Released: 2023
Hozier’s “Eat Your Young” is a biting critique of societal greed and exploitation. The song uses vivid imagery to depict how people in power prioritize profit over humanity, even at the expense of the younger generation. It’s a call to awareness about the destructive nature of unchecked ambition.
The opening lines “I’m starvin’, darlin’, let me put my lips to somethin'” set the stage for a metaphorical hunger for power and control. Hozier uses the act of eating as a symbol for consuming resources and opportunities, suggesting a voracious appetite for dominance.
“Start carvin’, darlin’, I want to smell the dinner cookin'” continues the theme of exploitation. The idea of carving and cooking implies preparation and consumption, reflecting how those in power manipulate situations to their advantage, often at the cost of others.
The line “Honey, I want to race you to the table” emphasizes urgency and competition. It suggests that if one hesitates, they miss out on the spoils. This highlights the cutthroat nature of ambition, where only the quickest and most ruthless succeed.
“Pull up the ladder when the flood comes” is a metaphor for self-preservation at the expense of others. It criticizes those who secure their own safety and success while leaving others to fend for themselves, a common theme in critiques of capitalism.
“Skinnin’ the children for a war drum” is a powerful image of sacrificing the young for conflict and profit. It underscores the song’s message about how the future generation is often exploited for the gains of the present, particularly in war and industry.
The repeated phrase “It’s quicker and easier to eat your young” serves as a stark reminder of the ease with which society sacrifices its future for immediate gains. It’s a call to action, urging listeners to reconsider the consequences of their actions on future generations.
