to a bad drug that you just CANNOT do without, and that slowly takes everything away from you. So the trauma bonded lover is stuck constantly recreating the push-pull, kiss-slap, open-hand/closed-fist of his childhood environment. It’s a real Tantalus hell, the cycle of withdrawal and euphoria. If only they were wired to receive healthy love- love that is predictable, stable, and nourishing in its kindness and faithfulness.

I remember when my ex husband sung this song to me and I was in shock. I was like “I never put my hands on you!” He was like no, it’s a romantic song. I had to repeat the words he sang back to me and his face was like😮smh.

When was the last time you heard a musician on the radio that you could also call a poet? Every time I hear Hozier I tell everybody else to shut up. So I can do my best to absorb it.

Saoirse's acting is so raw and beautiful. She gives this video the power and yet helplessness that the lyrics try to evoke.

The feeling of looking at yourself in the mirror as you’re bruised. He fully captured it in this video.

Because when you're in it, it still feels like love even if it's not healthy

I hadn't realized it before but if you look at the lyrics, It's kind of obvious that this song is about domestic abuse. "Hot and fast and angry as she can be. I walk my days on a wire" describes how there's always the constant fear of his partner going off in a fit of anger. "It looks ugly, but it's clean. Oh, mamma, don't fuss over me" refers to how many victims of domestic abuse refuse to get help and deny that they are being abused. "The way she tells me I'm hers and she is mine." this especially talks about how the abuser is usually very loving to the victim when they aren't being abusive assholes. It's their way of getting the victims to stay with them. Because the victims to actually love them and fall in love with the gentle persona and then don't want to leave. "Open hand or closed fist would be fine. The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine" means that they accept the abuse (for previously mentioned reasons) and sometimes fail to see what is wrong with the relationship. "Calls of guilty thrown at me all while she stains the sheets of some other. Thrown at me so powerfully just like she throws with the arm of her brother" god this one gets to me. There're more mentions of physical abuse but then here it also mentions how his partner is also very verbally abusive. Yet, to top it all off, his partner is also cheating on him with someone else. "But I want it, it's a crime that she's not around most of the time" as i previously said, he genuinely loves his partner (even if she doesn't love him) and god, if that doesn't break your heart. "And it's worth it, it's divine. I have this some of the time" god I hate this line. It basically says how he reasons that the good times are worth the abuse and just....I can't. This song just gets to me.

Where my Saoirse Ronan fans at??

Kit Connor said this song reminds him of his high school crush so here I am

It’s weird to think as kids that we won’t ever get in an abusive relationship, but because of love, our thoughts change and we’re manipulated. I feel so sorry for people dealing with that, and I hope they soon get out of their situation. Good luck to anyone that’s in this position, and I believe you can get out of it.

Her eyes and words are so icy Oh but she burns Like rum on a fire Hot and fast and angry As she can be I walk my days on a wire It looks ugly, but it's clean Oh mamma, don't fuss over me [Chorus:] The way she tells me I'm hers and she is mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine Calls of guilty thrown at me All while she stains The sheets of some other Thrown at me so powerfully Just like she throws with the arm of her brother But I want it, it's a crime That she's not around most of the time [Chorus:] Way she tells me I'm hers and she is mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine Her fight and fury is fiery Oh but she loves Like sleep to the freezing Sweet and right and merciful I'm all but washed In the tide of her breathing And it's worth it, it's divine I have this some of the time [Chorus:] Way she shows me I'm hers and she is mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine

Listening to Hozier makes me want to get twelve tattoos all at once.

Hozier has such depth and intensity in his songs. It's like he feels the pain while singing.

I used to watch this music video and cry my heart out. I was trapped in an abusive relationship but was so sad to leave the “good things,” and so scared of a future without him. Two years later I look back and I am so very, very glad that I had the courage to leave. If you’re reading this and you’re wondering what to do, this is your sign. Hope this helps someone. ❤️

wow, I didn't realize how deep this song actually was. I've been singing it all along, and didn't even know the real meaning till I read the lyrics

Walk away darling, Walk away. There is a fresh breeze outside, Waiting to carry you somewhere safe.

After 7 years, it's still my favourite song. It's magical. I can never get tired of it. Time flies. I feel nostalgic whenever I listen to it.

