On 14 March 2024, Hozier announced his fifth EP Unheard that features four previously unreleased tracks taken from sessions for his third studio album Unreal Unearth. The singer clarified that the songs "could not make the original release" for various reasons, but still fit the themes of "gluttony, limbo, violence and the outward 'ascent'". He first teased the song the same day on TikTok in a clip that features him drawing a sketch of a skeleton. "Too Sweet" was surprise-released as the opening track to the project on 22 March.
"Too Sweet" debuted at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart on 29 March 2024, earning Hozier his first top-ten single in the United Kingdom since "Take Me to Church" in 2014 and second overall. It rose to number 4 on 5 April 2024. On 12 April 2024, it reached Number 1 with 61,000 chart units and 6.7 million streams, becoming Hozier's first UK number one single.
In the United States, "Too Sweet" debuted at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of 6 April 2024, marking Hozier's first top 10 debut and second top 10 after "Take Me to Church". Three weeks later, the song reached number one, surpassing the number two peak of "Take Me to Church" and becoming Hozier's first number-one in the United States. With this, Hozier became the first Irish act to top the Billboard Hot 100 since Sinéad O'Connor in 1990 with "Nothing Compares 2 U", and fourth overall along with O'Connor, Gilbert O'Sullivan and U2.
Too Sweet
Hozier Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's ten o'clock before I say a word
Baby, I can never tell
How do you sleep so well?
You keep telling me to live right
To go to bed before the daylight
But then you wake up for the sunriseYou know you don't gotta pretend
Baby, now and then
Don't you just wanna wake up
Dark as a lake
Smelling like a bonfire
Lost in a haze?
If you're drunk on life, babe
I think it's great
But while in this world
I think I'll take my whiskey neat
My coffee black and my bed at three
You're too sweet for me
You're too sweet for me
I take my whiskey neat
My coffee black and my bed at three
You're too sweet for me
You're too sweet for me
I aim low
I aim true, and the ground's where I go
I work late where I'm free from the phone
And the job gets done
But you worry some, I know
But who wants to live forever, babe?
You treat your mouth as if it's Heaven's gate
The rest of you like you're the TSA
I wish I could go along
Babe, don't get me wrong
You know you're bright as the morning
As soft as the rain
Pretty as a vine
As sweet as a grape
You can sit in a barrel
Maybe I'll wait
Until that day
I'd rather take my whiskey neat
My coffee black and my bed at three
You're too sweet for me
You're too sweet for me
I take my whiskey neat
My coffee black and my bed at three
You're too sweet for me
You're too sweet for me
I take my whiskey neat
My coffee black and my bed at three
You're too sweet for me
You're too sweet for me
In the song "Too Sweet" by Hozier, the singer begins by admitting that they are not an early riser, emphasizing their tendency to stay up late and sleep in until late morning. They express curiosity and wonder at how their partner, who is portrayed as someone who values living a disciplined life, is able to sleep so soundly despite the differences in their lifestyles.
The lyrics then delve into the contrasting lifestyles of the singer and their partner, with the partner encouraging the singer to adhere to a more conventional routine of going to bed early and waking up to see the sunrise. Despite this advice, the singer acknowledges their preference for staying up late, enjoying their vices like whiskey and black coffee, and sleeping in until late in the morning. The partner is depicted as too sweet for the singer, implying that their personalities and habits may not completely align.
The singer continues to reflect on their own choices and preferences, emphasizing their commitment to living life on their own terms. They describe their work ethic and dedication to their job, while acknowledging that their partner may worry about their unconventional lifestyle choices. The recurring theme of contrasting personalities and priorities between the singer and their partner is reinforced, with the partner symbolizing sweetness and light, while the singer embodies a more rugged and independent spirit.
Overall, "Too Sweet" explores themes of individuality, independence, and the tension between embracing a disciplined life versus living freely and authentically. The lyrics capture the complexities of relationships where partners may have differing values and habits, highlighting the beauty in diversity and the challenges that can arise from differing perspectives. Through vivid imagery and introspective reflections, Hozier crafts a nuanced narrative that invites listeners to ponder the intricacies of human connections and the ways in which we navigate the balancing act between conformity and personal autonomy.
