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Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds — Dig, Lazarus, Dig!
Album: Dig, Lazarus, Dig!
Avg rating:
6.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1770









Released: 2008
Length: 4:10
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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[Dig yourself]
[Laz'rus dig yourself]
[Laz'rus dig yourself]
[Laz'rus dig yourself]
[Back in that hole.]

Larry made his nest up in the autumn branches
Built from nothing but high hopes and thin air
He collected up some baby-blasted mothers, they took their chances
And for a while they lived quite happily up there

He came from New York City, man, but he couldn't take the pace
He thought it was like dog eat dog world
Then he went to San Francisco, spent a year in outer space
With a sweet little San Franciscan girl

I can hear my mother wailing and a whole lot of scraping of chairs
I don't know what it is, but there's definitely something going on upstairs

[Dig yourself]
[Laz'rus dig yourself]
[Laz'rus dig yourself]
[Laz'rus dig yourself]
(I want you to dig)

[Back in that hole]

(I want you to dig)

(I want you to dig)

Yeah, New York City, he had to get out there
And San Fransisco, well, I don't know
And then to L.A., where he spent about a day
He thought even the pale sky-stars were smart enough to keep well away from L.A.

Meanwhile Larry made up names for the ladies
Like miss Boo and miss Quick
He stockpiled weapons and took potshots in the air
He feasted on their lovely bodies like a lunatic
And wrapped himself up in their soft yellow hair

I can hear chants and incantations and some guy is mentioning me in his prayers
Well, I don't know what it is, but there's definitely something going on upstairs

[Dig yourself]
[Laz'rus dig yourself]
[Laz'rus dig yourself]
[Laz'rus dig yourself]
(I want you to dig)
[Back in that hole]

(I want you to dig)

(I want you to dig)

Well, New York City, man, San Francisco, LA, I don't know
But Larry grew increasingly neurotic and obscene
I mean he, he never asked to be raised up from the tomb
I mean no one ever actually asked him to forsake his dreams

Anyway, to cut a long story short
Fame finally found him, mirrors became his torturers
Cameras snapped him at every chance
The women all went back to their homes and their husbands
With secret smiles in the corners of their mouths

He ended up like so many of them do, back on the streets of New York City
In a soup queue, a dopefiend, a slave, then prison, then the madhouse, then the grave
Ah, poor Larry

But what do we really know of the dead
And who actually cares?

Well, I don't know what it is, but there's definitely something going on upstairs

[Dig yourself]
[Laz'rus dig yourself]
[Laz'rus dig yourself]
[Laz'rus dig yourself]
(I want you to dig)
[Back in that hole]

[Dig yourself]
[Laz'rus dig yourself]
[Laz'rus dig yourself]
[Laz'rus dig yourself]
(I want you to dig)
[Back in that hole]
Comments (126)add comment
 aspicer wrote:

Never seen them live and just locked tickets for one of his 2 shows in Chicago next Spring - very psyched! This is an excellent album and worth exploring if you are unfamiliar.




You lucky duck!   Give us a full report!
Posted 2 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Never seen them live and just locked tickets for one of his 2 shows in Chicago next Spring - very psyched! This is an excellent album and worth exploring if you are unfamiliar.
Posted 3 months ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:

It's like an up-beat Tom Waits tune!



add a bit of Beck, too
Posted 7 months ago by Aud    [ Reply ]
It's like an up-beat Tom Waits tune!
Posted 10 months ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Lyrical gold!
Posted 11 months ago by xc.farmer.antoine486    [ Reply ]
Love everything about this.
Posted 11 months ago by doktorkev    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:

This guy is nuts. He makes the best quirkiest music...

This piece in particular reminds me of a Soul Coughing tune..Screenwriters Blues... which is awesome as well.


Yeah, I can see that comparison. Love Mike Doughty's voice. 

I don't know a lot of Nick Cave but I think songs like this made Lou Reed gnash his teeth in envy. 
Posted 1 year ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
anybody remember the Velvet Underground song The Gift?

this reminds me of that a little bit. spoken word story. that kind of thing.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
First time I heard this years ago, I thought it was Beck in his "I'm a Loser" period
Posted 1 year ago by Aud    [ Reply ]
 hayduke2 wrote:

love it! I'm buck-ass nekkid and bobbing around my motel room


Is that you Larry?
Posted 1 year ago by NoisyMiner    [ Reply ]
Rather dark lyrics.  Dig yourself, Lazarus.

