Jackie And Wilson

Hozier's 'Jackie And Wilson' is a song that weaves a narrative of escapism and the longing for a more carefree existence. The lyrics tell the story of someone who is tired of their current life, feeling worn out and disillusioned. The mention of 'the red in my eyes' and being 'so deep in the swill' suggests a life of excess or perhaps the grind of daily life that has left the narrator jaded. The arrival of a woman, described as a 'roman candle of the wild,' brings a sense of hope and rejuvenation, as she accepts him for who he is, flaws and all.

The chorus of the song introduces a whimsical fantasy where the couple engages in youthful adventures, symbolized by stealing a Lexus and becoming detectives. This represents a desire to break free from the constraints of their lives and indulge in the spontaneity and excitement that they crave. The naming of their children 'Jackie and Wilson' and raising them on 'rhythm and blues' is a nod to the past, specifically to the soulful music of Jackie Wilson, suggesting a return to simpler, more authentic times.

However, the song also touches on the fleeting nature of such fantasies. The line 'Cut clean from the dream that night let my mind reset' indicates a return to reality and the realization that the dream is over. The narrator is left alone, digging up the remnants of this brief escape and the 'little vignette' of what could have been. It's a poignant reminder of the temporary escape that love and dreams can provide from the harshness of reality.