Line by Line Meaning
It can't be said I'm an early bird
I wouldn't describe myself as someone who wakes up early.
It's ten o'clock before I say a word
I often find myself silent and reflective until late in the morning.
Baby, I can never tell
Darling, I struggle to understand things about us.
How do you sleep so well?
How is it that you find such peace and rest so easily?
You keep telling me to live right
You often encourage me to make better choices and lead a responsible life.
To go to bed before the daylight
You suggest that I should sleep earlier, before the sun rises.
But then you wake up for the sunrise
Yet, you yourself choose to wake up early, even at dawn.
You know you don't gotta pretend
You don't have to act differently or put on a facade.
Baby, now and then
Darling, occasionally it’s okay to let your true self show.
Don't you just wanna wake up
Isn’t there a part of you that desires to rise and greet the day?
Dark as a lake
In an ambiance that is mysterious and deep, like the surface of a calm lake at night.
Smelling like a bonfire
Infused with the comforting and nostalgic scent of wood smoke.
Lost in a haze?
Entranced in a fog of thoughts or daydreams, creating a sense of freedom.
If you're drunk on life, babe
If you are intoxicated by the joys and excitements of living.
I think it's great
I genuinely admire and appreciate that zest for life.
But while in this world
However, as we navigate through reality together.
I think I'll take my whiskey neat
I prefer my whiskey served straight, with no distractions.
My coffee black and my bed at three
I enjoy my coffee strong and dark, and I often find myself in bed late at night.
You're too sweet for me
Your sweetness is overwhelming and perhaps incompatible with my more rugged lifestyle.
You're too sweet for me
Your gentle nature contrasts sharply with my more hardened disposition.
I take my whiskey neat
I consistently choose to keep things straightforward and simple in my life.
My coffee black and my bed at three
Continuing with my preference for strong coffee and late-night habits.
You're too sweet for me
Your kindness and gentleness may not align well with my lifestyle.
You're too sweet for me
I feel a disparity between your warmth and my more cynical nature.
I aim low
I tend to set modest goals for myself.
I aim true, and the ground's where I go
I strive to be accurate in my pursuits, but remain grounded and realistic.
I work late where I'm free from the phone
I find solace in working during quiet hours when I can concentrate without interruptions.
And the job gets done
I manage to complete my tasks effectively during these hours.
But you worry some, I know
I understand that you have your concerns about my choices.
But who wants to live forever, babe?
I question the desire for an endless existence when life can be intense.
You treat your mouth as if it's Heaven's gate
You speak and express yourself with such beauty, it feels divine.
The rest of you like you're the TSA
But you handle other parts of yourself with scrutiny, as if you're checking for security.
I wish I could go along
I long to join you in your approach to life, free-spirited and open.
Babe, don't get me wrong
Don’t misunderstand me; I appreciate you deeply.
You know you're bright as the morning
You radiate positivity and freshness, reminiscent of a new day.
As soft as the rain
Your demeanor is gentle and soothing, much like a light rain.
Pretty as a vine
You are beautiful and graceful, like nature's intertwined elements.
As sweet as a grape
Your essence is delightful, much like the taste of ripe fruit.
You can sit in a barrel
You are content and cheerful in simple circumstances.
Maybe I'll wait
Perhaps I’ll be patient and see how things unfold.
Until that day
I will hold on for the moment when things might change.
I'd rather take my whiskey neat
Again, I prefer to keep my life simple and direct.
My coffee black and my bed at three
I maintain my routines, grounded in my preferences.
You're too sweet for me
I'm aware of our different natures and how your sweetness can be challenging for me.
You're too sweet for me
This contrast between us continues to stand out in our relationship.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, Daniel Tannenbaum, Peter Gonzalez, Sergiu Gherman, Stuart Johnson, Tyler Mehlenbacher, Luca Ferraresi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Haillehc_2319
It can't be said I'm an early bird
It's ten o'clock before I say a word
Baby, I can never tell
How do you sleep so well?
You keep telling me to live right
To go to bed before the daylight
But then you wake up for the sunrise
You know you don't gotta pretend, baby, now and then
Don't you just wanna wake up, dark as a lake?
Smelling like a bonfire, lost in a haze?
