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.
The Crucifixion
Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics
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Father forgive them.
They don't know what they're doing.
My God, my God, why have you forgotten me?
Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's song "The Crucifixion" portrays the last moments of Jesus' life on Earth, particularly his final words before his death. The lyrics themselves are powerful and poignant, displaying the raw emotions of a man who knows he is about to die. The first line, "Father forgive them," demonstrates the selflessness and compassion of Jesus, even in the face of intense suffering. He is asking for forgiveness not only for himself, but for his executioners and all those who condemned him to death.
The second line, "They don't know what they're doing," reflects Jesus' understanding of the ignorance and lack of understanding that underpins much of humanity's wrongdoing. In this moment, he recognizes that those who are hurting him do not fully grasp the impact of their actions. Then, the third line, "My God, my God, why have you forgotten me?" displays a feeling of abandonment and despair, as Jesus realizes the full extent of his sacrifice. However, he is still able to find peace and surrender himself to God with his final words, "Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit."
Overall, the lyrics in "The Crucifixion" capture the humanity and divinity of Jesus, displaying his empathy, understanding, and ultimately his faith and surrender to God.
Line by Line Meaning
Father forgive them.
Dear Lord, please pardon those who have wronged me, for they do not understand the gravity of their actions.
They don't know what they're doing.
These individuals are unaware of the consequences of their actions and the harm they have caused me.
My God, my God, why have you forgotten me?
Oh God, why have you forsaken and left me alone in this time of need and suffering?
Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit.
To you, dear Father, I entrust my spirit as I depart from this world and move onwards to the next.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER, TIM RICE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind