Like Real People Do by Hozier Lyrics Meaning – Unearthing the Emotional Depths of Human Connection
Lyrics
However scary
About that night
The bugs and the dirt
Why were you digging?
What did you bury
Before those hands pulled me
From the earth?
I will not ask you where you came from
I will not ask you, neither should you
Honey just put your sweet lips on my lips
We should just kiss like real people do
I knew that look dear
Eyes always seeking
Was there in someone
That dug long ago
So I will not ask you
Why you were creeping
In some sad way I already know
I will not ask you where you came from
I will not ask you and neither would you
Honey just put your sweet lips on my lips
We should just kiss like real people do
I could not ask you where you came from
I could not ask you, neither could you
Honey just put your sweet lips on my lips
We could just kiss like real people do
Andrew Hozier-Byrne, known globally by his stage name Hozier, has a knack for weaving intricate tales of love, life, and humanity within his soulful ballads. ‘Like Real People Do’ is no exception, offering a cryptic and poetic glimpse into the complexity of human relationships.
This song, akin to an unearthed artifact, tempts listeners with its mystical allure. The lyrics are wrapped in the enigma of past narratives and current emotions, making every note and word resonate with the echoes of unspoken stories.
Digging into the Past: A Journey Through Memory and Mystery
‘Like Real People Do’ conjures images of an archaeological dig, where layers of earth reveal the stories buried within. Hozier’s lyrics are a metaphorical shovel, unearthing the hauntingly beautiful complexities of human relationships. They suggest a past that is painful and mysterious—a history that both characters are seemingly connected by but choose to leave unexplored.
By refusing to delve into the origins of each other’s scars, Hozier might be remarking on the resilience of human intimacy. The act of ‘not asking’ becomes an acceptance of everything that has shaped them, underscoring a profound form of trust and understanding between two souls.
Through the Eyes of Love: Seeking and Finding Acceptance
Hozier’s refrain, ‘I will not ask you where you came from,’ elevates the song into a pledge of unconditional acceptance. The choice to not seek answers to a lover’s past implies a present and future focused on the authenticity of the moment. It is an act of embracing the person before you, without the baggage of their history—like real people do.
This sentiment is mirrored in the protagonist’s recognition of ‘that look’—eyes always seeking, perhaps searching for validation or understanding. The emotional depth encapsulated in this observation reflects a mutual recognition and an unspoken agreement to accept each other without judgement.
Embracing the Present: The Sweetness of Now
‘Honey just put your sweet lips on my lips / We should just kiss like real people do’ is the captivating chorus that grounds the song in the immediacy of the present. Hozier’s lyrics pulse with an urgency to experience life and love in their purest forms, without the pretense that often accompanies human interaction.
Kissing, an act often romanticized or twisted by societal expectations, is reclaimed in its simplest, most genuine expression of affection. It’s a call to cast away the facades and embrace raw emotion—a timeless longing echoed in the hearts of listeners.
The Haunting Melody: Echoes of Silent Histories
The musical arrangement of ‘Like Real People Do’ is a haunting echo chamber for the lyrics. It elevates the words to an ethereal realm, where the simplicity and complexity of human emotions create a harmonious contradiction. The folk-inspired acoustics are soft but impactful, perfectly encapsulating the tender yet powerful essence of the song’s message.
The gentle strumming of the guitar and the subtle accompaniments serve as a tender cradle for Hozier’s rich vocals. Each chord progression and lyrical delivery are meticulously crafted to transport the listener into the song’s delicate emotional narrative.
The Unspoken and the Unseen: Teasing Out the Hidden Meaning
‘Like Real People Do’ is cloaked in layers of metaphor that seduce listeners into a deeper dive to uncover its hidden truths. The provocative questions about digging and burying suggest a deeper, possibly darker narrative lurking beneath the surface—one of loss, buried trauma, or secrets enveloped in the soil of one’s past.
The song’s reluctance to provide clear answers is part of its allure, prompting a reflection on the human tendency to conceal parts of our lives. But its most powerful statement lies in the beauty of choosing not to unearth certain truths, fostering a connection that cherishes the present rather than being entangled in the shadows of what once was.
