First Time

Hozier's song 'First Time' delves into the profound and transformative power of love, exploring themes of identity, rebirth, and the duality of existence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a soul that feels nameless and lost, akin to an underground river, until it encounters the life-changing force of love. The metaphor of the river Lethe, from Greek mythology, symbolizes forgetfulness and oblivion, suggesting that the protagonist's past pains and insecurities are washed away by the first kiss from their lover. This act of love brings a sense of soothing and renewal, as if the soul is finally unearthed and given a name.

The recurring motif of being called 'baby' signifies moments of both death and rebirth for the protagonist. Each time they are addressed with this term of endearment, a part of their old self dies, making way for a new, more alive version of themselves. This duality is further emphasized by the imagery of flowers, which owe their existence to the nurturing care of the protagonist's mother. The flowers, like the protagonist, live mostly underground, unseen and unheard, until they reach for sunlight, only to be uprooted. This cycle of life, death, and rebirth mirrors the protagonist's emotional journey through love.

The song also touches on the inevitability of suffering and the struggle for existence. The flowers bloom in their final moments, sharing their beauty with the world despite their impending demise. This reflects the protagonist's realization that life, with all its suffering, is still worth fighting for. The final verses suggest a sense of resignation and acceptance, as the protagonist questions the limits of emptiness and recalls the last time they felt truly alive. The repeated calls to 'come here' and the acknowledgment of whatever keeps the lover around underscore the enduring, albeit complex, nature of their relationship.