Nobody's Soldier

Hozier's 'Nobody's Soldier' is a powerful declaration of personal independence and resistance against societal expectations. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life lived on the edge, filled with intense experiences and a constant struggle to maintain one's identity. The opening lines, 'Running with bulls / Working my miracles / Holding my world together with a bootstring,' suggest a life of chaos and improvisation, where the protagonist is constantly on the move, trying to keep everything from falling apart. This imagery sets the stage for the central theme of the song: the refusal to conform to predefined roles and expectations.

The chorus, 'If I tell you this is drowning / You tell me I'm walking on water / I could bring fire from the mountain / You tell me it feels a little colder,' highlights the disconnect between the protagonist's reality and how others perceive it. This disconnect underscores the frustration of not being understood or appreciated for one's true self. The repeated refrain, 'I don't wanna choose between being a salesman or a soldier,' emphasizes the protagonist's desire to break free from binary choices and societal labels. Instead, they seek to carve out their own path, one that allows them to 'look a little older' and 'step a little bolder.'

Hozier's use of metaphors, such as 'benzos and gasoline' and 'coffee and blue light screens,' further illustrates the modern-day pressures and coping mechanisms that people resort to in order to survive. The line 'Whatever you choose, you lose out in the long run' reflects a deep cynicism about the choices presented by society, suggesting that true fulfillment lies outside these conventional paths. By declaring, 'Honey, I'm taking no orders / Gonna be nobody's soldier,' the protagonist asserts their autonomy and rejects the notion of being controlled or defined by others. This anthem of independence resonates with anyone who has ever felt trapped by societal expectations and yearned for the freedom to define their own identity.