I had to watch it twice and the second time when I seen him cover her eye broke me. It hit me hard..I was abused not by a boyfriend but by my stepdad and mother. I’ve had to cover a black eye. After it happened he apologized and they were nice to me but it always happens again. Had to stay home for about a week. My boyfriend was there when it happened, he didn’t see exactly, he wouldn’t dare say something then because he was scared and I understood. My mother allowed him to stay the night and I was awfully sick the next day . Had a concussion. My bf stayed and comforted me. This happened not even a year ago. Thankfully I do not live with them anymore. I’m up living with my grandmother until my dad is done working up in Alaska. :)

how have I never actually LISTENED to the lyrics, man I'm crying

the way she touches her wrist in the start.. how when she's with him she's almost always turned to the side where there's no bruise... the fear in her eyes... the picture of her with the baby... the way she touches the bruise.... gods, it's all so subtle but it's so heartbreaking. I don't know what's worse, the lyrics or the video...

Guys, I don't know if you are aware who this phenomenal girl is, she's Saoirse Ronan. One day she WILL win an Oscar, maybe a few. Don't you just want to take her home with you and take care of her for the rest of her days in this video? That's great acting, considering she's probably really well-adjusted and happy in real life.

This lady has one hell of a talent for taking the right role offerings!! Although I haven´t seen much of her yet, mostly only outtakes or read a description, it hits deep to see that she reminds me in her apperaance and attitude so much of myself than noone before. Glad you came up. Wish you the best for your career, Saoirse, show them!!! 💖💖🤗🤗😘😘

"Cherry Wine" Her eyes and words are so icy Oh but she burns Like rum on a fire Hot and fast and angry As she can be I walk my days on a wire It looks ugly, but it's clean Oh mamma, don't fuss over me [Chorus:] The way she tells me I'm hers and she is mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine Calls of guilty thrown at me All while she stains The sheets of some other Thrown at me so powerfully Just like she throws with the arm of her brother But I want it, it's a crime That she's not around most of the time [Chorus:] Way she shows me I'm hers and she is mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine Her fight and fury is fiery Oh but she loves Like sleep to the freezing Sweet and right and merciful I'm all but washed In the tide of her breathing And it's worth it, it's divine I have this some of the time [Chorus:] Way she shows me I'm hers and she is mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine

I like how the song is about a woman abusing a man and the video is about a man abusing a woman. There is an equality in perspective - the dichotomy between the words and the visuals - that I really respect.

Forever my favorite Hozier song

the fact that he covers her swollen eye with her hair after he kisses her..... he didn’t even want to acknowledge what he did. both of them are amazing actors.

Okay, I NEVER post comments on RU-vid but this song is so deep, rich and thought-provoking I had to. I love dissecting a good lyric so here’s my take on the meaning of this song and some of its layers. “Her eyes and words are so icy Oh but she burns Like rum on the fire” She can be cold as ice to him or raging and hot-tempered - she’s unpredictable and volatile. There’s a hint it’s alcohol-related, too, maybe drunken rages, with the reference to rum on the fire. “Hot and fast and angry as she can be I walk my days on a wire.” This volatility means he always has to be careful around her, never wanting to set her off. “It looks ugly, but it's clean, Oh momma, don't fuss over me.” The physical wound he’s received from her looks bad, but it’s not infected - it’s clean - so it’s no big deal. He’s minimizing the physical injuries he’s receiving. “The way she tells me I'm hers and she’s mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine.” She can still be sweet, and talks about their love for one another, so he excuses the occasional violence - “the blood is rare” - whether it be a slap or a punch: “open hand or closed fist”. “Calls of guilty thrown at me All while she stains The sheets of some other” This verse expands on the physical violence covered already with some psychological abuse - she is hypocritical and cheating on him even while acting jealous of him and suspecting him of cheating on her. Presumably she’s judging him by the same standard as the way she is acting herself, though he’s innocent. “Thrown at me so powerfully Just like she throws with the arm of her brother.” This line makes me wonder if she herself has suffered some abuse at the hands of her brother growing up (especially after reading “Educated” by Tara Westover a while ago). If she’s experienced abuse herself she might be acting this way in her relationships with others - helps us to understand if not excuse her behaviour. “But I want it It's a crime That she's not around most of the time.” Despite her awful behaviour, he still wants to be with her, and the irony is he calls her absence a crime, while overlooking and minimizing her ACTUAL criminal behaviour (the violence and abuse). “The way she shows me I'm hers and she’s mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine Blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine.” I’ve heard some people comment how an abused person can start to see the abuse as a sign the abuser loves them - the strength of the insults/hits shows how deeply they care, in this twisted interpretation, so the abuse itself becomes a sign of the “love” of the abuser. “Her fight and fury is fiery Oh but she loves Like sleep to the freezing” Again the juxtaposition of hot and cold, and the picture of someone frozen - all they want is to sleep, but of course that sleep will be deadly to them. In the same way the abused person desires the love of the abuser. “Sweet and right and merciful I'm all but washed In the tide of her breathing.” Carrying on the picture of sleeping - now it seems to be her that’s sleeping, and she is at her most calm and peaceful - it’s probably easy to love and forgive her right now. It seems, though, perversely, that HE’S the one who’s feeling forgiven, and is grateful for it. I think he’s calling her/her love “sweet and right and merciful” - she’s merciful for forgiving HIM for his misdeeds - and “I’m all but washed” - again seems to be a picture of him being (nearly) cleansed. I think this is hinting at how the abused person feels the abuse is THEIR fault and the abuser is being kind to them by forgiving them and staying with them. Rather than recognising that it is the abuser who is in the wrong and the abuser should be the one seeking forgiveness. “And it's worth it, it's divine I have this some of the time.” And this love seems to be worth it to him. The occasional, wonderful times outweigh the bad, in his mind. So, at least in the song, there’s no hint of trying to leave or even wanting to. So powerful and sad.

