Hozier has released a brand new music video for Cherry Wine, featuring Oscar-nominated Irish actress Saoirse Ronan. The folk-like song may seem chilled out and carefree, however, it has a much deeper meaning as it is a story told by a victim of domestic violence.
The video, directed by Dearbhla Walsh, follows a young couple, played by Ronan and actor Moe Dunford. While they look happy and in love on the surface, we also see Ronan wiping her makeup off to reveal a black eye. The video ends with the call to action #FaceUpToDomesticViolence. As the camera zooms in, we see the faces of various domestic violence victims.
“Domestic violence is an ongoing issue in our society, the statistics of which are shocking and the effects of which damage whole families, communities and span generations,” Hozier explained on his website. “With the song ‘Cherry Wine,’ I tried to get across the difficulty of coming to terms with and facing up to domestic violence and the dynamic of an abusive relationship.”
This isn’t Hozier’s first powerfully political film clip, as his breakout single Take Me To Church and consequent music video focussed on the treatment of homosexuals in the Catholic Church. Clearly not one to shy away from a social issue that needs changing, he is using his platform as one of the biggest artists in the world to create discussion and ultimately, hopefully change.
Cherry Wine is now available to buy, with all of the proceeds going to help victims of domestic violence and fund the education for various communities on the issue.
Let the song open your eyes to the world behind closed doors and watch the video below.
Image: Irish Examiner