Hozier - Swan Upon Leda (Acoustic Video)

The world is in chaos but I know peace when I listen to Hozier, even though his lyrics are haunting in some way.

I think its impossible for this guy to write a bad song

My Mother passed away the day this song came out. she loved Hozier with every fiber of her being. When she first discovered him however many years ago now ‘take me to church’ and ‘in a week’ is about all she listened to for a year. Every day she’d get off work she’d immediately put on an album of his and play it full volume in our kitchen for the rest of the day. She never got to hear this song but I know she would have adored it. I know realistically he’ll never see this but it felt appropriate to leave some kind of thank you, for all that he was to my mom and all that he is to me and my family, especially now.
So, thank you, from the very bottom of my heart, thank you🙏❤

He’s done it again. Some people don’t understand the relevance in this.
Swan Upon Leda is a modern relation between mythology.
Leda, a aetolian princess who became queen of Sparta was raped by Zeus in the form of A Swan.
This song is about the mistreatment of woman. About abortions. About Roe V. Wade. About Iran and the discrimination against women.
And with that, I think we can all say Hozier has done it again. ❤

This is poetry in its purest, highest sense. Talking about things that are burning and important, the pain of imperialism, the fate of Ireland... and in words that just break you with their beauty. "Weaves through the checkpoints like needle and thread"... god, this is perfect, I have no words

It's a weird thing to say, but there's something about Hozier's work that feels so real, so genuine, so heartfelt and full of love that makes it stand out so much. I don't mean that in a "modern music is all fake and bad" way, I mean it in the same notion that a hot cup of tea warms the soul, that a snowball's cold evokes childish glee, that the dull and sharp pain of grief weighs in your heart forevermore. You can *feel* it.

One of the most captivating lyricists to ever exist…everything he makes is unbelievably enchanting…can’t wait for a new album!

I can’t ever get over his vocal ability, his tone, and his epic songwriting. Dude’s really mastered each part of his talent. Maybe my favorite artist of all time…

The release of this song is the biggest amount of comfort I’ve gotten in a personal crisis. Listening to it feels like I’m being hugged and told everything is okay. I can’t thank him enough. ❤️

The previously release version was just so sweeping and almost cinematic yet this version is so delicate and intimate. It's beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. 👏👏👏👏

i understand all the fuss about ✨️hozier's vibes✨️ but the majority ofpeople are not paying attention to the lyrics. his lyrics are the most important thing in his art. this song makes me sob every single time i listen to it because it's so sad and - unfortunately - so relatable to every women around the world.

Also, Hozier is a poet. Just full stop. The man studies and writes poetry. He just also happens to be a skilled musician and performer.

Hozier let me tell you this one thing A lot of people, me included, find so much comfort and solace in all of your songs but this one especially hits home Thank you for sharing this song during this unforgiving and challenging time

I lost my dog last week and I’m devastated. This is the first song I’m listening since my best friend left and feels like a beautiful, sad and peaceful hug. Thank you, Andrew.

I have never known an artist with such a way with words. So much emotion can be felt here. I am looking forward to listening to the new album.

I don't know any other artist who might sound even better when provided LESS instruments as Hozier does. This acoustic version nailed it

*A husband waits outside*
*A crying child pushes a child into the night*
*She was told he would come this time*
*Without leaving so much as a feather behind*
*To enact at last the perfect plan*
*One more sweet boy to be butchered by man*
*But the gateway to the world*
*Was still outside the reach of him*
*What never belonged to angels*
*Had never belonged to men*
*The swan upon Leda*
*Empire upon Jerusalem*
*A grandmother smuggling meds*
*Past where the god child-soldier Setanta stood dead*
*Our graceful turner of heads*
*Weaves through the checkpoints like a* *needle and thread*
*Someone's frightened boy waves her on*
*She offers a mother's smile, and soon* *she's gone*
*The gateway to the world*
*The gun in a trembling hand*
*Where nature unmakes the boundary*
*The pillar of myth still stands*
*The swan upon Leda*
*Occupier upon ancient land*
*The gateway to the world*
*Was still outside the reach of him*
*What never belonged to angels*
*Had never belonged to men*

His voice Is really amazing live, he sings with the all the soul, Hozier has a beautiful and emotional soul.

This is so powerful, beautiful, and sad at the same time. Honestly stunning

I felt all of this in my bones when I heard it the first time

This acoustic version was what I needed today... Thanks for sharing your great music, Hozier.

This has to be the most haunting yet captivating song I’ve ever heard. Andrew’s voice is so beautiful

This album is gonna shatter me and am here for it

jesus christ how does he keep getting better and better every album

hozier is a magical, magical man. Everything he releases is eerie and delicate and intangible but also so raw and unrefined. truly what i consider a timeless artist to be, his music, voice and lyricism being forever relevant. honestly my words fail me, all i can say is i hope he never stops putting out such high quality, impactful music. absoloutely adore him

the first time i heard this song i cried and cried, and then i looked up the lyrics and cried some more. The pain captured in this song is just soul crushing, in a really beautiful way

you know it’s gonna be good when andrews sitting down playing the guitar and alex is on the piano.

