Lazarus
David Bowie/Blackstar 2016 Lyrics
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I've got scars that can't be seen
I've got drama, can't be stolen
Everybody knows me now
Look up here, man, I'm in danger
I've got nothing left to lose
I'm so high it makes my brain whirl
Ain't that just like me?
By the time I got to New York
I was living like a king
There I'd used up all my money
I was looking for your ass
This way or no way
You know, I'll be free
Just like that bluebird
Now, ain't that just like me?
Oh, I'll be free
Just like that bluebird
Oh, I'll be free
Ain't that just like me?
The song "Lazarus" by David Bowie, released in 2016, is a haunting and poignant look at the internal struggles of a dying man. The opening lines, "Look up here, I'm in heaven, I've got scars that can't be seen," set the tone for the rest of the song, which explores the idea of death and the unknown.
Throughout the song, Bowie sings about his own impending death, using powerful and visceral language that conveys a sense of urgency and desperation. He talks about his brokenness and the drama that can't be stolen from him, perhaps referring to his own personal struggles with addiction and mental illness.
The chorus of "Lazarus" is a powerful statement about freedom, as Bowie declares that he will be free just like the bluebird. The imagery of the bluebird is a powerful and symbolic one, representing both hope and freedom. By the end of the song, the listener is left with a sense of both sadness and hopefulness, as Bowie's powerful lyrics continue to resonate long after the music has ended.
Line by Line Meaning
Look up here, I'm in heaven
I am no longer here on Earth; I have passed and moved on to the afterlife.
I've got scars that can't be seen
I have endured pain and suffering in my life that is not visible to the naked eye.
I've got drama, can't be stolen
I have experiences and stories that are unique to me and cannot be taken away or replicated by anyone else.
Everybody knows me now
Despite the aforementioned, my fame and legacy have ensured that I am still known and recognized by many.
Look up here, man, I'm in danger
Although I have passed, my eternal soul is still in peril and facing potential harm or doom.
I've got nothing left to lose
At this point, I have lost everything of value and ultimate consequence.
I'm so high it makes my brain whirl
My soul is in such a state of transcendence and freedom that it induces almost overwhelming thoughts and feelings.
Dropped my cell phone down below
I have let go of all earthly possessions and distractions; technology is an example of this.
Ain't that just like me?
This is something to be expected from me or characteristic of me.
By the time I got to New York
In a particular moment or period after my death, I had arrived in New York.
I was living like a king
I was living luxuriously and extravagantly, as though I had power and influence over everything.
There I'd used up all my money
However, this lifestyle was not sustainable, and I had spent all my resources and wealth recklessly.
I was looking for your ass
I was seeking and searching for someone or something important, but I could not find it.
This way or no way
I am only willing to go in one specific direction or else not go at all.
You know, I'll be free
Regardless of the circumstances or obstacles I face, I will ultimately achieve freedom in some form or another.
Just like that bluebird
This freedom would be like the freedom of a bluebird flying, liberated and unbound.
Oh, I'll be free
Reiterating the certainty of my eventual liberation.
Ain't that just like me?
Reiterating the predictability of my determined and idiosyncratic nature.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: David Bowie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lukebradley574
Bowie entering the closet: his coffin.
The two Bowie's: the bedridden one to symbolise his body decaying, the active one dancing and writing around the room to symbolise his mind's determination to finish the album, mind over matter.
The girl under his bed trying to claw at him: symbolises the cancer trying to take hold of him, and, eventually, succeeding.
The thought, effort and cleverness put into this music video is mind boggling, how he insinuated his death days before, is and will hopefully go down as one of the most artistically done albums ever made.
RIP Bowie, we'll sure as hell miss you.
@DarrienJohnson2001
I can't believe it's been 8 years since David Bowie passed away.
Rest in peace David Bowie
We'll miss you so much😢💐🕊❤😪🥰
(2016–2024)
8th anniversary of David Bowie's death.
(1947–2016)
Thank you for your music and memories.
@06mrselfdestruct
David Bowie looked straight into the eyes of death, and used it to create his last masterpiece, fucking brilliant
@larkstonguesinaspic4814
IrishZombie81 exactly . He turned his own death into an Art project . What is possibly one of the best albums of all time .
@panzerjagertigerpelefant
When a man who's lived the life of a god in his profession, has gone through so much, from the death of his friends and companions who he sang with, and he nears his end, he knows he must have one last ride with his skills.
@kingken130
just like Freddie Mercury did
@emoAnarchist
thats gotta be the best way i have heard this album described
@carollipton4584
Absolutely. One of the most courageous acts of artistic creation that has ever been.
@wonderland4515
It must be so painful knowing you’re dying and writing a song about it and sing it. He truly went out as a star ❤️
@spongebobslesserknownbroth9769
A blackstar
@vikingfyi
A black star / blackstar is both what you call a dying star (planet), but also it's a cancer lesion...
@lunarvision
One of the most beautiful and moving videos ever.