Nobody’s Soldier Lyrics

About “Nobody’s Soldier”

Nobody’s Soldier by Hozier is a profound exploration of the psychological and emotional toll of witnessing global violence and war in the digital age. The song confronts the overwhelming pressure to conform to societal roles—whether as a "salesman" or a "soldier"—and the struggle to maintain personal integrity in a world rife with conflict. Hozier's poignant lyrics reflect his refusal to be complicit in violence, instead choosing to forge his own path.

• Producers: Bēkon, Pete G, Chakra, Sergiu Gherman
• Release Date: August 16, 2024
• Genres: Rock
• Label: Rubyworks Limited

Song Meanings Explained.

Nobody’s Soldier delves into the internal conflict faced by individuals who are constantly exposed to violence and war through media. The lyrics convey the difficulty of navigating a world where the lines between right and wrong are blurred, and the societal expectation to either conform or rebel is ever-present. The poem begins with a metaphor of the POV's struggle in a capitalist society, referencing the Wall Street Bull and the Running of the Bulls tradition in Spain. The POV struggles to make ends meet, living "the dream" by taking Benzos, buying gasoline for his vehicle, coffee, and using digital technology. This is a sad existence, as life gets you in a capitalist society. The poem also references the Spanish Bull fight in 2023, which killed 10 people, and the American idea of running with the bulls. It also references how people are taught to expect "miracles" from the modern economy, such as infinite growth and high returns on investment. The poem also touches on the concept of liminality, which is one of the main causes/effects of anxiety. Andrew quit college for music and now lives his dream, but each dream has its sacrifices, such as depression, anxiety, or insomnia in favor of fame. Benzos, a colloquial name for Benzodiazepine, may represent the distress felt witnessing systemic violence. Gasoline, a highly flammable substance, creates a violent image and reflects privilege at the expense of systemic violence. The poem also references Aron Bushnell's self-immolation to protest genocide in Palestine, rather than continuing to serve in the military that perpetuated this violence. The song "Benzole" by Andrew Hozier explores the dichotomy between the experiences of citizens and the responses from the system. It highlights the contrast between the positive response of Americans to their conditions and the negative response of the system, such as tighter gun restrictions and universal healthcare. The song also references the metaphor of a person living underwater, feeling breathless and filled with water. The artist's work is often compared to Jesus, a larger-than-life spiritual entity who has been inhabiting the earth for thousands of years. However, the receiver of his art may not feel it's enough or see it in a different light, leading to misunderstandings. The song also references Prometheus, a Greek mythological character who brought fire from Mount Olympus and was punished by the powerful. The alternate perspective in the song diminishes the pain of the listener, as he is walking on water, symbolizing that he is doing the impossible. This allusion to the Bible and Jesus is used to illustrate the theme of the POV understanding that in a capitalist society, one has two choices: to be a soldier or a salesman. In conclusion, the song "Benzole" highlights the dichotomy between the experiences of citizens and the responses from the system. By comparing the artist to Prometheus and the alternate perspective, the song emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the struggles of those in capitalist societies. In Vladimir Lenin's work, "Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism," he suggests that capitalism leads to imperialism, as corporations grow larger and monopolize, needing new laborers and resources. Imperialism is the solution to this need, using military might to extract these things from weaker nations. The POV in this text is not really a choice at all, but rather wants to get older and step a little bolder, living without suffering early death in warfare or waste his youth as a laborer in the capitalist machine. The pressure Andrew faces is linked to many -isms, and while he supports the cause, he might feel his individuality or being taken away by the audience. As we grow older and successful, we become more courageous, but many older people aren't still bold enough. Andrew was already bold when he wrote songs of protest, and speaking out against the violence of the establishment can be damaging to one's career. The POV in verse two experiences the downside of the digital revolution, as he sees what is going on in the world and reflects on his choices. He realizes that he doesn't really have a choice, whatever he chooses just continues the bulldozing of the world around him by the system. This could be reflective of America's two-party system, both of which are right wing capitalists by comparison to other western nations. "Watching the news again" subtly grounds the song in the general rage and sadness of watching current events unfold, particularly the current genocide in Gaza, the stakes of the US presidential election, and other cataclysmic events where people feel more like bystanders than active participants. It's an eternal dilemma, to support a cause or not, and every choice leads to the wrong end. The line "feeling a little colder" shows that when people are faced with an uncomfortable truth, they are more likely to distance themselves from that knowledge to protect their own peace of mind. This willful ignorance is often held up by people during times of war or genocide as a way to not have to get involved. Hozier expresses his wish to be bolder and wiser (older) and support the oppressed instead of being the soldier or the pauper, fighting and begging tirelessly for their life and freedom.

[Verse 1]

The opening verse presents the image of someone barely holding their life together, referencing "running with bulls" and "living the dream" sarcastically. These lines highlight the struggle to maintain composure in a chaotic world, where one’s efforts to survive and thrive are often futile, symbolized by "Benzos and gasoline" as crutches to cope.

[Pre-Chorus]

The pre-chorus reveals the tension between perception and reality. While the narrator feels as if they are drowning, others perceive their struggle as walking on water. This contrast reflects the isolation of those who face mental anguish in a world that often dismisses or misunderstands their pain.

[Chorus]

In the chorus, Hozier rejects the binary choice between being a "salesman" or a "soldier," instead declaring his intent to be "Nobody's Soldier." This line emphasizes his refusal to be controlled or to participate in societal violence, opting instead to live on his own terms, free from external expectations.

[Verse 2]

The second verse describes the relentless bombardment of negative news and the futility of trying to make the right choices in a world where every option seems to lead to loss. The metaphor of paint falling from the walls like a waterfall illustrates the disillusionment and collapse of once-held beliefs or goals.

[Bridge]

The bridge reinforces the narrator's commitment to remaining independent, repeating the phrase "Nobody's Soldier" as a mantra of defiance. This repetition underscores the determination to avoid being pigeonholed or coerced into roles that conflict with personal values.

Song Theme.

The central theme of Nobody’s Soldier is the rejection of societal pressure to conform to roles that contribute to violence or oppression. The song touches on themes of autonomy, mental health, and the moral complexities of modern life. Hozier’s lyrics advocate for personal agency and the importance of making choices that align with one’s principles, even in the face of overwhelming external pressure.

Technical Analysis.

Musically, Nobody’s Soldier is rooted in rock, with a rich, layered production that complements its heavy themes. The collaboration of producers Bēkon, Pete G, and Chakra brings a blend of organic and electronic elements, creating a soundscape that is both atmospheric and grounded. Hozier’s vocals are emotive and powerful, delivering the lyrics with a sense of urgency and conviction. The instrumentation, including strings from the Budapest Symphony Orchestra and percussive elements, adds depth to the track, reinforcing its message of resistance and resilience.