Such a beautifully sad song, like a warm hug in the midst of chaos. His voice is always so soothing and earnest.

He outdid himself. This man never misses ❤

I bow to you for the message you bring into this world. Every song is not only a masterpiece, consisting of a purely beautiful melody, lyrics and voice, but also an action made to change this world by making art mean something. This song is revolutionary to me. That's why I'm full of gratitude to you. Thank you.

One of the few artists that puts me at peace in an instant of hearing their voice, although hauntingly calming, Hozier never fails to wash away what ever anxiety/panic or depressing thoughts that consume my head at times, especially this fall/winter. Thank you Hozier

He just saved the entire year, holy shit 🖤
Thank you Andrew!!!

Beyond the context of the song, which Hozier already explained, the melody is so gentle that I feel it has healing powers.

“Occupier upon ancient land” Wow, that gave me chills.

This is so beautiful. I may even love this version more. ❤️

I was having a really terrible time but you made my day, Andrew. Thank you for doing what you do. 💜

Que paz na alma cada letra invade meu coração, com toda suavidade. Fim de domingo aqui estou ouvindo, sou brasileira. 🇧🇷

This voice, and the delicacy of this song! Musical Poetry 💜

The Forest God is back again with his long hair and beautiful voice and poetry.

One of the best things about this is having been blessed to have met Andrew a few times, and knowing that every *speck* of the thoughtfulness and emotion in this is so very real, and comes from his soul.
Thank you for sharing this beauty with us once again, Andrew. 💗

I confess I was hoping for something like this... I often like the acoustic/live versions of your songs better than the album versions. Thank you again for this gorgeous lament.

I sat down on the floor of a cheap hotel room in New Orleans the night this song was released, and listened to it about 8 times. Truly one of the most emotional positive experiences of my life

I can't stop admiring Hozier's intelligence and talent. Truly my favourite artist of today

There's no such thing as a bad Hozier song. Gosh this one's a gem.

Today was the end of a hectic week, I was so stressed and angry, just played this song, I calmed down. Thank you Mr. Andrew Hozier 😊

The simplicity in this acoustic version has this subtle, quiet power in it that’s brought me to tears. The more I listen to this song, the more I fall in love with it. Thank you for creating this lovely piece of art.

Stunning and brilliant. Writes of dark and light, love and loss, joy and despair - fearless in his lyrics, honesty in his music, truth in his voice.
He’s a gift, and I’m grateful.

There is a sense of solace in his voice, that really shines in this acoustic version. I know the meaning and intention of this song, yet i feel comforted alongside feeling vulnerable, a sentiment only Hozier can make you feel :)

Adorooo 🙏👍👍😘😘❤❤❤🇧🇷🇧🇷

Every single time I listen to him singing, it feels like I'm in another universe where his voice is peacefully calming me as if there's nothing to be worried about. So much love for this guy over here. Can't wait for more to come from him

A husband waits outside
A crying child pushes a child into the night
She was told he would come this time
Without leaving so much as a feather behind
To enact at last the perfect plan
One more sweet boy to be butchered by man
But the gateway to the world
Was still outside the reach of him
What never belonged to angels
Had never belonged to men
The swan upon Leda
Empire upon Jerusalem
A grandmother smuggling meds
Past where the god child-soldier Setanta stood dead
Our graceful turner of heads
She weaves through the checkpoints like a needle and thread
Someone's frightened boy waves her on
She offers a mother's smile, and soon she's gone
The gateway to the world
The gun in a trembling hand
Where nature unmakes the boundary
The pillar of myth still stands
The swan upon Leda
Occupier upon ancient land

Nice now I can cry to this song but in acoustic 🕺

read the description of the video and ended up crying, this song is absolutely wonderful! no other songs make me feel as emotional as yours does, your existence is such a blessing, thank you hozier❤

can’t explain how much i love this song and how much it means to me. Hozier you’re an absolute genius. Thank you for this powerful song, it means so much to so many people❤

I keep coming back to this over and over again. The way his voice resonates when he sings "the gateway to the world" at 0:50 cuts through my soul

Personally, I think the acoustic version is much more impactful, as it allows the lyrics to come across much better than the official version where the redundant special effects overshadow Andrew's voice. So I'm very grateful for this version. I much prefer a simpler sound. By the way, I can't even express how grateful I am to live in the same era as this incredible, one-of-a-kind artist. 🧡🤍💚

The original is so moving, hard to believe the acoustic version is even better. Such a poet and a lyrist.

this song is a masterpiece in so many ways and i have not stopped thinking about it since it came out,, the vocals and instrumentals the melody but especially the lyrics. some of the best poetry i've ever heard

This song, I never fully heard its lyrics and meaning until recently, which is weird, but maybe it wouldn’t have had such an impact if I was open to it when it came out. But I am now and it’s become my favorite of his. I’ve experienced a lot of the trauma that this song alludes to and this is honestly so healing for me to listen to. It’s like a balm over my spirit’s scars, a validation and a reassurance and a blanket holding me as I process my grief and tears. It’s beautiful and I am so grateful that someone as gentle as Hozier has written it and sang it in the way only he can. I thank you from the depths of my being for writing this, for the tears that flow while listening to it are the ocean that washes away the pain and holds me gently throughout life. I am grateful that you are so blessed for what you create. Thank you ✨🖤🙏🏼💛 even though you might never read this, thank you, so much.

