Hozier returns with gentle solidarity single 'Swan Upon Leda'

Hozier has released a brand new track from his upcoming third studio album Unreal Unearth in the form of soaring new single 'Swan Upon Leda'.

Unreal Unearth is expected to be released later this year. It marks the Wicklow musician's first album since his chart-topping 2019 LP, Wasteland, Baby!.

The powerful single was written and produced by Andrew Hozier-Byrne with production by Jennifer Decilveo, dedicated to the struggle for women's rights around the world.

"Her husband waits outside/A cryin' child pushes a child into the night/She was told he would come this time/Without leavin' so much as a feather behind/To enact at last the perfect plan/One more sweet boy to be butchered by hand," the opening verse announces as soft acoustic guitar plucking and poignant strings brings his stunning words to life.

Swan Upon Leda
October 7, 2022 pic.twitter.com/k2xMo2e6N9

— Hozier (@Hozier) October 3, 2022

Hozier shared a story behind the song on social media, “Egyptian journalist and author Mona Eltahawy once referred to the global systems that control and endanger women as the world's 'oldest form of occupation.' Ever since hearing her speak in Dublin, I wanted to explore that thought in a piece.”

“I wrote Swan Upon Leda in Ireland a year ago and recorded it recently with producer Jenn Decilveo. We were tracking it in studio when the news came through of roe v. wade being overturned. I felt there was an opportunity to offer some show of solidarity.”

He continued, “We're reminded again by the protests in Iran that progressivism is a global movement. the recent pushbacks against civil liberties and human rights respect no boundaries or borders, and like all acts of control, violence and indeed all forms of occupation, their legacies can be immeasurable in both the personal and political spheres.

“Of all the songs coming from Unreal Unearth, I wanted to offer Swan Upon Leda at this time, I'll be making a donation to mayday, AidAccess and Plan C, organisations working toward insuring women and pregnant people can gain safe access to reproductive healthcare, click the links above, where you can read about their work and contribute to their funds should you be in a position to do so.”

Listen to 'Swan Upon Leda' below.