Lazarus On Down
Tom Morello The Nightwatchman Lyrics
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And I been torn
The temple steps
Are smooth and warm
What Judas been doing
There ain't no knowing
On the olive vine
Something different is growing
[Chorus: x4]
Lazarus on down
One eyed crow
Tapping on a windowpane
Little boy raised a cup
In cyaphast's name
The potter's field
Blood beneath the tree
That money's gone son
What's left, you owe me
[Chorus: x4]
Is that hope
In the shepherd's eyes?
Or just another
Little dark surprise?
I'm just like you, dad,
Thin and cold
If you didn't know it
Well now you know
The lyrics to Tom Morello The Nightwatchman's song "Lazarus On Down" are infused with a deep sense of betrayal, confusion, and existential despair. The opening lines, "I been tearing, and I been torn / The temple steps are smooth and warm" suggest the singer is struggling with inner turmoil, and the comfort of the temple provides little solace. The next few lines allude to Judas' betrayal and how it has left a lasting impact, leaving something different to grow. The use of "Lazarus on down" in the chorus is a proclamation of new beginnings, rebirth, and rising from the depths of despair.
The second verse paints a picture of a one-eyed crow tapping on a windowpane, creating a dark and foreboding atmosphere. The reference to Cyaphast's name is a nod to the biblical account of the Last Supper, where Jesus prophesies Peter's denial, and the latter insists that he will follow Jesus to the death. The mention of the potter's field and blood beneath the tree are likely allusions to Christ's crucifixion and the aftermath. The final lines of the chorus, "Lazarus on down," signify the hope of redemption and new beginnings.
The last verse contains a monologue from the singer, expressing a sense of similarity to his father in being thin and cold. The closing line, "If you didn't know it / Well now you know," is a poignant expression of his inner struggle and hidden pain.
Line by Line Meaning
I been tearing
I have been going through a lot of tough situations
And I been torn
I have been emotionally damaged and pained
The temple steps
The religious steps or traditions that have been followed by people for ages
Are smooth and warm
The religious traditions and practices are comforting and welcoming
What Judas been doing
The actions of betrayers like Judas are unpredictable and difficult to comprehend
There ain't no knowing
It's impossible to know what Judas might be up to
On the olive vine
On the holy grounds where good things should grow
Something different is growing
Something unusual or unexpected is happening
Lazarus on down
Referring to the Biblical story of Lazarus and the hope of coming back from the brink of death
One eyed crow
A symbol of bad luck or evil influence
Tapping on a windowpane
Trying to enter or reach out to someone
Little boy raised a cup
A reference to the Last Supper and the Holy Grail
In cyaphast's name
In the name of the Holy Grail or the Last Supper
The potter's field
A graveyard for the unknown or the poor
Blood beneath the tree
A reference to Jesus Christ shedding his blood on the cross
That money's gone son
The materialistic things in life are not permanent
What's left, you owe me
What's left in life is the obligation to love and respect one another
Is that hope
Is that a sign of positivity
In the shepherd's eyes?
In the eyes of a guide who helps lead people to a better place
Or just another
Or maybe it's just
Little dark surprise?
Another negative or unfavorable situation
I'm just like you, dad,
I am just like you, someone who has gone through tough situations and emotions
Thin and cold
Experiencing hardships and emptiness in life
If you didn't know it
If you haven't realized it yet
Well now you know
Now you are aware of it
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: TOM MORELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind