Sedated

Hozier's song 'Sedated' delves into the theme of escapism and the numbing effects of modern life. The lyrics suggest a desire to feel something, anything, even if it means resorting to self-destructive behaviors. The opening lines, 'Just a little rush, babe / To feel dizzy, to derail the mind of me,' speak to the yearning for a break from the monotony of consciousness, a momentary derailment from the self. The song captures the paradox of seeking relief through means that ultimately cause more harm, a common human experience.

The chorus, 'You and I nursing on a poison that never stung / Our teeth and lungs are lined with the scum of it,' uses vivid imagery to describe the insidious nature of the 'poison'—be it drugs, toxic relationships, or societal pressures—that people consume. Despite its harmful effects, there's a reluctance to let go, as indicated by the line 'Lord we should quit but we love it too much.' This internal conflict highlights the addictive nature of escapism and the difficulty in breaking free from its grasp.

The song also touches on the desensitization to the world's problems, 'Somewhere for this death and guns / We are deaf, we are numb.' It suggests a collective apathy, a defense mechanism against the overwhelming nature of global issues. Hozier's plea in the bridge, 'Darlin', don't you stand there watching / Won't you come and save me from it?' is a call for intervention, a desire for someone to pull him out of this sedated state. The song is a powerful commentary on the human condition, the search for meaning, and the often self-sabotaging ways in which people cope with their reality.