"Lazarus" is a song that taps into the rich vein of early 20th-century music, where religious themes were often front and center. The story of Lazarus has always fascinated me—imagine stepping out into the sunlight after being in the grave. What would the rest of your life feel like after something so miraculous?
I recorded this song on Louise in open E, and intentionally avoided the usual harmony that resolves to a V-chord. Instead, I used a slightly dissonant walk down from an F#7 to really underscore how strange it must have felt to leave the grave behind and shake off all the burdens we carry in life.
"Lazarus" is ultimately a jubilant celebration of life. The lyrics capture that feeling of breaking free, of walking into town with the weight lifted off your shoulders, and just soaking in the sunlight, bathed in grace.