Song meaning of Wildflower and Barley by Hozier & Allison Russell

"Wildflower and Barley" by Hozier & Allison Russell is a poignant and introspective song that delves into themes of nature, life, death, and the cyclical nature of existence. The lyrics paint vivid imagery of both the countryside and the city during springtime, highlighting the contrast between the vibrancy of nature and the emptiness of urban spaces. The song opens with the speaker being struck by the beauty of spring in the country, with lines like "Everythin' in my vision is movement and life" and "Riverboat, wheelbarrow, wildflower and barley" evoking a sense of renewal and growth.

As the song progresses, the lyrics shift to the cityscape, where the speaker observes the emptiness of the canal banks and longs for the warmth of human presence, as seen in the lines "The grass cryin' out to be heated by bodies" and "The streets for the laughter of young women and men." This juxtaposition of rural and urban settings serves as a metaphor for the dualities of life and the passage of time.

The chorus of the song, with its repetition of the lines "This year, I swear it will be buried in actions" and "Some close to the surface, some close to the casket," suggests a sense of determination and acceptance of the inevitability of change and mortality. The imagery of healers, diggers, and the usefulness of dirt further emphasizes the themes of growth, transformation, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

The outro of the song brings the narrative full circle, with the speaker reflecting on the passing of time and the transient nature of life. Lines like "Another month has not much longer now" and "Like grief and sweet memory, wildflower and barley" evoke a sense of bittersweet nostalgia and acceptance of the impermanence of all things.

Overall, "Wildflower and Barley" is a deeply introspective and poetic song that invites listeners to contemplate the beauty and fragility of life, the inevitability of change, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Through its evocative lyrics and haunting melodies, the song captures the essence of the human experience and the eternal cycle of birth, growth, death, and rebirth.