This was your favorite song. It'll always remind me of you. I'll probably miss you forever, L. I wish you experience all the loveliest things in this world.

Lost someone today who died due to some chronic illness on paper but we all know she suffered from unimaginable years of physical, emotional and mental abuse. I feel so sorry and frustrated at myself because I couldn't do anything. All I can do is hope that she is in a better place now and is finally at peace. I do have someone else who is at the first stage of such abuse and this time I will do my best to protect and save her.

that's some strong concealer

I feel wrong being relaxed by such a sad song....

He covers her black eye with her hair. Even he can't look at what he's done to her. The fucking coward. But its also an admission that this will happen again. She uncovers her black eye when he leaves though. She's finally seeing things clearly.

This song is for all those judgemental folks who say shit like, "I'd never let someone hit me"....you might if it felt like this.

We accept the love we think we deserve 😢

I love this song so much. How it sounds so sweet, yet it's so not like that at all. Just like the relationships that are on this situation.

how come hozier be so sensitive to a story like this one, the way he define with words right what we need, is just an amazing gift and glad he made this song, showing how people, sometimes, get lost in the line between love and abuse (both the victim and the aggressor)

I came to the realization that I'm in, or was in, an emotionally abusive relationship, constantly being told sweet I love yous until he gets too drunk and says he's been dealing with me for years and I'm not grateful. I was so deep in that I stayed with him even though he cheated and lied to me, because seeing how he looks at me with adoration and holds me like he loves me DOES feel worth it. I just had to deal with his occasional drunk episodes. I told myself it wasn't the real him. A lot of people will judge but it isn't easy getting out of a manipulative relationship, especially when it feels like that person does actually love you; it makes you believe you really are the problem.

So many comments arguing over who is abused more: men or women? I say, does it matter?? Abuse is abuse, regardless of who initiated it or who it’s hurting. A better argument is WHY IS ABUSE STILL HAPPENING and how can we stop it?

This is by far my fav music from hozier. Everything is perfect. Melodies, lyrics, acting, directing.... a true masterpiece

I first heard this song 6 or 7 years ago on the james cordon talk show. I was mesmerized. I told my wife that thus song will become a mega hit. As the days, weeks and months passed i kept my ear out on top 40 radio stations but there was no sign of this song. To this day i am mystified why it didnt become a mega hit and instead disappeared into obscurity.

I WAS TRYINF TO DO MY HOMEWORK BUT I GOT THE NOTIFICATION AND CLICKED ON IT SO FAST

The way he says 'divine' (about 3:01 ish) just cleared my acne and raised my grades.

