Finding his voice in a school choir, Crawford began his professional career still a teenager. Having some luck on the London stage in the early 60s, he then found his way onto the BBC and starred in various programmes such as 'Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em'. He also had film roles in 'The War Lover', 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum'. and 'How I Won the War' (which brought him into the same work as John Lennon).
Andrew Lloyd Webber's casting of him opposite Sarah Brightman and Steve Barton as the Phantom in 1986 shot his career into high gear. Winning a Tony Award for his role, Crawford also had the aforementioned tune, "The Music Of The Night", reach the British Top Ten. He has released several studio albums such as 'A Touch of Music in the Night' and 'On Eagle's Wings' among others.
Géthsémané
Michael Crawford Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If there is a way
Take this cup away from me
For I don't want to taste its poison
Feel it burn me,
I have changed I'm not as sure
As when we started
Then I was inspired
Listen surely I've exceeded
Expectations
Tried for three years
Seems like thirty
Could you ask as much
From any other man?
But if I die
See the saga through
And do the things you ask of me
Let them hate me, hit me, hurt me
Nail me to their tree
I'd want to know
I'd want to know my God
I'd want to know
I'd want to know my God
I'd want to see
I'd want to see my God
I'd want to see
I'd want to see my God
Why I should die
Would I be more noticed
Than I ever was before?
Would the things I've said and done
Matter any more?
I'd have to know
I'd have to know my Lord
I'd have to know
I'd have to know my Lord
I'd have to see
I'd have to see my Lord
I'd have to see
I'd have to see my Lord
If I die what will be my reward?
If I die what will be my reward?
I'd have to know
I'd have to know my Lord
I'd have to know
I'd have to know my Lord
Why, why should I die?
Oh, why should I die?
Can you show me now
That I would not be killed in vain?
Show me just a little
Of your omnipresent brain
Show me there's a reason
For your wanting me to die
You're far too keen on where and how
But not so hot on why
Alright I'll die!
Just watch me die!
See how, see how I die!
Oh, just watch me die!
Then I was inspired
Now I'm sad and tired
After all I've tried for three years
Seems like ninety
Why then am I scared
To finish what I started
What you started
I didn't start it
God thy will is hard
But you hold every card
I will drink your cup of poison
Nail me to your cross and break me
Bleed me, beat me
Kill me, take me now
Before I change my mind
The lyrics to Michael Crawford's song "Gethsemane" from "Jesus Christ Superstar" are powerful and emotional. The song portrays the moment in the story of Jesus' life when he is in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying and asking God to spare him from the suffering he is about to endure. He is torn between his love for God and his fear of the pain that lies ahead.
In the first verse, Jesus pleads with God to take the cup of suffering away from him. He has changed since he began his ministry, and he is no longer as sure of his path. He has tried for three years, but it feels like thirty. He questions if anyone could be asked to endure as much as he is facing. Still, in the second verse, he resigns himself to his fate, asking only to know his God and to understand why he must die. He fears that his death will be in vain, but he is willing to accept it if there is a reason. In the third verse, he seems to reach a moment of acceptance, saying that he will drink the cup of poison and submit to his fate before he changes his mind.
The song reflects the inner turmoil and struggles of Jesus as he faces the ultimate sacrifice. It demonstrates his love for God and his willingness to do his will, even if it means great pain and suffering. The lyrics evoke strong emotions, and combined with Michael Crawford's powerful voice, create a moving and unforgettable performance.
Line by Line Meaning
I only want to say
I have a request to make
If there is a way
If possible
Take this cup away from me
Remove this burden from me
For I don't want to taste its poison
I do not wish to suffer for this cause
Feel it burn me,
The pain is difficult to bear
I have changed I'm not as sure
I am less confident now
As when we started
Than I was at the beginning
Then I was inspired
At first I was motivated
Now I'm sad and tired
Now I am exhausted and unhappy
Listen surely I've exceeded Expectations
I have done more than was expected of me
Tried for three years Seems like thirty
It feels like I have been doing this for a very long time
Could you ask as much From any other man?
Would anyone else be capable of doing what I have done?
But if I die See the saga through
If I do not live to see this through to the end
And do the things you ask of me
I will do as you request
Let them hate me, hit me, hurt me
I am willing to endure punishment
Nail me to their tree
I am willing to be crucified
I'd want to know I'd want to know my God
I want to understand and be close to God
I'd want to see I'd want to see my God
I want to see and experience God personally
Why I should die Would I be more noticed Than I ever was before?
What is the reason for my death? Will it make a difference?
Would the things I've said and done Matter any more?
Will my actions and words be remembered after my death?
I'd have to know I'd have to know my Lord
I need to be certain of my faith in God
If I die what will be my reward?
What will happen to me after I die?
Can you show me now That I would not be killed in vain?
Can you assure me that my death will have meaning?
Show me just a little Of your omnipresent brain
Give me a glimpse of your divine wisdom
Show me there's a reason For your wanting me to die
Explain to me why my death is necessary
You're far too keen on where and how But not so hot on why
You are focused on the details, but not the big picture
Alright I'll die! Just watch me die!
I understand the inevitable, I will die
See how, see how I die! Oh, just watch me die!
My death will be a spectacle, watch it unfold
After all I've tried for three years Seems like ninety
My work has been strenuous and feels never-ending
Why then am I scared To finish what I started What you started I didn't start it
Although I did not choose this path, I am afraid to abandon what has been set before me
God thy will is hard But you hold every card
Your plans for me are difficult, but you are in control
I will drink your cup of poison Nail me to your cross and break me Bleed me, beat me Kill me, take me now
I accept the suffering that will come with your plans, even unto death
Before I change my mind
Before I lose my resolve or waiver in faith
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER, TIM RICE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind