I guarantee you listen to this more than once 🤩
Hozier— the Irish singer–songwriter and multi–instrumentalist— takes on the centuries–old song with a captivating vocal performance that will leave you in awe.
This recording isn’t new, originally posted in 2019, but we thought it was worth a post to share around anyway.
Hozier only sings three short verses from the original full-length song, but here are the lyrics for those who want to sing along.
Come guess me this riddle, what beats pipe and fiddle
What’s hotter than mustard and milder than cream
What best wets your whistle, what’s clearer than crystal
Sweeter than honey and stronger than steamWhat can make the dumb talk, what can make the lame walk,
What’s the elixir of life and philosopher’s stone
And what helped Mr. Brunnell to dig the Thames Tunnel
Sure wasn’t it whiskey from [ould Inisowen]So stick to the cratur’ the best thing in nature
For sinking your sorrows and raising your joys
And boys, [I oft’n?] wonder, if lightning and thunder
Was made from the plunder of whiskey, me boys
His powerful, soulful voice and perfect pitch are impressive; but it‘s his rhythmic, intricate harmonies and vocal improvisations that really make this solo a cappella performance stand out.
That performance comes from a 2019 session recorded in The Current studio while Hozier was on tour in support of his album, “Wasteland, Baby!”. Here is a longer video with all four performances from that studio session, including the traditional “The Humours of Whiskey.”
Whether you‘re an Irish folk music fan or someone who just appreciates great music, you won‘t want to miss this magical performance by Hozier. His voice is truly something special and it‘s clear he has a real passion for the traditional Irish folk music.
We hope to hear more of Hozier‘s solo a cappella renditions in the future!
Hozier, Irish song writer and singer
Hozier is an Irish singer–songwriter from Bray, County Wicklow. His music has been described as a blend of soul, rock, and folk. He released his debut EP, Take Me to Church, in 2013, and his self–titled debut album in September 2014. His major–label debut album, Wasteland, Baby!, was released in March 2019. He has achieved commercial success with singles such as “Take Me to Church“, “Someone New“, and “Work Song“.