What a treat, thank you Hozier and Alex!!! ❤

The acoustic version really brings out the power of the lyrics

My favourite song of Hozier’s. Reading the description and understanding the lyrics just brings another depth to the song. Hozier is an amazing lyricist, storyteller and artist.

I’ve been playing this song on repeat since it came out, it’s so soft and beautiful ❤️

I was hoping so badly that he'd release an acoustic video of Swan Upon Leda. Appears my prayers have been answered so righteously.

I already love the studio version but this is just breathtakingly beautiful

YES, that is it!
The clear, rare, lavishly voice,
and Alex within 💛
This is my version, thank you!

Sublime and peaceful music and voice to ears

I have never cried so hard watching a youtube video. Hozier I love your art man. I love every chord, every lyrics that you have ever produced and swan upon leda another feather in your cap! Love from India

I am so looking forward to hearing the album, your music never disappoints ♥️

I always get chills when listening to this song

I'd like to hear this song with an official MV. Great song! It makes me feel peaceful 😊

Wow…beautifully written. This tugged at the heart big time.

Thank you for you artistry, for putting this song out earlier to relfect the times, and for standing with women and marginalized people everywhere, beautiful song

this is beautiful. thank you for this 💛💛

Protect this man at ALL costs!!

@Hozier You are a treasure of our generation. Thank you so much for sharing this. What you do means so much to so many. I hope you keep making and sharing your art for a very long time.

Absolute goosebumps!

The beautiful fragrance of a moment you remember from & when you smell it out of sudden, that sweet nostalgia is what his songs are

Hozier- years of being a singer and your majestic voice has never changed- idk how you do it but it gets better as the years go by

I like the gentle piano in this version, and how Hozier’s accent is more audible

His voice brings so much love and light along with his lyrics; guitar playing genius with Ajax playing piano sublimely in the background…beyond 💙💙💙

I first listened to this about a week ago. Haven't been able to get it out of my head. It's so hauntingly beautiful. Going through a tough time atm and your music is a great help, especially your folkie acoustics. Much love to anyone else struggling atm. ❤

Belle performance musicale, comblée de delicatesseet et douceur . Images poétiques surréalistes mais qui suggèrent bien les bouleversements dramatiques de la vie. Alex Ryan et Hozier se complètent 'si bien !! RP

Beautiful ❤️

Everytime I hear him sing my body just goes through so many emotions. Be it sadness, love, loss, hope, and etc. His voice stirs the body and the mind with a syrupy balm of tonality and a cerebral effort in the lyrics.

@Hozier really does not need any of the additives of modern music. This song is so much better in it's acoustic version than its other version. Pure him, nothing added. There really is beauty in natural and untainted things. His music is that good, it truly doesn't need anything else to make it good. It makes itself good. And that, is what makes it good. ❤️

I was just listening to this on spotify!! You've blessed us again, king 👑🙌

I was waiting for this since the release, soooo thankful for an acoustic version.

An acoustic version makes this song 100 times sadder, haunting, and more beautiful 🤍

much better than the recorded version
and the recorded version was already pure fire

this is my favourite version for this song so far.

This makes the things I am going through right now somehow bearable. Thank you!

I was talking to my mom about Hozier and she said something along the lines of "This is what we would play for angels arriving on earth"

Great 👍
this is the way in which you join something that does not belong to you, you give your support with what you can offer, not taking the fight out of the hands of others and becoming the hero, but building what your ability gives you, and leaving it there, so that in some way or another it can contribute

Thank you so much, Hozier! You're a blessing on us in troubled times. I'm in the American empire right now, and I just hope I have a good chance to leave before its authoritarian fist can finish clenching back down on us again. It's an incredibly sad state of affairs. But I appreciate songs like this that at least bring solidarity to the suffering.

I just stumbled this and I must say, IT IS NOT OF THIS WORLD! MORE THAN BEAUTIFUL!😇

these must be really dark times but at least Hozier came in and brought us a little bit of peace on a platter

This has such a lovely and soft/melancholy sound. I adore the higher energy songs, but this is so nice to listen to.

you are necessary to this world, andrew, thank you forever for sharing your art

I need to go see you live so bad! Love your voice🤸🏽‍♀️💞