Nice groove, and the vocal tone is perfect for this 'storytelling' type of song.
Posted 1 year ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
I'm hoping some bow-legged muleskins are dancing in a hotel room somewhere, and maybe beating on a cowbell or more... 
Posted 1 year ago by springof63    [ Reply ]
I have finally figured out the internet. It has given everybody to voice their opinion and the quality of that opinion had continually lessened!
Posted 2 years ago by Chongo1959    [ Reply ]
I like it! Weird, but good!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
Totally Cool!!!
Posted 3 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
This guy is nuts. He makes the best quirkiest music...

This piece in particular reminds me of a Soul Coughing tune..Screenwriters Blues... which is awesome as well.
Posted 3 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
So cool to hear Nick Cave! I can't think of too many of his songs I've ever heard on the radio (terrestrial or internet) beyond Red Right Hand.
Posted 3 years ago by Urthwerm    [ Reply ]
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds embody, for me, the confidently rebellious and fearlessly creative musical spirit of their best-in-the-world-kinda hometown, where I could and would be if I could. DIG!
Posted 3 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
The Stranglers called -- they want their song back (Peaches).
Posted 3 years ago by TallCreative1    [ Reply ]
This is quite an album. If you like this you must hear the whole thing, but it's not for the easily offended!
Posted 3 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 grhorn wrote:

2 Nick Cave songs in 20 minutes  again  C'mon man  first NatureBoy  now this  they're not THAT good


PSD Bud.  It's easier than complaining.
Posted 3 years ago by bpemby    [ Reply ]
It should be no surprise that Nick Cave took inspiration from Raymond Chandler and it's great to see that inspiration quoted in this song.
NC: "even the pale sky-stars were smart enough to keep well away from L.A"
RC: “looking up at the pale sky stars which know enough to keep their
distance from Hollywood” from The Little Sister



Posted 3 years ago by donemattos    [ Reply ]
 NoisyMiner wrote:
2 Nick Cave songs in 20 minutes, diggin' it Bill!
 
2 Nick Cave songs in 20 minutes  again  C'mon man  first NatureBoy  now this  they're not THAT good
Posted 4 years ago by grhorn    [ Reply ]
2 Nick Cave songs in 20 minutes, diggin' it Bill!
Posted 4 years ago by NoisyMiner    [ Reply ]
ONLY on RP - thanks Bill! Classic Nick Cave
Posted 4 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 capooti wrote:
This reminds me of some Modern Lovers tune
 
Leider habe ich noch keinen Modern Lovers oder Jonathan Richman Song auf RP gehört.

Greetings from Bavaria to all the listeners outside. Stay safe!
Posted 4 years ago by ger-man    [ Reply ]
This reminds me of some Modern Lovers tune
Posted 4 years ago by capooti    [ Reply ]
 kingart wrote:
I don't think I've heard this before. But other Cave tunes here, yes. 
Mr. Cave is a certified lunatic genius. WTF. 
 

 
Actually, I did hear it before. Musta. I rated it. Well, it was *like* I had heard it for the first time. And he's still certifiable. 
Posted 10 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
I don't think I've heard this before. But other Cave tunes here, yes. 
Mr. Cave is a certified lunatic genius. WTF. 
 
Posted 10 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Yeah so this is like...art, I guess. Or at least that's what they tell me. 
Posted 10 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
 hayduke2 wrote:
love it! I'm buck-ass nekkid and bobbing around my motel room

You're not a bowlegged muleskinner are you?
There may be copyright issues.
Posted 10 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
love it! I'm buck-ass nekkid and bobbing around my motel room
Posted 10 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Dig this vibe, dig the rant this dude's always on, dig this rocking tune's bad-ass vocal stylings that dance the spectrum forever on the edge
Posted 10 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
what a awesome serie!!!!

