Released: 2024
“Nobody’s Soldier” by Hozier is a rebellious anthem about rejecting societal expectations and choosing one’s own path. The song explores themes of independence, self-determination, and the struggle to find one’s identity amidst external pressures.
The opening lines, “Running with bulls, working my miracles,” paint a picture of living life on the edge, taking risks, and defying the odds. “Holding my world together with a boot string” suggests a fragile existence, barely managing to keep things intact.
“Living the dream, Benzos and gasoline” speaks to a lifestyle fueled by substances and adrenaline, hinting at the chaotic and unsustainable nature of such a life. “Coffee and blue light screens ’til the morning” reflects the modern struggle of staying awake and alert in a digital age.
The chorus, “If I tell you this is drowning, you’d tell me I’m walking on water,” captures the feeling of being misunderstood or dismissed by others. The speaker feels their struggles are minimized, even when they achieve the impossible, like “bringing fire from the mountain.”
The lines “I don’t wanna choose between being a salesman or a soldier” highlight the pressure to conform to traditional roles or careers. The speaker rejects these choices, seeking to “look a little older” and “step a little bolder,” indicating a desire for growth and authenticity.
The repeated phrase “I’m gonna be nobody’s soldier” is a declaration of independence. The speaker refuses to take orders or fit into predefined roles, choosing instead to forge their own path, free from societal constraints.
The verse “Sick to my skin, watching the news again” reflects the anxiety and disillusionment with the world. “Whatever you choose, you lose out in the long run” suggests a no-win situation, where societal expectations often lead to disappointment.
“The paint on the walls come down like a waterfall” symbolizes the collapse of false facades or goals. The realization that “the goal I was aiming for was the wrong one” underscores the theme of self-discovery and the courage to change direction.
In the end, the repetition of “nobody’s soldier” reinforces the speaker’s commitment to autonomy. The song is a powerful statement about rejecting societal pressures and embracing one’s true self, even if it means going against the grain.
