In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
I been tearing
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
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
Lyrics submitted by Walter_O_Dim
Lazarus on Down Lyrics as written by Tom Morello
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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Serj Tarkanian in the background makes this song o so lovely
God, songs like this on are almost impossible to understand! I mean to understand this one you probably must have read the bible...
In cases of such complicated lyrics, i wish the artists themselves would comment on it, to not leave their listeners in the dark about it!