Music: David Bowie – Lazarus

David Bowie is a British musical icon, with decades worth of music. Creating music for every decade, artists rarely change their style. Bowie, on the other hand, was a king of reinvention.  Artists rarely take risks but Bowie took risks. My parents shared David’s music, with me. And I remember pirating his music.

Lazarus was the last single released before David Bowie’s death in 2016. Therefore the lyrics took on a new meaning, Blackstar was meant to be a swan song Ablum. Tony Visconti producer for Blackstar has confirmed this. 

Every song has lyrics that revolve around death. Lazarus’s music video makes death the clear theme. 

 

Look up here, I’m in heaven
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
Dropped my cell phone down below
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 first paragraph is Bowie talking about already being dead. Talking about his cancer, how famous he is. The second paragraph makes clear his cancer is winning, nice bit of humour to end it. The third paragraph talks about moving to new york, and the problems with being rich. One or two lines that I don’t understand the meaning of. He ends the song talking about being free, almost like he accepts dying and death. Therefore final line is his goodbye to his fans.

This is one of my favourite songs on the album. Every time I listen to David Bowie’s music he reminds me of my mum.  She was the one who recommended him. I have some great memories of singing songs with her, including David. Growing up I never used to sing that much.

David Bowie left behind a vast collection of music. Covering different genres across the ages. For me, Lazarus has helped me with grief.  Makes me remember even in the end we still have the desire to keep going.