"Too Sweet" by Hozier delves into the complexities of a relationship where the singer finds himself incompatible with his partner's sweetness and optimism. Here's a breakdown of the lyrics:

The Clash of Personalities:

• Verse 1: Hozier establishes his nocturnal lifestyle, contrasting it with his partner's early-rising, "live right" attitude. He acknowledges her advice but subtly mocks her by pointing out her "pretending" to be a morning person.
• Pre-Chorus: He expresses a preference for darkness and a sense of melancholic beauty, juxtaposed with his partner's "drunk on life" enthusiasm.
• Chorus: The core conflict is highlighted: He prefers his whiskey "neat" and a late-night lifestyle, while she represents everything "too sweet" for him.

Exploring the Themes:

• Fear of Commitment/Love: Hozier's "aiming low" and avoiding phone calls suggest an aversion to connection. His view of "forever" as a negative concept hints at a fear of commitment and the potential pain associated with it.
• Contrasting Views on Life: He embraces darkness and a detached approach to life, while she embodies innocence and a naive optimism. This stark contrast fuels the tension.
• Irony and Self-Awareness: He acknowledges that his partner is "pretty" and "sweet" but finds it incompatible with his own cynicism. The lyrics are infused with an ironic tone, suggesting both a desire for and a fear of this kind of love.

Symbolism:

• Whiskey and Coffee: These represent the singer's preferences for harsh realities and a darker outlook.
• "Bed at 3": His late-night habits reflect his preference for solitude and a world outside the norm.
• "Heaven's Gate" and "TSA": These metaphors describe his partner's overly cautious and idealistic nature.

Overall: "Too Sweet" explores the difficulties of navigating a relationship where two people have vastly different approaches to life. Hozier presents a poignant portrait of someone who appreciates the beauty in darkness and struggles to reconcile it with the overwhelming sweetness of his partner. The song leaves the listener pondering the ultimate fate of their relationship, whether it's doomed by incompatibility or possesses a potential for growth and compromise.