Hello Professor and Class,

In regard to David Bowie’s “Lazarus,” I saw one major difference between the lyrics and the text of The Epic of Gilgamesh. While David Bowie sang, “Just like that bluebird/Oh, I’ll be free,” which I interpreted as freedom from the burdens of life, Gilgamesh sought immorality throughout the epic. The lyric above conveys relief and resembles something natural and beautiful by referring the bluebird, a symbol of happiness. This reference further underscores the artist’s acceptance of death, when he’ll finally “be free,” but is contrary to Gilgamesh’s wishes.

A similarity I spotted concerns the name of the song, which is a biblical reference to a man who was raised from the dead by Jesus. The title of the song relates to The Epic of Gilgamesh because Gilgamesh wishes to be immortal, similarly to Lazarus, who, although not immortal, overcame death.

Further, The Epic of Gilgamesh literally relates to the song when David Bowie sings, “I was living like a king,” which describes Gilgamesh, who is a king.

Did anyone find any other differences/similarities between the song and the text? Did anyone interpret David Bowie’s song differently? (That he doesn’t want to die, particularly due to the name of the song, which implies resurrection from death?)

Looking forward to reading other interpretations,

Veronika S.