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.
Pilate and Christ
Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics
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Who is this broken man cluttering up my hallway?
Who is this unfortunate?
Soldier:
Someone Christ - King of the Jews
Pilate:
Oh so this is Jesus Christ, I am really quite surprised
You look so small - not a king at all
King of the Jews?
Jesus:
That's what you say
Pilate:
What do you mean by that? That is not an answer
You're deep in trouble friend -
Someone Christ - King of the Jews
How can someone in your state be so cool about your fate?
An amazing thing - this silent king
Since you come from Galilee then you need not come to me
You're Herod's race! You're Herod's case!
Mob:
Hosanna Hey Sanna Sanna Sanna Ho
Sanna Hey Sanna Ho and how
Hey JC, JC please explain to me
You had everything where is it now?
The song Pilate & Christ from Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar takes place during the trial of Jesus Christ before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. Pilate, confused about why this man is being brought before him, questions his identity. The soldier informs Pilate that he is Jesus Christ, the King of the Jews. Pilate is surprised by Jesus' appearance and questions whether he is really a king at all. When Pilate demands an answer from Jesus, he replies with "That's what you say," implying that he is not claiming kingship but rather being accused of such. Pilate, frustrated with Jesus' answer, accuses him of being in trouble and tells him he needs to defend himself. The mob outside can be heard singing "Hosanna Hey Sanna" and demanding answers from Jesus as to where his power has gone.
This scene sets up the dichotomy between Jesus and Pilate. Pilate represents the political and legal authority that Jesus is up against, while Jesus represents a spiritual authority that transcends earthly power. The song highlights the struggle between these two worlds and the tension that arises from it. Pilate is testing Jesus, trying to find a way to release him without inciting a riot among the people. However, Jesus refuses to play into Pilate's game, stating that he is only being accused of being a king and not claiming the title himself. The mob outside represents the frustration of the people who believed Jesus was their savior and are now confused and disillusioned.
Line by Line Meaning
Who is this broken man cluttering up my hallway?
Pilate wonders who this man is that is blocking his way.
Who is this unfortunate?
Pilate asks if this man is down on his luck.
Someone Christ - King of the Jews
A soldier identifies the man as Jesus Christ, the purported king of the Jews.
Oh so this is Jesus Christ, I am really quite surprised
Pilate expresses surprise that Jesus is not what he expected.
You look so small - not a king at all
Pilate comments on Jesus' appearance, which is not regal.
We all know that you are news - but are you king
King of the Jews?
Pilate questions whether Jesus is truly the king of the Jews.
That's what you say
Jesus responds ambiguously to Pilate's question about his royalty.
What do you mean by that? That is not an answer
You're deep in trouble friend -
Pilate accuses Jesus of not answering the question directly and warns him that he is in trouble.
Someone Christ - King of the Jews
How can someone in your state be so cool about your fate?
An amazing thing - this silent king
Pilate marvels at Jesus' apparent lack of concern for his dire predicament and his regal bearing.
Since you come from Galilee then you need not come to me
You're Herod's race! You're Herod's case!
Pilate dismisses his jurisdiction over Jesus because he is from Galilee, which is under Herod's rule.
Hosanna Hey Sanna Sanna Sanna Ho
Sanna Hey Sanna Ho and how
Hey JC, JC please explain to me
You had everything where is it now?
A group of people (the Mob) sings to Jesus, asking him how he ended up in such a lowly state when he was previously so celebrated.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER, TIM RICE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind