Overture
Opera Orchestra Lyrics
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I don't understand
Why you let the things you did
Get so out of hand
You'd have managed better
If you'd had it planned
Now why'd you choose such a backward time
If you'd come today
You could have reached the whole nation
Israel in 4 BC had no mass communication
Don't you get me wrong
Only want to know
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ
Who are you? What have you sacrificed?
Jesus Christ
Superstar
Do you think you're what they say you are?
Jesus Christ
Superstar
Do you think you're what they say you are?
Tell me what you think
About your friends at the top
Now who d'you think besides yourself
Was the pick of the crop?
Buddah was he where it's at?
Is he where you are?
Could Muhammmed move a mountain
Or was that just PR?
Did you mean to die like that?
Was that a mistake or
Did you know your messy death
Would be a record breaker?
The song is a part of the Rock Opera Jesus Christ Superstar composed by British musicians Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The song, Overture, is a prelude to the rock opera and does not have any lyrics. The composition sets the mood of the opera and prepares the audience for the story that is about to unfold. However, the lyrics provided are from the song "The Temple" from the same rock opera. The song is a conversation between two characters, Judas and Jesus Christ. Judas is questioning Jesus about his intentions and purpose while also discussing other religious figures such as Buddha and Muhammad. Judas asks Jesus about his sacrifice and his actions.
The song portrays Judas' confusion and doubt about Jesus' actions and his purpose in life. The lyrics "If you'd come today, you could have reached the whole nation. Israel in 4 BC had no mass communication" suggest that Jesus could have reached more people if he had come in the present time when there is better communication. The lyrics also question the sacrifices made by different religious figures and their true impact.
Line by Line Meaning
Every time I look at you
Whenever I see you
I don't understand
I cannot comprehend
Why you let the things you did
Why you allowed the actions you committed
Get so out of hand
To become so excessive and uncontrollable
You'd have managed better
You would have handled the situation better
If you'd had it planned
If you had strategized beforehand
Now why'd you choose such a backward time
Why did you select an era that was less advanced
And such a strange land?
And a location that was unfamiliar?
If you'd come today
If you arrived in the present
You could have reached the whole nation
You could have impacted an entire population
Israel in 4 BC had no mass communication
Israel in 4 BCE lacked widespread means of exchanging information
Don't you get me wrong
Do not misunderstand me
Only want to know
I am simply curious
Jesus Christ
The religious figure, Jesus
Who are you? What have you sacrificed?
Who are you exactly? And what have you given up?
Superstar
A person who is extremely popular and successful
Do you think you're what they say you are?
Do you believe you are the person people claim you to be?
Tell me what you think
Share your thoughts with me
About your friends at the top
Regarding your acquaintances who hold high positions
Now who d'you think besides yourself
Who, other than yourself, do you think ranked highest?
Was the pick of the crop?
Were they the best of the best?
Buddah was he where it's at?
Was Buddha the ultimate authority?
Is he where you are?
Is his presence felt in your vicinity?
Could Muhammmed move a mountain
Was Muhammad capable of moving mountains
Or was that just PR?
Or was that simply for publicity?
Did you mean to die like that?
Did you intend to perish in such a way?
Was that a mistake
Was that an error?
Or
Alternatively,
Did you know your messy death
Did you anticipate your gruesome demise
Would be a record breaker?
Would become a historic event?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER, TIM RICE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MrMayo-og9rj
We played this in the NYSSMA AAS orchestra today - only 6 hours of practice as a group but had a great group of performers. I was on trombone III and let’s just say it was a literal blast
@TIOZEUYT
7:29 essa parte eu chorei. Perfeito!!!!
@sugarfree1223
Thank you for this. I’ve never heard it other than when I played it in my high school band. I’ve been looking for it for years. It pops into my head and won’t leave all day. Love it.
@paulwl3159
What a truly happy, energetic, original and beautifully orchestrated delight
@alessandrolatin1887
É impossível ouvir essa música e não lembrar do pica pau
@Rlotpir1972
On a side note, the piece was also featured in the 1947 Watler Lantz cartoon, "The Bandmaster" featuring Andy Panda.
@noelwilde
Absolutely beautiful Each different section and the key changes are stunning. Really takes the breath away...
@Mahlerweber
Love This overture since my teens. First time seeing its full orchestral score. Thanks.
@loretoruggieri1817
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@tortuedelanuit2299
The bass drum thud that leads off the scalar runs at the end makes this the best recording.