Swan Upon Leda
Hozier Lyrics

A husband waits outside
A husband anxiously waits outside, possibly for his wife or loved one.

A crying child pushes a child into the night
A sorrowful child forcefully sends another child away, possibly into a dangerous or uncertain situation.

She was told he would come this time
She was assured that he would come this time, likely referring to someone important or significant.

Without leaving so much as a feather behind
Leaving without a trace, not even the slightest evidence of their presence.

To enact at last the perfect plan
To finally execute a flawless plan or scheme.

One more sweet boy to be butchered by man
Another innocent boy destined to be harmed or killed by mankind.

But the gateway to the world
Referring to a critical access point, a passage to the outside world.

Was still outside the reach of him
Remained beyond his grasp or control.

What never belonged to angels
Something that was never meant for heavenly beings.

Had never belonged to men
Also something that was never meant for human beings.

The swan upon Leda
Symbolizing the presence of a swan on Leda, a mythological figure from Greek mythology who was seduced by Zeus in the form of a swan.

Empire upon Jerusalem
Possibly referring to territorial control or dominance over Jerusalem.

A grandmother smuggling meds
An elderly woman illicitly transporting medications, possibly due to difficult circumstances or restrictions.

Past where the god child-soldier Setanta stood dead
Passing by the location where a young soldier named Setanta, who possessed god-like qualities, tragically lost his life.

Our graceful turner of heads
A description of someone who captivates attention and admiration with their elegance and charm.

Weaves through the checkpoints like a needle and thread
Navigating through security barriers and obstacles swiftly and unobtrusively, like a needle weaving through fabric.

Someone's frightened boy waves her on
A scared young boy signals her to continue, granting her permission or encouragement to proceed.

She offers a mother's smile, and soon she's gone
She gives a warm smile of reassurance, reminiscent of a mother's affection, before vanishing or leaving.

The gun in a trembling hand
Depicting a firearm held with trembling hands, indicating fear, uncertainty, or insecurity.

Where nature unmakes the boundary
Referring to a place where the natural world erases or overcomes limitations and divisions.

The pillar of myth still stands
Symbolizing the enduring presence and significance of a mythical pillar, representing something deeply rooted in legend or folklore.

Occupier upon ancient land
Possibly alluding to an occupying force or presence on historical or ancestral territory.

The gateway to the world
Reference to the same critical access point mentioned earlier, a passage to the outside world.

What never belonged to angels
Again, something that was never meant for celestial beings.

Had never belonged to men
Once more, something that was never intended for human beings.