Writing Through Death – David Bowie’s Blackstar and Lazarus

Today, January 11, 2016, we woke to news that David Bowie had died. He had been battling with cancer for the last 18 months. I was a fan from the 80’s. His under appreciated album “Tonight” was highly appreciated by this brooding 18 year old. I guess I wasn’t a great fan though, because although I knew he had a new album coming out (debuted two days ago on his 69th birthday), I did not know anything more about it. Today we all learned that Blackstar was his “parting gift” for his fans. The song Lazarus is, of course, poignant.

Like most of Bowie’s work it is quirky, jazzy, multivalent, and, to some extent, inscrutable. His acting in the video hints and intentions and conflicts, the lyrics speak of a life of fame and struggle, notoriety and genius.

May he truly be free and may light perpetual shine upon him.

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 cellphone down below 

Ain’t that just like me?! 

By the time I got to New York 

I was living like a king 

Then I 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?

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