Lazarus, the song written and performed by the late, great David Bowie, is one of the most iconic songs of all time. It is an emotional, intense track that resonates with many listeners, with its powerful lyrics and Bowie’s signature style. The song is part of his final album, Blackstar, released two days before his death in 2016. It has since become an anthem of sorts, paying tribute to the legendary artist and his incredible body of work. In this article, we will take a closer look at the lyrics of Lazarus and explore what makes them so powerful.
Lazarus Bowie
Lazarus, a song by iconic artist David Bowie, is a powerful and emotionally charged ballad. Released in 2015, this single was part of Bowie’s final album, Blackstar. The song is about the idea of being reborn, of shedding one’s skin and emerging anew. Its lyrics suggest a transition from death to life, as Bowie’s character, Lazarus, is “up out of the ground”.
Bowie’s “Lazarus” is considered to be highly autobiographical. Its lyrics contain a number of allusions to Bowie’s career and the passing of time. Before his death in 2016, Lazarus was the last single released before his passing. It has since become a fan-favorite, receiving over 50 million streams on Spotify and charting at number 2 on the Billboard 200.
Apart from its commercial success, “Lazarus” resonates with music fans around the world. The song is praised for its poetic and moving lyrics, which touch on topics of mortality, loss, and hope. It is a fitting tribute to the life and legacy of David Bowie, who was instrumental in shaping the world of music with his innovative and captivating sound.
The lyrics of “Lazarus” are a timeless reminder of the power of music to move, inspire, and captivate. They reflect Bowie’s ability to draw upon a wide range of influences, combining rock and jazz to create a unique sound that still resonates with music fans today
Background: Bowie’s Final Album
Lazarus, released in 2016 as part of David Bowie’s final album, Blackstar, is a powerful posthumous anthem. Written and recorded in secret just months before Bowie’s death, the song has since become a poignant nod to the legendary artist’s passing. The song touched and inspired many – it has been streamed over 200 million times on Spotify, making it one of Bowie’s most popular songs.
Not only is it Bowie’s last song, but it’s also the title track of the musical Bowie had written and directed before his death. The musical acts as a fantastic tribute to Bowie’s life, telling the story of a character named Thomas Newton, inspired by Bowie’s 1976 movie The Man Who Fell to Earth. The song is perhaps Bowie’s most direct reference to the character, referencing the Lazarus in the Bible who was brought back to life by Jesus.
Lyrically, Lazarus is packed with references to Bowie’s own mortality. The chorus of “Look up here, I’m in Heaven” is especially poignant considering Bowie’s passing. Despite the heavy subject matter, the upbeat melody and Bowie’s signature quirkiness make Lazarus an oddly uplifting song. His performance in the music video is particularly mesmerizing, making it a fitting tribute to the late singer.
Two months after the album’s release, David Bowie passed away at the age of 69. The impact of his work on art, music, and culture will live on forever,
Meaning of Lazarus
The song “Lazarus”, written and performed by the beloved artist David Bowie, is a haunting and emotional tribute to life and death. Released in 2015 shortly before Bowie’s death, the song is about his acceptance of his mortality. The lyrics are full of deep symbolism and poetic references to his own life. One of the most powerful lines in the song is “Look up here, I’m in heaven”, which speaks to the idea of someone coming to terms with their own mortality.
According to a study by the University of Oxford, approximately one in four people in the United States experience feelings of fear or anxiety when faced with the thought of death. This line from “Lazarus” speaks to this fear, while also conveying a sense of acceptance. This idea of accepting mortality is seen throughout the song, with lyrics like “Oh I’ll be free, just like that bluebird”.
The song is a powerful reminder to live life to the fullest and make the most of the time we have on earth. David Bowie was known for his boundary-pushing art, and this song is no exception. In an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine, he said “I’m not looking to fool anybody, but I’m trying to tell a story”. He wanted to use his platform to create something meaningful and to spread a message of hope and acceptance.
The song “Lazarus” is a timeless testament to Bowie
Symbolism in the Lyrics
The song Lazarus, written by the late David Bowie, has become an anthem for many people all over the world. The song, which was released shortly before his untimely death, is a powerful reminder of his immense talent and legacy. While the lyrics are profound, many people don’t realize the deeper symbolism hidden within.
The title “Lazarus” references the biblical character of the same name who is resurrected from the dead. This can be seen as a metaphor for Bowie’s own life and career, which was filled with rebirths and reinventions. In addition, the lyrics “Look up here, I’m in heaven” can be interpreted as Bowie’s farewell to his fans, reflecting his acceptance of death.
