After a friend mentioned to Steve that Andrew Lloyd Webber was looking for a performer to play the part of Jesus. Seizing the opportunity to showcase his 3½ octave range voice, Steve was determined to get the part. Despite his lack of West End experience, Steve won the role of Jesus from the thousands who auditioned - leading to that memorable headline about the origins of the Son of God! His performance was a revelation and his face was seen on bus shelters across the capital. On one television performance from the show he not only had Andrew Lloyd Webber weeping, but also managed to sell £160,000 worth of tickets to “Superstar” in half an hour!
Steve and Storys bandmate Rob have also been working on progrock project CD ChimpanA, which Steve's vocals feature on
Gethsemane
Steve Balsamo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I only want to say
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
Now, I'm sad and tired
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
Want to see, I'd want to see, my God
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
Have to know, I'd have to know, my Lord
Have to see, I'd have to see, my Lord
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?
Have to know, I'd have to know, my Lord
I'd have to know, I'd have to know, my Lord
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 to keen and where and how, but not so hot on why
Alright, I'll die!
Just watch me die!
See how I 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 song Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say) from the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar portrays the moment when Jesus is wrestling with his impending crucifixion in the Garden of Gethsemane. The lyrics are delivered in the form of a prayer, as Jesus asks God to intervene and spare him the agony of his imminent death. He expresses his confusion, fear, and exhaustion, acknowledging that he has lost his initial inspiration and isn't sure if he can see the mission through to the end. He wonders if it's all worth it, if his sacrifice will make any difference, and if he will be remembered for it. At the end of the song, Jesus resigns himself to his fate, willing to die and be martyred for the sake of his message and the salvation of humanity.
This iconic song showcases the internal turmoil and humanity of Jesus, portraying him as a flawed and vulnerable individual struggling with doubt and pain. It also raises deep philosophical and theological questions about the nature of God, the purpose of sacrifice, and the meaning of life and death. The intense vocals and sweeping orchestration add to the emotional impact of the piece, making it a powerful and memorable moment in the musical.
Line by Line Meaning
I only want to say
I have something to express
If there is a way
If there is a possibility
Take this cup away from me
I don't want to suffer
For I don't want to taste its poison
Because I don't want to experience its pain
Feel it burn me
Endure its agony
I have changed
I am not the same as before
I'm not as sure, as when we started
I am not as confident as I used to be
Then, I was inspired
Before, I felt motivated
Now, I'm sad and tired
Now, I am disheartened and exhausted
Listen, surely I've exceeded expectations
Surely, I have achieved more than expected
Tried for three years, seems like thirty
I have tried for a long time
Could you ask as much from any other man?
Could anyone else do what I did?
But if I die
If death is inevitable for me
See the saga through and do the things you ask of me,
Complete my mission and follow your instructions
Let them hate me, hit me, hurt me, nail me to their tree
Let others mistreat me as long as I fulfill my purpose
I'd want to know, I'd want to know, my God
I want to understand, my Lord
Want to see, I'd want to see, my God
I want to witness, my Lord
Why I should die
The reason for my death
Would I be more noticed than I ever was before?
Will my death have more impact than my life?
Would the things I've said and done matter any more?
Will my teachings and actions have more significance?
Have to know, I'd have to know, my Lord
I must understand, my Lord
If I die what will be my reward?
What will I gain from my death?
Can you show me now that I would not be killed in vain?
Can you demonstrate that my death will serve a purpose?
Show me just a little of your omnipresent brain
Give me some insight into your all-knowing mind
Show me there's a reason for your wanting me to die
Demonstrate that there is a purpose for my death
You're far too keen and where and how, but not so hot on why
You are good at determining the where and how, but not the why
Alright, I'll die!
Fine, I will accept death
Just watch me die!
Observe my death
See how I die!
Witness my death
After all, I've tried for three years, seems like ninety
Despite my efforts, it feels like I have tried for a very long time
Why then am I scared to finish what I started?
Why am I afraid to complete my mission?
What you started, I didn't start it
You are the one who gave me this task, not me
God, thy will is hard
Lord, your wishes are difficult
But you hold every card
But you have all the power
I will drink your cup of poison
I will endure my suffering
Nail me to your cross and break me
Punish me and cause me pain
Bleed me, beat me
Make me bleed and beat me
Kill me
Take my life
Take me, now!
Now, I am ready to go
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER, TIM RICE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kusbeyinsiz
did he cry? my god. that was so good.
@lucegoose789321
Oh my....................... I'm speechless! The emotion he put into that! This is the performance that made Andrew Lloyd webber cry and it made me cry too!
@netman1019
04:37 - "Then...I was inspired. Now, I'm sad and tired." So committed to the message in the song and the character that he's moved to tears. Awesome performance.
@lkofron
For me, I think that this is Steve's best performance of Gethsemane I've seen.
@Wiggyfrog
I love this so much, Steve must have steel lungs.. have any of you tried to sing this..... I did and nearly needed a paramedic. : /
@Tom6093
I think Ted Neely would be very proud of this man. I haven't heard such spirit in this song since Ted.
@graemereaper
I grew up with Ted's version, but this is simply stunning.
@peetypeet
I cannot breathe when I watch this, it affects me that much. What a voice!
@mindbender08
most kindred eyes among the JCs i've ever seen... highly convincing with that look upon his eyes..
@revelationgirlstuff
Steve was great! And I'm a Ted Neeley superstar fan, so that means a lot coming from me. His acting was superb. There were a couple places I was looking for Neeley's high notes, but I have to say, I was drawn in and he was believable. I'm impressed!