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Dig, Lazarus, Dig!
Bob Dylan - Subterranean Homesick Blues
Muddy Waters - Baby Please Don't Go
Posted 15 years ago by bobcat1963    [ Reply ]
Very Leonard Cohen-ish.
Posted 15 years ago by fuh2    [ Reply ]
This version sounded like it had some additional lines over prior versions - one just prior to the "Miss Boo, Miss Quick" piece - another just before the "soup line".  Didn't catch those on the iTunes rev and I don't think I heard them on the video clip.  

Are different cuts out there?

Posted 16 years ago by KeithT    [ Reply ]
 smilestoomuch wrote:
I watched "Brazil" for the first time the other night, and I was like, "Hey! It's Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds!" And my husband, who does not listen to this wonderful station, said, "Who?"
 
99.99% of all people would say the same thing.

God I love this station!!!{#Clap}


Posted 16 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
Not one of his better ones but I like the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kV5XkBQsKU

great cheesy mustache and polyester suit 

Posted 16 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
 Pyro wrote:
Liked it the first eighty times Bill played it.  Tired of it now.

 

{#High-five}
Posted 16 years ago by Bakaretsu    [ Reply ]
ay.  yeah, there's so much other f'ing great music by nick and the seeds, besides this one....   {#Rolleyes}   where is it?