The lyrics also hint at his own mortality. Bowie sings “Just like that bluebird, oh, I’ll be free” which may be a reference to his battle with liver cancer. This symbolism is further supported by the line “I’ve got nothing left to lose.” By the time the song was released, Bowie knew his life was coming to an end and he was prepared to accept it.
Lazarus is a powerful and timeless example of Bowie’s immense talent. It is a reminder of his lasting legacy and an inspiration to many. People around the world have embraced the song and its symbolism, with it being covered by multiple artists and covered in discussions about Bowie’s life and works.
David Bowie’s Lazarus has become an iconic piece of music that will continue to be remembered for generations to come. Through its
Analysis of Themes
David Bowie’s Lazarus is an iconic track, with lyrics that capture the poignant themes of mortality and life’s journey. The song was released shortly before Bowie’s death in 2016, and its symbolic undertones have been widely discussed since. The song speaks of the need to look forward into the future and to be grateful for the present.
The lyrics also reference biblical stories. The chorus refers to Lazarus of Bethany, a figure from the New Testament. The biblical account tells of how Jesus brought Lazarus back from the dead, which Bowie uses to symbolise his own mortality. The line ‘look up here, I’m in heaven’ further reinforces this theme of mortality.
The song is also an ode to Bowie’s career. He alludes to his identity as an artist and his own creativity, singing ‘I’ve got nothing left to lose’. This can be interpreted as Bowie’s recognition of his own mortality, but also his acceptance of it. He knows his time is coming to an end, but he is grateful for the life he has lived and the legacy he will leave behind.
The song’s music video further emphasises these themes, with the singer’s slowly deteriorating health being a central focus. The video has been viewed over 60 million times on YouTube, making it one of Bowie’s most popular music videos ever.
Lazarus is a powerful and emotional track, with its themes of mortality and legacy resonating strongly
Musical Influences
David Bowie’s iconic song “Lazarus” off of his final album, Blackstar, has become one of his most influential pieces. The song, which features a melancholic piano and somber lyrics, has been hailed as a powerful, emotive expression of Bowie’s creative genius. The lyrics were written by Bowie himself, and according to the artist, the song was “about trying to both stay in and be released from the limits of physical and mental illness.”
Themes of mortality, mortality, and transformation are heavily explored in the song, through lyrics such as “Look up here, I’m in heaven” and “Oh, I’ll be free, just like that bluebird.” Bowie’s lyrics, combined with his iconic sound, have made “Lazarus” one of his most beloved masterpieces.
“Lazarus” has also had a lasting influence on popular music. The song has been covered by countless artists, including Lorde, Donny McCaslin, and Iggy Pop. The song was even featured in the 2016 sci-fi movie, Arrival, and has been used as a symbol of hope and strength by fans around the world.
Bowie’s influence and impact on modern music has been immense. His music has impacted nearly every genre of music, from pop to electronic, rock to avant-garde, and has paved the way for many groundbreaking artists. This influence has been
Reception and Legacy
Since its release in 2015, David Bowie’s song “Lazarus” has become a classic. The track, which is featured on the album Blackstar, was the late musician’s final single before his death in 2016. It was widely praised by music critics and has become an anthem of sorts for Bowie’s fans worldwide.
The song has been successful on the charts, reaching the top 10 of multiple countries. In the UK, it peaked at number 7 and became Bowie’s final top 10 single. It was also featured in a 2017 episode of the TV show This Is Us, further expanding its reach.
The song was particularly praised for its lyrical content, which many interpret as a reflection on Bowie’s impending death. The lyrics, which he wrote himself, touch upon mortality and the concept of life after death.
The lasting legacy of “Lazarus” was highlighted by its inclusion in the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. The ceremony was watched by millions of people worldwide and featured a special performance of the song.
The song’s legacy also lives on through its status as a constant on streaming services and radio stations. It is considered a modern classic and one of Bowie’s most enduring hits.
Conclusion
“Lazarus” by David Bowie is an incredibly powerful song. It is a testament to the artist’s immense talent and willingness to be vulnerable. Not only does the song explore themes of mortality and faith, but it also serves as a reminder that Bowie will always remain a timeless icon. His music will continue to inspire generations to come. It is a reminder that life is fragile and we must make the most of it while we can. I urge everyone to listen to “Lazarus” and to appreciate the immense talent and legacy of David Bowie.
