The chorus of the song is simple, but it illustrates Hozier’s message very clearly: “The way she tells me I’m hers and she is mine / Open hand or closed fist would be fine / The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine.” The author has learned to accept and even find comfort in his lover’s violent ways, going so far as to use figurative language to compare his bloodshed to cherry wine. As stated previously, the purpose of the text is to shed light on the reality of domestic violence. There are several rhetorical elements that are important to consider when analyzing this song. Hozier delivers the song perfectly he makes both the lyrics and the situation very relatable. The rhetoric used in this song is subtle yet effective, somewhat dark yet simultaneously enlightening. A lack of control in both the lover’s behavior and the victim’s behavior often leads to an incredibly unhealthy relationship dynamic. As discussed throughout “Cherry Wine,” this sort of situation is perhaps the most dangerous situation in which one could find themselves. The level of intimidation and power the lover rules the relationship with is a form of manipulation the submissive individual grows accustomed to recognizing as affection and love. His lover is aggressive, violent, and must feel in control of the speaker at all times. The speaker in this song assumes an extremely submissive role he feels as if he cannot survive without his lover, which illustrates a sort of one-sided, twisted dependency. A tragic pattern far too common in domestic violence incidences ultimately proves the demise of both parties. The sad truth, unfortunately, both in reality and in “Cherry Wine,” is that the speaker (victim) has come to define affection as synonymous with abuse. Feelings of inadequacy envelop the author, provoking his vulnerability because he wants the affection of his partner. In the song, the speaker realizes his suffering and his lover’s abuse is immoral, erroneous even however, the lyrics admit to his being drawn to the violence because it makes him feel closer to his lover. Hozier discusses the reality of domestic violence in an almost poetic way, addressing both the benefits and consequences each person endures in abusive relationships. The intensity and seriousness of Hozier’s voice enraptures the audience his voice is deep and smooth, and it allows the listener to feel the emotions he’s feeling.

However, the tone and delivery with which this song is performed speaks volumes more than the words to the song itself. Hozier is known mostly for his lyrics and the relevance of the messages he attempts to convey to his audience in his music. This song attempts to address very real problems within abusive relationships including causes, effects, the recurrence and duration of such relationships, and the lesser thought about issue of women as perpetrators. (Hozier, “Cherry Wine”) The speaker hints at his knowing of the tragedy of the situation, but he cannot seem to escape he doesn’t seem to want to escape. Just like she throws with the arm of her brother. She’s abusive, intimidating, but best expresses her love, from the point of the speaker, by means of physical and emotional harm: This is ironic in the fact that the lover is unfaithful, but feels the speaker is the cause of all problems and controversy. The speaker’s lover accuses him of wrongdoing – or simply not living up to the lover’s expectations. The speaker, Hozier, attempts to make sense of the abusive relationship he’s in using violence as the couple’s sort of point of understanding. “Cherry Wine” is a song that addresses domestic violence. However, after analyzing the text and delivery itself, Hozier’s choice to disregard a logical argument has, in fact, made his argument more relatable and, as a result, more powerful to the audience. “Cherry Wine” primarily appeals to the emotions (ethos) of the audience given the depth of the meaning of the lyrics, but it fails to establish logical reasoning (logos). His combination of soul, indie, and blues music is extremely unique, which is why I have chosen to analyze the rhetoric used in one of his lesser known songs, “Cherry Wine.” This song discusses the reality of domestic violence, its effects and consequences, and the dark and mysterious atmosphere that seems to surround the issue. Hozier was a breakout musician in 2014 from Bray, Ireland and was made popular by his single “Take Me to Church.” He has sense been featured and become wildly famous on platforms such as the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and Saturday Night Live.

Hoizer cherry wine lyrics