The fact that Kit Connor says this song reminds him of his high school crush actually deeply concerns me. I can only hope he just meant the slow melody and not the actual meaning behind this song...

It's probably the part of the video at 2:29 that just gets under my skin, since Ronan's expression is that of uncertain fear. Followed by the apologetic affection of the husband. The uncertainty whether the next touch will be abuse or love. Haunting.

i think on a day like 14th of feb it's important to remember how widespread, how common domestic violence can be. and that abusers can and often do make sweet romantic gestures. doesn't mean you owe them anything

Getting hit sucks. I’m a guy and I got hit. It hurts deep. This song helps. Thanks to everyone who helped bring it to the world.

Her acting gives me chills. It's impressive

that one shot where saorise is sat in front of the mirror and on one side is her face and it looks ok, and the other has her black eye and the dark lighting just hits me every time

This is my favorite by hozier. The song is beautiful. It sings about a woman being the abuser and the video is a man as the abuser. And it shows that they have romantic and intimate moments. That they love each other. Cause everyone imagines abusive relationships as just fighting and abuse all the time.(including the victims) One of the big reasons people stay in the relationship is because they think they're in love and the abuser almost always says they won't do it again and cry and say sorry and shit. And this doesn't just go for physical abuse. There's people who rape their significant other and the victim just accepts it because maybe the rapist "didn't mean to" or "that's how it works in a relationship" And mental abuse Just All the way around If you identify with any of this, please leave your relationship. I know it's difficult af but trust me, you will feel so much better after a couple months

Hallelujah and Cherry Wine: two iconic songs written by borderline genius lyricists that people don't seem to understand aren't romantic and yet use to show and highlight their romantic endeavours and love lives

The song is written so beautifully, it’s like poetry

hozier's lyricism is unparalleled

This video portrays the mind fuck that abuse is so clearly and poetically. How the woman touches her wrists and the faint bruises on them. The mirror with three panels. The symbology of the left side of the woman's face being hidden in the beginning, how it is slowly revealed throughout the video, her face falling when he pulls her hair aside ( 1:35 ), her pulling her hair to the side at the end to reveal the truth. The right side of her face is clear and beautiful while the left is marred (the right being the love in the relationship and the left being the abuse that plays out/is revealed over time). Him going for the wine on the mantle and not instantly becoming a monster after drinking. The way he treats her so softly but covers her bruise with her hair, which can be taken either as an apology (abusers often apologize and say they won't hit/yell/etc. again), trying to hide what he's done from himself, her, or society, or trying to fix her/make her more beautiful because he sees the bruise as an ugly thing to be hidden (basically him blaming HER for it). The fear in her eyes when he grabs her shoulder contrasted with the intensity of the kiss they share. It's really sickeningly beautiful how well-done the choreography and cinematography are.

If you notice, at 0:12 when she’s rubbing one of her wrists which has a bracelet on it, the other wrist has grab-marks on it like someone clenched their first around her wrist so hard their fingers left an impression.

I love how he covers the bruise. My ex could never look at me when I was hurt. I was the only one who had to really look at it and realize what I'm putting up with and cover it for people, so she uncovers it. He really should look at it too. Beautiful

This goes so deep into what victims of abusive relationships experience. Not just the abuse, but the psychological hold that person has over them. At the same time not realising that they deserve better, this song utterly breaks my heart.

not sure why but i knew something was up within the first few seconds of the video like, when it showed her touching her wrist i was like 'off this is off somethING IS WRONG', and then she adjusted her hair in the mirror and my brain's alarms went on full blast like kudos the the people who worked on the video, man amazing how they dropped subtle hints so you can guess what's going on then rewatch and see any hints you might've missed it's honestly fantastic

I used to belive this song was really painful, but after learning to trust again, it's actually sweet. I used to love someone like this, the perspective from the song I mean. The problem is someone took advantage of that higher love. The problem wasn't how I loved them. Being loved by someone, how I used to love, and having to face my pain not to become my abuser in the past, towards the man who finally loved like I did, made me see that I was never at fault. So, this song, as it's written, is such a sweet sentiment. To love someone so much.

this song is about an abusive relationship, but rather the woman being abusive instead of the man and I wish they kept that theme in the video to kind of help break the stigma around men's domestic violence and abuse. but seriously, saoirse is so brilliant and couple her with hozier, this is a masterpiece either way.