Posted 16 years ago by nicolaluna    [ Reply ]
Yah, time to retire this one to the once every 9 months or so queue.  Great track, but.
Posted 16 years ago by shayde    [ Reply ]
Liked it the first eighty times Bill played it.  Tired of it now.
Posted 16 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
Gednabb wrote:
I can't keep my foot from kicking the wall.
KICK!!! GEDNABB KICK!!!
Posted 16 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
My God...is this song played enough on here? An average rating of 6, yet it's played all the time? WTF??
Posted 16 years ago by Danimal174    [ Reply ]
Ericac wrote:
This song makes me smile everytime I hear it. Also, can't keep my foot from tapping either.
I can't keep my foot from kicking the wall.
Posted 16 years ago by Gednabb    [ Reply ]
This song makes me smile everytime I hear it. Also, can't keep my foot from tapping either.
Posted 16 years ago by Ericac    [ Reply ]
not a huge Nick Cave fan, but i do like some of the songs... although if i had to say 1 album was a bit overplayed on RP, it would be this one. growing tired of this song
Posted 16 years ago by DrGonzo    [ Reply ]
stickers11 wrote:
Not a big fan of Cave at all but certainly you were not expecting Nick's voice to be soothing.... I think you should look under Phil Collins for that.
Phil Collins' voice is soothing? wtf
Posted 16 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
strawberryblonde wrote:
i want you to dig good song
i'm a redhead myself. dig yerself ! ! !
Posted 16 years ago by countyman    [ Reply ]
RadioDoc wrote:
I'm not ashamed to admit... I like this less each time I hear it. 5->4
I just went ahead and gave it a 1 from the get-go, to save myself the trouble of changing it later.
Posted 16 years ago by Danimal174    [ Reply ]
countyman wrote:
Poor Larry! ! ! !
i want you to dig good song
Posted 16 years ago by strawberryblonde    [ Reply ]
few musicians can tell a story like nick cave. plus, the turn around on that chorus is ridiculously catchy.
Posted 16 years ago by anchoresse    [ Reply ]
smilestoomuch wrote:
I watched "Brazil" for the first time the other night, and I was like, "Hey! It's Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds!" And my husband, who does not listen to this wonderful station, said, "Who?"
Don't forget Wim Wenders' "Wings of Desire". (click here)
Posted 16 years ago by mattt    [ Reply ]
I have a feeling I'd like this song more if I listened to the lyrics and it wasn't just slightly repetitive background music...
Posted 16 years ago by zair99    [ Reply ]
Too much.
Posted 16 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
what a trip....
Posted 16 years ago by kayaksurf4fun    [ Reply ]
Poor Larry! ! ! !
Posted 16 years ago by countyman    [ Reply ]
FOOD!!! GLORIOUS FOOD!!! Sorry. That's what I think of when I see that album cover.
Posted 16 years ago by Jack_Jefferson    [ Reply ]
I am beginning..ah to hate..ah this song..ah
Posted 16 years ago by rgr0707    [ Reply ]
I Likee
Posted 16 years ago by cjdevlin    [ Reply ]
Suddenly I'm in the mood for some Zappa...
Posted 16 years ago by nmcvaugh    [ Reply ]
Hysterical.
Posted 16 years ago by MsJudi    [ Reply ]
Grating.
Posted 16 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
I watched "Brazil" for the first time the other night, and I was like, "Hey! It's Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds!" And my husband, who does not listen to this wonderful station, said, "Who?"
Posted 16 years ago by smilestoomuch    [ Reply ]
i like it
Posted 16 years ago by strawberryblonde    [ Reply ]
From the angelic Patty Griffin to this again? Groan...
Posted 16 years ago by auburntigerrich    [ Reply ]
Bumped from 8 to 9. Play it again, Sam!!
Posted 16 years ago by tnt_thomas    [ Reply ]
CalOF wrote:
Again?? Once was enough.
At least.
Posted 16 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
Again?? Once was enough.
Posted 16 years ago by CalOF    [ Reply ]
paiasoloco wrote:
You have to watch this video
If I have to watch the video to like the song, then the song is a soundtrack. Some soundtracks are great. This is not one of them.
Posted 16 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
I'm not ashamed to admit... I like this less each time I hear it. 5->4
Posted 16 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
paiasoloco wrote:
You have to watch this video
Thanks. Now I'm damaged for life. Appreciate that.
Posted 16 years ago by esotericderek    [ Reply ]
Excelsior wrote:
Oh come on. I love Nick Cave, and I enjoy the new album, but you played this song twice yesterday, less than 12 hours apart. I suppose the thousands of other songs at RP's disposal aren't options anymore?
Even RP has a heavy rotation list...
Posted 16 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
I feel I have heard enough of this for a while.
Posted 16 years ago by casey1024    [ Reply ]
The world seems to be divided into those who dig shouted music and those who don't. I don't.
Posted 16 years ago by meloman    [ Reply ]
You have to watch this video
Posted 16 years ago by paiasoloco    [ Reply ]
Oh come on. I love Nick Cave, and I enjoy the new album, but you played this song twice yesterday, less than 12 hours apart. I suppose the thousands of other songs at RP's disposal aren't options anymore?
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
I hate this guy. Pure, unreasoning. He sounds totally phony to me.
Posted 16 years ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]
I thought this was drech the first time I heard it. Exponentially more every time extra I hear it.
Posted 16 years ago by aronson    [ Reply ]
The more I hear Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, the more I like them - Thanks RP :D
Posted 16 years ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
