Overture
A.L. Weber / T. Rice Lyrics

The lyrics of A.L. Weber and T. Rice's song Overture poetically convey a sense of anxiety and uncertainty, calling the listener's attention to the plight of someone who might be in danger or struggling. The first stanza asks a series of questions about a friend who is seen crying and running through the streets, perhaps seeking refuge from something or someone. The line "Did his life flash by at the bedroom door" suggests that the person might be experiencing a life-changing event or facing a difficult decision. The second stanza shifts the focus to a news report about someone who has been found on the rocks down in the bay, leaving the listener to wonder if this is the same person who was seen running in the first stanza. The line "Does his life mean more than it did before" conveys a sense that the character's actions and fate have some larger significance that is not yet clear.

One interesting aspect of the song Overture is that it was written as the opening number for the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, which premiered on Broadway in 1971. The musical was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice, and it was one of the first rock operas to become a major commercial success. Another noteworthy fact is that the song Overture was not included on the original concept album of Jesus Christ Superstar, but was added to the stage production to introduce the main themes and motifs of the musical. Additionally, the song features a variety of musical styles, including rock, pop, and orchestral elements, and showcases Lloyd Webber's signature use of synthesizers and electronic instrumentation. The song's chord progression is mainly based on a repeating pattern of C, F, and G, which creates a sense of tension and release.