From Eden

Hozier's 'From Eden' is a hauntingly beautiful song that weaves a complex narrative of love, loss, and the fall from innocence. The lyrics are rich with metaphor and allusion, particularly to the biblical story of the Garden of Eden, which serves as a backdrop for the song's exploration of human nature and relationships. The song's protagonist appears to be a figure who has experienced a fall from grace, akin to the biblical serpent, and now finds themselves yearning for a connection with someone who reminds them of a purer past.

The song's verses oscillate between admiration and self-awareness of the protagonist's flawed nature. Phrases like 'something tragic about you' and 'something so wholesome about you' suggest a deep attraction mixed with a sense of unworthiness or guilt. The repeated references to 'honey' and 'baby' indicate a closeness or desire for intimacy, while the imagery of 'slithered here from Eden' and 'to sit outside your door' implies a self-imposed exile, perhaps due to past transgressions. The protagonist recognizes the loss of idealism and chivalry in themselves, mourning the death of innocence while still longing for the purity they see in the other person.

Musically, Hozier's style blends soulful blues with indie rock, and 'From Eden' is no exception. The song's melancholic melody and Hozier's emotive voice add layers of depth to the lyrics, creating a reflective and somber mood. The song invites listeners to contemplate the complexities of human nature, the consequences of our actions, and the possibility of redemption through love, even when it seems out of reach.