Trial Before Pilate
Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics

And so the king is once again my guest.
The singer has allowed the king to again stay as their guest and is questioning why it is happening. Specifically, whether Herod was unimpressed by their actions.

We turn to Rome to sentence Nazareth.
The people have no way to sentence Nazareth, so they are seeking help from Rome instead.

We have no law to put a man to death.
They do not have a law to allow them to put someone to death, so they need to call in the assistance of the Romans.

We need him crucified.
The people are insistent that Nazareth be crucified and that is all that needs to be done.

Talk to me Jesus Christ.
The artist is trying to communicate with Jesus Christ and get some response from him.

Listen King of the Jews, Where is your kingdom? Look at me. Am I a Jew?
The singer questions Jesus on the whereabouts of his kingdom and they compare physical features - the singer is not a Jew.

I have no kingdom in this world. I'm through.
Jesus Christ has no kingdom in this world, he is done with this world.

Then you are a king? It's you that say I am.
Jesus Christ is only considered a king because others call him one, he does not claim it himself.

But what is truth? Is truth a changing law? We both have truths. Are mine the same as yours?
The artist questions what truth really is and whether it is different from person to person. They are interested in whether or not their truths match up to Jesus' truths.

What do you mean? You'd crucify your king? We have no king but Caesar!
The people would have Jesus Christ, the man they consider a king, crucified. However they do not recognize him as their actual king, as their loyalties lie with Caesar.

Behold a man, Behold your shattered King. We have no King but Caesar.
The people are shown Jesus who is broken, essentially not powerful enough to be a king. Their only true loyalty is to Caesar, not Jesus.

I see no reason. I find no evil. This man is harmless.
The artist can find no reason for Jesus to be crucified from the facts they have been presented with. Jesus causes no real harm, which suggests it is not justified to crucify him.

You've got to be careful. You could be dead soon. Why do you not speak when I hold your life in my hands? How can you stay quiet? I don't believe you understand.
The singer is threatening Jesus and wonders why he is not speaking up for himself. They doubt his understanding of the situation.

You have nothing in your hands. Any power you have, comes to you from far beyond. Everything is fixed, and you can't change it.
Jesus explains to the singer that their power comes from higher authority and that it is all predetermined. The singer has no control over the situation and can't change it.

You're a fool Jesus Christ. How can I help you?
The singer insults Jesus and then queries as to how they can help him.

Don't let me stop your great self-destruction. Die if you want to, you misguided martyr. I wash my hands of your demolition. Die if you want to you innocent puppet!
The artist is saying to Jesus that he is free to self-destruct if that is what he wants, the artist does not want to be involved and Jesus is just an innocent puppet.

Pilate, Crucify him! Remember Caesar. You have a duty To keep the peace, so crucify him!
Pilate is being urged to crucify Jesus even if he has to break the rules, to make sure the peace is kept, and Caesar's orders are followed.

Remember Caesar. You'll be demoted.You'll be deported. Crucify him!
Crucify Jesus Christ or else you will be demoted and removed from this region. Once again, the singer reminds Pilate of their duty to Caesar.