Anything But

Hozier's song 'Anything But' delves into the profound desire for transformation and escape. The lyrics paint vivid imagery of the singer wishing to become various elements of nature, from a mayfly on the River Tay to sunlight on the Mississippi. These metaphors highlight a longing to experience life in its purest, most fleeting forms, encapsulating all joys and pleasures in a single, perfect day. The mention of swapping his body for a body of water and causing natural phenomena like floods or droughts underscores a deep-seated wish to be anything but his current self, to wield power and freedom that he feels he lacks in his human form.

The chorus reveals a poignant contradiction: while the singer doesn't want to be anything specific, he would do anything to escape his current state. This paradox reflects a universal human experience of dissatisfaction and the relentless pursuit of change, even when the desired outcome is unclear. The repeated plea to 'look another way' suggests a desire to divert attention from his current self, perhaps indicating feelings of inadequacy or a wish to be seen differently by others, especially a significant other.

In the second verse, Hozier continues to explore this theme by expressing a desire to embody contrasting elements, such as being 'loud' like seismic activity or 'soft' like a stone in a rainstick. This duality emphasizes the complexity of human emotions and the multifaceted nature of identity. The reference to a 'bright future' and the shadow it casts hints at the fear of unfulfilled potential and the inevitability of change. The line about touching a hand and flying away together introduces a romantic element, suggesting that love could be a transformative force, offering a form of escape and eternal connection.

Hozier's 'Anything But' is a rich tapestry of metaphors and emotions, capturing the essence of human longing for transformation, escape, and the search for meaning in a constantly changing world.