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.
Strange Thing Mystifying
Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics
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What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
Why should you want to know?
Don't you mind about the future
Don't you try to think ahead
Save tomorrow for tomorrow
Think about today instead
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening (I could give you facts and figures)
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening (When do we ride into Jerusalem?)
When do we ride into Jerusalem?
Even tell you where I'm going (When do we ride into Jerusalem?)
When do we ride into Jerusalem?
When do we ride into Jerusalem?
When do we ride into Jerusalem?
When do we ride into Jerusalem?
Why should you want to know?
Why are you obsessed with fighting
Times and fates you can't defy?
If you knew the path we're riding
You'd understand it less then I
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
Let me try to cool down your face a bit
Let me try to cool down your face a bit
Let me try to cool down your face a bit
Let me try to cool down your face a bit
Let me try to cool down your face
Let me try to cool down your face
Let me try to cool down your face
Let me try to cool down your face
Mary uh that is good
While you prattled through your supper
Where and when and who and how
She alone has tried to give me
What I need right here and now
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
It seems to me a strange thing, mystifying
That a man like you can waste his time
On women of her kind
Yes, I can understand that she amuses
But to let her stroke you, kiss your hair
Is hardly in your line
It's not that I object to her profession
But she doesn't fit in well with what you teach and say
It doesn't help us if you're inconsistent
They only need a small excuse to put us all away
Who are you to criticize her?
Who are you to despise her?
Leave her, leave her, let her be now
Leave her, leave her, she's with me now
If your slate is clean, then you can throw stones
If your slate is not, then leave her alone
I'm amazed that a man like you
Can be so shallow, thick and slow
There is not a man among you
Who knows or cares if I come or go
No you're wrong! You're very wrong
No you're wrong! You're very wrong
No you're wrong! You're very wrong
No you're wrong! You're very wrong
How can you say that, how can you say that, how can you say that, how can you say that
Not one, not one of you!
The lyrics to Andrew Lloyd Webber's song "Strange Thing Mystifying" are taken from the rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar". The song features several characters debating the buzz surrounding Jesus of Nazareth and his followers as they head into Jerusalem. The song begins with a repetitive chanting of "What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening," which emphasizes the confusion and uncertainty surrounding Jesus and his movement. While some characters, like Judas, are critical of Jesus and his followers, others, like Mary Magdalene, see Jesus as a way of healing and providing for their needs.
The lyrics also exhibit a tension between the present and the future, with the chorus urging people to focus on the present instead of worrying about the future. At the same time, there's also a strong undercurrent of religious and historical significance, as the characters speculate on when they will ride into Jerusalem, a reference to Jesus' triumphant entry into the city that marks the beginning of his final week before his crucifixion.
The song's title is a reference to the surreal and confusing nature of the story being told, as well as the way in which different characters are left in the dark about what's really going on. The song also captures the way in which people can become obsessed with a charismatic leader or revolutionary figure, even as they remain unsure about what their ultimate goals and intentions are.
Line by Line Meaning
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
Asking repeatedly for updates or details about the current situation
Why should you want to know?
Asking why it matters or why someone is curious
Don't you mind about the future
Don't worry about what's to come
Don't you try to think ahead
Don't waste time trying to predict what's coming next
Save tomorrow for tomorrow
Deal with tomorrow's problems tomorrow; focus on today's issues today
Think about today instead
Directing attention to the present moment
When do we ride into Jerusalem?
Asking for specific details about upcoming events
Why are you obsessed with fighting
Questioning why someone is so focused on conflict
Times and fates you can't defy?
Suggesting that there are some things that can't be changed no matter what we do
If you knew the path we're riding
Implying that there is a greater plan or purpose that others may not understand
Let me try to cool down your face a bit
Attempting to calm someone down or ease their tension
While you prattled through your supper
Implies that someone wasn't paying attention or being serious during an important moment
She alone has tried to give me
Implying that someone has provided emotional support or companionship
What I need right here and now
Insinuating that someone is providing something valuable and necessary in the present moment
It seems to me a strange thing, mystifying
An observation that something is hard to understand or explain
That a man like you can waste his time
Surprise that someone with such intelligence or status would spend time on something or someone perceived as inferior
On women of her kind
Referring to someone's profession or background in a derogatory way
Yes, I can understand that she amuses
Acknowledging that someone may find enjoyment in something or someone, but not approving of it
But to let her stroke you, kiss your hair
Disapproval of someone's behavior or actions
Is hardly in your line
Not in line with someone's usual behavior or beliefs
It's not that I object to her profession
Clarifying that the objection isn't to someone's job, but rather their behavior
But she doesn't fit in well with what you teach and say
A disconnect between someone's beliefs and their actions
It doesn't help us if you're inconsistent
Pointing out that inconsistency causes problems or confusion
They only need a small excuse to put us all away
Fear that others are looking for an opportunity to bring harm or punishment
Who are you to criticize her? Who are you to despise her?
Questioning someone's right to judge or condemn another person
Leave her, leave her, let her be now
Advocating for someone to be left alone and not judged
If your slate is clean, then you can throw stones
Only those with no flaws or mistakes can criticize others
If your slate is not, then leave her alone
If someone isn't perfect, they shouldn't judge or criticize others
I'm amazed that a man like you can be so shallow, thick and slow
Insulting someone's intelligence or judgement
There is not a man among you who knows or cares if I come or go
Feeling unappreciated or unimportant to those around you
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Tim Rice, Andrew Lloyd
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind