Through Me (The Flood)

Hozier's 'Through Me (The Flood)' is a profound exploration of the human experience, delving into themes of love, loss, and the overwhelming nature of existence. The song opens with a vivid metaphor of a man swimming beyond the breakers, symbolizing the journey of life and the challenges one faces. This man, aware of an impending storm, represents the inevitability of hardship and the need to muster inner strength. The imagery of swimming and the ocean serves as a powerful metaphor for navigating life's turbulent waters, emphasizing resilience and the struggle to return to a place of safety and familiarity.

As the song progresses, Hozier shifts the focus to a deeply personal reflection on love. The lyrics 'Like that man, I looked down into the depths when I met you, I couldn't measure it' suggest an overwhelming and immeasurable connection with another person. This connection is so profound that it mirrors the vastness and unpredictability of the ocean. The recurring theme of struggling against the current and the realization that the world 'flows through me' highlights the transformative power of love and the acceptance of being part of something greater than oneself. The interplay between resistance and surrender is a central motif, illustrating the balance between fighting against life's challenges and embracing the flow of existence.

The song's latter part introduces the imagery of a grave, symbolizing loss and the finality of death. Hozier poignantly describes the silence and emptiness that follow the loss of a loved one, capturing the profound impact of absence. The lyrics 'Try measure loss, measure the silence of a house' evoke the haunting stillness that accompanies grief. This section underscores the theme of impermanence and the difficulty of comprehending the full extent of loss. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the idea that despite the struggles and the pain, there is a sense of continuity and flow in life. The world, with all its trials and tribulations, continues to move through us, shaping our experiences and our understanding of existence.