Meaning of "Poor Lazarus" by Dave Van Ronk

The lyrics of "Poor Lazarus" are a poignant commentary on power dynamics and authority. The sheriff's instruction to find Lazarus, dead or alive, signifies the control and dominance that those in power often exert over others. The deputy's struggle to locate Lazarus suggests the complexities and challenges of carrying out orders from a position of subservience. The killing of Lazarus with a 45 symbolizes the violent and oppressive nature of authority, as it is often used to assert dominance and enforce obedience. Lazarus' assertion that he has never been arrested by anyone bad speaks to the injustice and cruelty he has faced, despite his resistance to being controlled.

The reference to Lazarus' mother crying for her only son highlights the devastating impact that power struggles and conflicts have on individuals and their families. Her grief serves as a reminder of the human cost of unchecked authority and violence. The warning to the captain that his men will leave him on the next pay day suggests that loyalty and obedience are not easily bought or maintained through fear and coercion. Overall, "Poor Lazarus" paints a stark picture of the consequences of power dynamics and the ways in which they can corrupt and destroy relationships, communities, and individuals.