An Ode to Hozier’s “Francesca”
With his 2013 debut single and international hit “Take Me To Church” introducing the world to Hozier, Hozier has since dominated the indie rock, soul, and folk scene. Known for his lyricism, which normally takes on religious and literary themes, Hozier masterfully integrates political activism in his songs and music videos with a blend of genres such as blues, folk, and soul.
One of Hozier’s newest songs, “Francesca,” in my opinion, perfectly showcases these features of his music that fans and other listeners alike have grown to love—his lyricism.
From a first look, the lyrics explore the themes of commitment, love, and devotion. There are lines like the chorus “darling, I would do it again / if I could only hold you for a minute” referring to reliving all the struggles of life for one moment again with their lover, and “heaven is not fit to house a love / like you and I.” Even at first glance, the lyrics are profound and tragic, fitting with the rest of Hozier’s discography and what fans of his music love. The themes of love and especially devotion are common in his songs, spanning from his eponymous album to Francesca.
And just like many other songs from Hozier, “Francesca” is not only a literary reference but also a religious one. The title itself is a reference to Dante Alighieri’s epic poem “Divine Comedy” and the story of Francesca da Rimini and Paolo Malatesta which, in the text, unfolds in the second circle of Hell—the circle of Lust. Essentially, Francesca and Paolo were forbidden lovers due to her marriage with Paolo’s brother Giovanni. However, this did not stop their love for each other. Murdered by Giovanni, the two are sent to Hell due to their lust.
The lyrics of wanting to do life over again and heaven not being fit for the love the two people in the song share are clear references to Francesca da Rimini’s story. Despite their eternal damnation and punishment, the two have no regrets—hence, “darling, I would do it again / if I could only hold you for a minute,” which overall just makes the song even more poignant. By using literary and religious references that he has become known for in his songs, Hozier paints a picture of devotion, commitment, passion, and lust.
Not only is “Francesca” one of my favorite examples of Hozier’s lyricism and literary references, but it also showcases the blend of genres he has become known for. Hozier is listed as having taken inspiration from rock, folk, blues, and soul to create his own unique sound. Although “Francesca” is more influenced by rock in comparison to other Hozier songs, shown through the loud, maximalist chorus of guitar and heavy drums, it also has his usual take on folk with the subject of the lyrics, the chanting at the end of the song, and the blues-sounding soft guitar intertwined in the verses.
Even though “Francesca” is a bit different from Hozier’s usual softer sound, Hozier continues to showcase his musical prowess through exceptional lyricism, references, and sound.
Cover Photo by Live Nation. Edited by Madison Case.