July Lyrics

About “July”

July by Hozier reflects on the themes of hope, longing, and the anticipation of a brighter future. The song captures the emotional toll of waiting for change and the bittersweet nature of hope, particularly in the context of the delayed lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in July 2021. Hozier uses the metaphor of July to symbolize a time of renewal and freedom that was eagerly anticipated but never fully realized, making the track both nostalgic and introspective.

• Producer: Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman
• Release Date: August 16, 2024
• Genres: Rock
• Label: Rubyworks Limited

Song Meanings Explained.

July delves into the emotional landscape of waiting for something that represents hope and renewal. The song draws parallels between personal struggles and the collective experience of waiting for a significant change, such as the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. The lyrics explore how this anticipation sustains the narrator, even as they acknowledge the hardships endured along the way. Hozier compares himself to a drunk girl imagery in pop culture, comparing winter to the cold and isolated nature of winter. The song "Run" and "Northern Attitude" by Kahan ft. Hozier highlights the importance of hope and dreams in overcoming challenges. The song reminds us of Daffodils, To Autumn, and Ode to the West Wind, as well as Heaney's Digging and Robert Burns. Ireland has severe winters, and listening to songs like "Run" and "Northern Attitude" made us realize that hope is a slow poison. The July season brings warmth, hope, and renewal, while the thought-fox by Ted Hughes may keep him alive on wintery nights. Love is not limited to two people; it benefits mental, physical, and emotional health. Small spurts of love during isolation can help. The COVID-19 pandemic halted work and caused companies to permanently shut down, causing a loss of effort. In spiritual imagery, one works like a worshipper, working hard to connect with the "God." Farmers grow seeds of barley and wildflowers, but they are blown away by wind, which can be harmful to bees, farmers, and mental health. Wind-pollinated plants, especially wildflowers, are beneficial for bees, farmers, and biodiverse plants, helping mental health. Although their work may seem like a loss, it might have helped someone else in another season. A promise is always directed towards the future, and it helps us through life, difficult times, sorrow, and winter into July.

[Verse 1]

The first verse introduces a sense of weariness, with the narrator feeling worn out by the harshness of winter, symbolizing difficult times. The reference to keeping a dream in your mind only to find that "it's the hope that was killing you" speaks to the double-edged nature of hope—it keeps you going but also prolongs the pain of waiting.

[Pre-Chorus]

In the pre-chorus, the arrival of a new presence, likened to sunlight, represents a glimmer of hope in the darkness. The lyrics suggest that even in the early stages of the year, when everything feels bleak, this hope burns off the gloom, providing a reason to keep moving forward.

[Chorus]

The chorus centers on the symbolic significance of July as a time of anticipated freedom and renewal. The repetition of "July is still coming" emphasizes the idea that the promise of better days is what sustains the narrator. The actions of the person addressed in the song make this future feel tangible and keep the narrator motivated.

[Verse 2]

The second verse shifts focus to the futility of building something only to see it crumble, drawing a parallel to the disillusionment felt when plans fail to materialize. The imagery of a god sinking like a stone and taking root where he fell suggests the inevitability of change and the persistence of hope, even when initial dreams are shattered.

Song Theme.

The primary theme of July is the persistence of hope in the face of uncertainty and disappointment. Hozier captures the emotional rollercoaster of waiting for a brighter future, using July as a metaphor for the anticipation of renewal. The song also touches on themes of resilience, the passage of time, and the bittersweet nature of holding on to hope, even when it feels elusive.

Technical Analysis.

July features a rich, melodic arrangement that complements its introspective lyrics. Produced by Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, the track blends acoustic and electric elements, with layered guitars, piano, and subtle percussion creating a warm, atmospheric sound. The instrumentation is both comforting and melancholic, reflecting the duality of hope and despair that runs through the song. Hozier’s vocal delivery is soulful and nuanced, adding emotional depth to the reflective lyrics. The use of repetition in the chorus reinforces the theme of anticipation, making July a poignant and relatable piece in Hozier’s discography.