If you're drunk on life, babe, I think it's great
But while in this world
I think I'll take my whiskey neat
My coffee black and my bed at three
You're too sweet for me
You're too sweet for me
I take my whiskey neat
My coffee black and my bed at three
You're too sweet for me
You're too sweet for me
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
I aim low
I aim true and the ground's where I go
I work late where I'm free from the phone
And the job gets done
But you worry some, I know
But who wants to live forever, babe?
You treat your mouth as if it's Heaven's gate
The rest of you like you're the TSA
I wish I could go along, babe, don't get me wrong
You know you're bright as the morning, as soft as the rain
Pretty as a vine, as sweet as a grape
If you can sit in a barrel, maybe I'll wait
Until that day
I'd rather take my whiskey neat
My coffee black and my bed at three
You're too sweet for me
You're too sweet for me
I take my whiskey neat
My coffee black and my bed at three
You're too sweet for me
You're too sweet for me
Whoa, oh-oh
Whoa, oh-oh
Whoa, oh-oh
Whoa, oh-oh
Whoa, oh-oh
Whoa, oh-oh
Whoa, oh-oh
Whoa, oh-oh
I take my whiskey neat
My coffee black and my bed at three
You're too sweet for me
You're too sweet for me
@angelablue1642
🎶🎶🎶
It can't be said I'm an early bird
It's ten o'clock before I say a word
Baby, I can never tell
How do you sleep so well?
You keep telling me to live right
To go to bed before the daylight
But then you wake up for the sunrise
You know you don't gotta pretend, baby, now and then
Don't you just wanna wake up, dark as a lake?
Smelling like a bonfire, lost in a haze?
If you're drunk on life, babe, I think it's great
But while in this world
I think I'll take my whiskey neat
My coffee black and my bed at three
You're too sweet for me
You're too sweet for me
I take my whiskey neat
My coffee black and my bed at three
You're too sweet for me
You're too sweet for me
Ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh, ooh-ooh
I aim low, I aim true and the ground's where I go
I work late where I'm free from the phone
And the job gets done
But you worry some, I know
But who wants to live forever, babe?
You treat your mouth as if it's Heaven's gate
The rest of you like you're the TSA
I wish that I could go along, babe, don't get me wrong
You know, you're bright as the morning, as soft as the rain
Pretty as a vine, as sweet as a grape
If you can sit in a barrel, maybe I'll wait
Until that day
I'd rather take my whiskey neat
My coffee black and my bed at three
You're too sweet for me
You're too sweet for me
I take my whiskey neat
My coffee black and my bed at three
You're too sweet for me
You're too sweet for me
Whoa, oh-oh
Whoa, oh-oh
Whoa, oh-oh
Whoa, oh-oh
Whoa, oh-oh
Whoa, oh-oh
Whoa, oh-oh
Whoa, oh-oh
I take my whiskey neat
My coffee black and my bed at three
You're too sweet for me
You're too sweet for me
🎶🎶🎶
@KirBluSky90
I’m so obsessed with Too Sweet. It’s crazy this was his first #1 single. Hozier’s been so damn good for a decade now.
@idontneedaname318
I was shocked bc Hozier puts out nothing but beautiful songs and bangers how was this his FIRST no.1. the only explanation I can see is that the momentum from unreal unearth pushed it up
@P0nyl0ve
Was Take me to church not no.1??
@OsmarMezaLorente
@@P0nyl0venope, it was #2
@P0nyl0ve
@@OsmarMezaLorente really? Huh surprising
@martins8460
My theory is that it's because he's a musical artist, not a pop singer. Pop songs get number ones, not great music.
@husiiiiiiiii
Only Hozier could write such a banger about not being a morning person
@moeb1us
sounds like a black keys song
@MsNatiBug
Hahaha it’s really a song about a new lover waking him up too early and chipper. And he’s like you’re great, you gotta go. And he goes back to sleep until 3 😂😂😂😂
@knowone77
@nataliaalfonso2662 what? The lyrics say "its 10'o click before I say a word" so he's up late in the morning. And when he talks about being up most of the night, he says "I'll take my whiskey neat, my coffee black and my bed at 3" as in goes to sleep at 3am. Not that he is in bed until 3.