Run

Hozier's song 'Run' is a haunting exploration of love, longing, and the relentless pursuit of connection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that is both rare and intense, urging the lover to run until their lungs bleed. This imagery suggests a desperate, almost painful need for closeness, highlighting the lengths one might go to for love.

The song delves into mythological and historical references, with mentions of a pharaoh and an ancient soul. These elements add a layer of timelessness to the narrative, suggesting that the emotions and struggles described are as old as time itself. The pharaoh's 'hungry eye' and 'ancient soul' evoke a sense of an all-consuming, almost predatory love, one that twists and contorts those who fall under its spell. This is further emphasized by the line 'a shame without a sin,' indicating a love that brings about suffering without any wrongdoing.

Hozier also touches on themes of loneliness and unworthiness. The lover is described as rushing ashore, 'foaming with loneliness,' and despite being the only one worthy of the pharaoh's love, he still shatters on her earth. This suggests a love that is both desired and destructive, where the lover's efforts are ultimately futile. The repeated plea to 'keep it covered' implies a need to protect this rare love, perhaps from the harsh realities that threaten to tear it apart.

Overall, 'Run' is a powerful meditation on the complexities of love, blending poetic imagery with deep emotional resonance. It captures the essence of a love that is both beautiful and brutal, a relentless chase that leaves one breathless and yearning.