"Take Me To Church" is more than a single, it's a statement: "Take Me To Church," the first single off Hozier, makes for a totally enthralling anthem. It reworks religious imagery and constructs to tell a tale of lasting love, but the video is what really caught people's attention. In it, two men kiss and are eventually tracked down and beaten, and the video was conceived and dropped with the intention to raise awareness and support for gay marriage following Russia's criminalization of homosexuality. Backstage at Lollapalooza, Hozier was candid and direct about the song in this Fuse exclusive, especially about why gay marriage isn't a controversial subject for him at all:

"The song, to me, is about what it is to be a human, what it is to love someone as a human being, and organizations that would undermine that, and undermine the more natural parts of being a person. If you feel offended or disgusted by the image of two people kissing, if that's what it is, but you're more disgusted by that than the actual violence...I think you should take a look at your values, maybe. I don't think there really should be a controversy when we're talking about a basic human right and the equal treatment of people. Electing a person in the place of an organization, like the church, as something that is worth worshiping and something that is worth loving, something tangible and real...there's a lot to the song, but if I need to stand up and swing from the corner, I'm happy to do that."

Hozier also gave a vague response to those who think "Take Me to Church" is his coming out anthem. In an interview with Reuters, who says Hozier was inspired by a breakup with a girlfriend, the singer responded to assumptions the song and video seemingly confirm his sexuality.

"Yes, people do make that assumption (that I am gay), which is fine," he told the the outlet in London. "But for me I don't think it's the point, you know what I mean? It doesn't come into it what my sexual orientation is...regardless of the sexual orientation behind a relationship, it is still a relationship and still love... So people are free to make any assumption they want, it's grand."

FUSE TV - Everything You Need to Know About Hozier

Love "Take Me to Church"? Catch up with all of Hozier's other singles and videos including:

"Work Song""Someone New""From Eden"Hozier Explains the Meaning to "Take Me to Church" Here

We think you'll enjoy these related videos below and for more great content featuring your favorite artists, sign up for Fuse+ to access all our videos.

"Work Song"
"Someone New"
"From Eden"
Hozier Explains the Meaning to "Take Me to Church" Here