His awards include seven Tonys, three Grammys including Best Contemporary Classical Composition for Requiem, seven Oliviers, a Golden Globe, an Oscar, two International Emmys, the Praemium Imperiale, the Richard Rodgers Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre, a BASCA Fellowship and the Kennedy Center Honor.
He currently owns six London theatres, including the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and the London Palladium.
Eva's Final Broadcast
Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The actress hasn't learned the lines you'd like to hear
She's sad for her country, sad to be defeated
By her own weak body
[Crowds:]
Evita! Evita! [repeat in background]
I want to tell the people of Argentina
I've decided I should decline
All the honors and titles you've pressed me to take
For I'm contented
Let me simply go on as the woman who brings her people
To the heart of Peron
Don't cry for me Argentina
The truth is I shall not leave you
Though it may get harder for you to see me
I'm Argentina, and always will be
Have I said too much?
There's nothing more I can think of to say to you
But all you have to do is look at me to know
That every word is true
The song "Eva's Final Broadcast" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical "Evita" is a powerful and introspective moment in which Eva Peron, the First Lady of Argentina, speaks directly to her followers before she dies of cancer. The first stanza is sung by Eva, who addresses her audience and acknowledges that she has not been able to meet their expectations due to her failing health. She expresses her sorrow for being unable to serve her country and people to the best of her ability, blaming her "weak body" for her inability to do so. Throughout the play, Eva's character is shown to be a formidable and ambitious woman, and this moment of vulnerability humanizes her character, making her more relatable to the audience.
In the second stanza of the song, Eva speaks directly to the people of Argentina, saying that she has decided to decline all the honors and titles that have been pressed upon her. She seems to be at peace with her decision and content in her role as a woman who has brought her people to the heart of Peron. Throughout the song, the crowds can be heard chanting "Evita! Evita!" in the background, illustrating Eva's immense popularity and the impact she had on the people of her country. Lastly, Eva reassures her people that she will always be Argentina, even after her death, and that they need not cry for her.
Overall, "Eva's Final Broadcast" is a poignant and emotional moment in the "Evita" musical. It provides insight into Eva's character and her relationship with the people of Argentina, as well as showcasing the power of music and performance to move and inspire people.
Line by Line Meaning
The actress hasn't learned the lines you'd like to hear
The performer hasn't memorized the lines that the audience expects from her.
She's sad for her country, sad to be defeated
She is heartbroken for her country and for herself, as she is losing the battle with her own illness.
By her own weak body
Her physical limitations are preventing her from performing to her full potential.
I want to tell the people of Argentina
I have a message that I would like to convey to the people of Argentina.
I've decided I should decline
I have decided that I do not want to accept.
All the honors and titles you've pressed me to take
I am refusing all of the accolades that you have been insisting I accept.
For I'm contented
I am satisfied and at peace with my decision.
Let me simply go on as the woman who brings her people
I am happy to continue to be the person who leads and represents my people.
To the heart of Peron
I will continue to be a loyal supporter of Peron and his ideals.
Don't cry for me Argentina
Don't feel sorry for me, Argentina.
The truth is I shall not leave you
I will always be here for you.
Though it may get harder for you to see me
Although my health may deteriorate, I will still be in your hearts and memories.
I'm Argentina, and always will be
I am an integral part of Argentina, and my spirit will always remain there.
Have I said too much?
Did I reveal too much about myself?
There's nothing more I can think of to say to you
I have expressed all that I have to say.
But all you have to do is look at me to know
You can see from my appearance that what I say is true.
That every word is true
All of my words are honest and sincere.
Contributed by Bentley V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.