I'm not ashamed to admit... I like this more each time I hear it.
Posted 16 years ago by newwavegurly    [ Reply ]
Nice transition from Madrugada to Nick Cave!
Posted 16 years ago by joyjoy    [ Reply ]
i curse this song, twice now i have awoken thinking "lazarus, dig yourself"
Posted 16 years ago by theirishtickler    [ Reply ]
Nice toe tapper
Posted 16 years ago by ddog    [ Reply ]
stickers11 wrote:
Not a big fan of Cave at all but certainly you were not expecting Nick's voice to be soothing.... I think you should look under Phil Collins for that.
To be honest, stickers, I didn't know what to expect Nick's voice to be like. I don't really know his stuff...I had only heard the name before. This is the only thing I've heard by him, and, if this is representative of all of his work, this may very well be the only thing I hear of him (at least, willingly). This is the only song on RP I've given a 1 so far.
Posted 16 years ago by Danimal174    [ Reply ]
Love Nick Cave, don't care for this song.
Posted 16 years ago by pmnixa    [ Reply ]
this kicks ass.
Posted 16 years ago by zipper    [ Reply ]
Danimal174 wrote:
I try to have an open mind, but, man, I don't care for this at all. The music seems very repetitive, and Nick's voice isn't exactly soothing. I'd be fine with not hearing this one again.
You might be happier with the 24 hour Nick Drake channel.
Posted 16 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
shayde wrote:
I'm reminded of some Soul Coughing bits ("it is 5am... and you are listening...") - .
Posted 16 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
This entire new album is pretty good, if you ask me. Very well written. Dark, disturbing and fun.
Posted 16 years ago by Zweiblumen    [ Reply ]
Danimal174 wrote:
I try to have an open mind, but, man, I don't care for this at all. The music seems very repetitive, and Nick's voice isn't exactly soothing. I'd be fine with not hearing this one again.
Not a big fan of Cave at all but certainly you were not expecting Nick's voice to be soothing.... I think you should look under Phil Collins for that.
Posted 16 years ago by stickers11    [ Reply ]
Danimal174 wrote:
I try to have an open mind, but, man, I don't care for this at all. The music seems very repetitive, and Nick's voice isn't exactly soothing. I'd be fine with not hearing this one again.
Well put.
Posted 16 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
I try to have an open mind, but, man, I don't care for this at all. The music seems very repetitive, and Nick's voice isn't exactly soothing. I'd be fine with not hearing this one again.
Posted 16 years ago by Danimal174    [ Reply ]
Great attitude, cheesy moustache. The music does nothing for me.
Posted 16 years ago by keller1    [ Reply ]
Beaker wrote:
Stfu and sing dude.
God, I'm glad I'm not the only one. This gives me a headache.
Posted 16 years ago by rtrudeau    [ Reply ]
Freakin' love it!
Posted 16 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
I like it!
Posted 16 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
Posted 16 years ago by oppositelock    [ Reply ]
govna wrote:
SHUT......THE.......FUCK..... ...UP!!!!!!!!!!!!
My sentiments about your review!
Posted 16 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
I can't believe how this song has grown on me. It was horrible to me at first. Now I'm groovin'. And if you're talking about derivatives, I hear Eric Burden, esp. the background.
Posted 16 years ago by Tana    [ Reply ]
gotta get me some nick cave - have heard him and his bad seeds here a few times and always have liked.
Posted 16 years ago by MisterVErb    [ Reply ]
Wow. This is pretty cool!
Posted 16 years ago by timc    [ Reply ]
SHUT......THE.......FUCK..... ...UP!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 16 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
Posted 16 years ago by ronniegirl    [ Reply ]
reminds me of Velvet's Underground "The Gift"
Posted 16 years ago by marcucho    [ Reply ]
...great flavor...
Posted 16 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
an exelent album !
Posted 16 years ago by kobkob    [ Reply ]
I'm reminded of some Soul Coughing bits ("it is 5am... and you are listening...") - I've loved just about every Nick Cave track I've heard on RP, but when I get the albums, I have a hard time getting into them. Maybe it's just that Bill knows the right tracks to play. Dunno.
Posted 16 years ago by shayde    [ Reply ]
Ah, poor Larry. Love this groove
Posted 16 years ago by theanniewithin    [ Reply ]
Happygirl wrote:
I really like this!
I don't know why?!? ... but ... me,too!!!
Posted 16 years ago by Bender84    [ Reply ]
redstorm wrote:
trying to listen with an open mind.....ohhhh forget it! sounds like warren zevon after rehab, just not as much fun
It's entertaining when people attempt humor and fail so miserably.
Posted 16 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
Lovely. perfect.
Posted 16 years ago by kila    [ Reply ]
I dig it! Sounds kinda like Velvet Underground to me ("The Gift" maybe?). Great effort from one of my favorite artists.
Posted 16 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
I really like this!
Posted 16 years ago by Happygirl    [ Reply ]
Now if only we can segue this with Get Down Moses
Posted 16 years ago by pdhski    [ Reply ]
trying to listen with an open mind.....ohhhh forget it! sounds like warren zevon after rehab, just not as much fun
Posted 16 years ago by redstorm    [ Reply ]
Well, maybe. I'll give it time to grow on me.
Posted 16 years ago by linden    [ Reply ]
I should have known I might like this.
Posted 16 years ago by miahfost    [ Reply ]
figsout wrote:
these are BAD seeds, thats for sure. 1
sho' nuff
Posted 16 years ago by mturpin    [ Reply ]
Brilliant tune!
Posted 16 years ago by kila    [ Reply ]