Gethsemane
Vanden Plas Lyrics
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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
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
See how i 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 lyrics to Vanden Plas's song "Gethsemane" speak of a plea to God, wrestling with the idea of sacrifice and fulfilling the will of God. The singer begins by asking if there is a way for the cup to be taken away, not wanting to taste the poison within it or to feel it burn him. He reflects on how he has changed since first being inspired, now feeling sad and tired. Despite this, he acknowledges that he has exceeded expectations and asks if anyone else could do the same. The singer also mentions that he will see the saga through and let them hate him, hurt him, and nail him to their tree to fulfill the things asked of him by God.
The singer also asks questions of God, wondering why he should die and what his reward will be. He pleads with God to show him that his death would not be in vain and that there is a reason for wanting him to die. The song ends with the singer resigning himself to fulfill God's will, stating that he will drink the cup of poison and allow himself to be nailed to the cross.
The lyrics of "Gethsemane" are a reference to the biblical story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he also asked if there was any way for the cup to be taken away from him, and ultimately resigning himself to fulfill God's will. The song speaks to universal themes of sacrifice, doubt, and wrestling with faith.
Line by Line Meaning
I only want to say
I have something important to say
If there is a way
If it's possible
Take this cup away from me
I don't want to suffer
For i don't want to taste its poison
I don't want to experience the pain
Feel it burn me
To feel the agony
I have changed
I am different now
I'm not as sure, as when we started
I am uncertain now
Then, i was inspired
I was enthusiastic earlier
Now, i'm sad and tired
Now, I feel sorrowful and exhausted
Listen, surely i've exceeded expectations
I have done more than asked
Tried for three years, seems like thirty
It has been an intense experience
Could you ask as much from any other man?
No one else can go through this
But if i die
In case of my death
See the saga through and do the things you ask of me
Complete the story and do what is desired
Let them hate me, hit me, hurt me, nail me to their tree
Let them do what they want to me
I'd want to know, i'd want to know, my god
I would like to understand, my god
Want to see, i'd want to see, my god
I would like to witness, my god
Why i should die
Why do i have to die?
Would i be more noticed than i ever was before?
Would my death make me more famous?
Would the things i've said and done matter any more?
Will my actions be significant?
Have to know, i'd have to know, my lord
I need to know, my lord
Have to see, i'd have to see, my lord
I need to see, my lord
If i die what will be my reward?
What will be my compensation if i die?
Why should i die? oh why should i die?
Why do i have to die?
Can you show me now that i would not be killed in vain?
Can you prove that my death won't be pointless?
Show me just a little of your omnipresent brain
Give me a glimpse of your divine intelligence
Show me there's a reason for your wanting me to die
Explain the purpose of my death
You're far too keen and where and how, but not so hot on why
You seem to care more about the details than the reasons
Alright, i'll die
Okay, i will accept my death
See how i die
Witness my death
Just watch me die
Observe me dying
God, thy will is hard
God, your will is difficult
But you hold every card
But you have complete control
I will drink your cup of poison
I will endure the suffering you have planned for me
Nail me to your cross and break me
Allow me to suffer on the cross
Bleed me, beat me, kill me
Let me go through pain and death
Take me, now
Take me into your hands, now
Before i change my mind
Before I reconsider
Contributed by Carson D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@corinnelaurens9163
One of the most powerful cover we had never heard..fall into this version with your heart and émotion without judjing about some great singers made before...it is a real treasure...
@Zeralium
Fun fact: the singer (Andy Kuntz) was a part of the production of the stage performance of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' where this track is from.
@phoenixking732
I think this is one of the best voices I have heard. :)
@PurelyUnpure
2:35-3:44. Especially the high vocals, man. They give me chills.
@AwesomeShotStudios
Andy Kuntz is the GOAT. The live version of this is scary good, and belongs in the pantheon of the best renditions of this song.
@ineedtostopwatchingyoutube5211
Wew this takes me back
@vikson777
❤
@Crash_endo
I just discovered this incredible and talented band!
@thierryp5440
Incroyable vandenplas !!!
Incroyable musiciens !!!! J'adoooore
@gunbugbit9801
I heard a live version of Ted Neeley singing this song that was even better than the studio version for the film. But this Andy Kuntz vocal is in a league of its own. What an incredible singer. He does dynamic shading and alternately uses a straight, pure tone while sometimes mixing in a soulful, metal-style vibrato. The liberties taken with the original melody ("..hold every card..." -- beautifully poignant) are tasteful and demonstrate masterful musicality. Who else has a clean masculine-sounding high G (G5!) like Andy's? The guy sings in the high tenor tessitura and makes it sounds effortless and powerful. Very very special. Ted Neeley's voice is very different (a baritone with an extended high register) and also amazing.