Hozier

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
At Standing Rock the Jackboot Jump
You'd swear was all the rage
Whether tearing up old treaties
Or just tearing up the place
It's always corporate infrastructure
Over the structure of your face

[Verse 2]
In Moscow the Jackboot show
Has so much in store
For any silly student
Who doesn't wanna learn the score
So the Moscow Jackboot Ballet
Finds some scared young dancing floor

[Verse 3]
In Hong Kong it won't be long
'til they have to fall in line
For the long hand of Beijing
Stretches south a thousand miles
Where they rock the Jackboot Jump there
Like that shit's going out of style

[Verse 4]
All around the world
You'd think that things were looking rough
But the jackboot only jumps down
On people standing up
So you know good things are happening
When the jackboot needs to jump

Are you ready to be moved by a heartrending protest song that makes use of metaphors and allusions to highlight modern-day injustices? Jackboot Jump (Live), a song by Hozier, is a powerful track that tackles the Dakota Access Pipeline, mass arrests in Moscow, and the 2019 Hong Kong protests with incredible skill. In this song, Hozier makes use of the metaphor of a jackboot - a type of military boot used during goose-stepping marches - to embody the actions of oppressive governments and regimes. The result is a stunningly powerful song that is sure to move you.

About Jackboot Jump (Live)

You'll instantly know that there's something special about this song when you hear it for the first time. Hozier's Jackboot Jump is a mesmerizing piece that addresses some of today's most pressing issues. The song first appeared in October and November 2019 at various concerts, where Hozier introduced it as a tribute to Woody Guthrie's song "Tear the Fascists Down."

The song's title refers to the military boot that comes to symbolize aggressive, authoritarian regimes. Hozier taps into this metaphor in the song by turning the oppressive actions of governments into a sort of dance - The Jackboot Jump. From the first strums of the guitar, you know that this song is a call for change and a plea for justice.

The opening lyrics grapple with the themes of oppression, injustice, and the vices of modern-day society. It sets the stage for a battle cry that speaks truth to power. One of the most prominent verses goes like this: "And they're digging up the land again / Who needs the light of day instead / We'll bury you in history books / And leave you there among the fossils." These dexterously penned lyrics reflect the environmental harm caused by the Dakota Access Pipeline and are a call to protect our natural resources.

It's hard not to feel moved by Hozier's powerful vocals as he sings the chorus: "Step it up and go/ Let the jackboot jump and be quick about it." These lyrics show how oppression and tyranny can often seem like a dance, choreographed and executed with precision and force.

The Jackboot as a Symbol of Oppression and Fascism

It's worth noting that the "jackboot" used as a metaphor in the song is also a reference to George Orwell's dystopian novel, 1984. The boots appear in a famous passage where the protagonist is told, "If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face—forever." This image has become a widely used representation of oppression and totalitarianism, and Hozier uses it to great effect in his song.

The jackboot has, unfortunately, become synonymous with aggression, control, and the evils of fascism and dictatorship. It's a symbol of force and brutality, one that governments have utilized to intimidate and oppress their people. In this song, Hozier is using the "jackboot" as a metaphor for the actions of oppressive governments, as well as the systems that enable their actions.

Themes and Lyrics

The lyrics of Jackboot Jump (Live) are all about fighting back against injustice and tyranny. Hozier's powerful voice anchors the song's themes, and listeners can sense the anger, frustration, and despair that comes with modern-day struggles.

From the lyrics of the song, it's apparent that Hozier cares deeply about environmental causes and human rights. This song is not just a protest against oppression; it's a call for people to stand up and take action.

One of the most powerful lyrics in the song comes in the form of a rhetorical question. "What does it say about you, that you're willing to defend the tyranny of arrows?" The arrows in this verse represent the weapons of oppression, and it's a question we should all ask ourselves when it comes to our own values and beliefs.

Modern-Day Relevance

It's incredible how Hozier's song remains so relevant today, despite being written in 2019. The environmental and human rights issues he addresses remain among the most pressing of our times, and his use of a jackboot as a metaphor for oppression is as powerful today as it was in 2019.

The song is a reminder that change often comes from the bottom up, from the people who are brave enough to speak out against injustice and oppression. It's a reminder that every one of us can make a difference, no matter how small.

Jackboot Jump (Live) is a raw and powerful work of art that is sure to move anyone who listens to it. It is a call to action, a protest against injustice, and a beacon of hope for anyone who feels oppressed or marginalized. Hozier's mesmerizing vocals and poignant lyrics combine to create a work of art that is both timely and timeless.

The song will undoubtedly make you want to jump, dance, and move - but it's also a powerful reminder that we can all do our part to make the world a better place.

• Release Date: November 21, 2019
• Artist: Hozier