Jesus Christ Superstar

Andrew Lloyd Webber
Tim Rice


Jesus Christ Superstar


 
   Authors:
   Andrew Lloyd Webber – music, orchestration, musical direction
   Tim Rice – lirics
 
 
   The singers:
   Judas Iscariot – Murray Head
   Jesus Christ – Ian Gillan
   Mary Magdalene – Ivonna Elliman
   Pontius Pilate – Barry Dennen
   King Herod – Mike D'Abo
   Peter – Paul Devis
   Caiaphas, High Priest – Victor Brox
   Priest – Paul Raven
   Annas – Brain Keith
   Simon Zealotes – John Gustafson
   Maid by the Fire – Annette Brox

ACT-I

Overture.

   No text.

Heaven on their minds.

 
JUDAS
My mind is clearer now – at last all too well
I can see where we all soon will be
If you strip away the myth from the man
You will see where we all soon will be
 
 
Jesus! You've started to believe
The things they say of you
You really do believe
This talk of God is true
And all the good you've done
Will soon get swept away
You've begun to matter more
Than the things you say
 
 
Listen Jesus I don't like what I see
All I ask is that you listen to me
And remember – I've been your right hand man all along
You have set them all on fire
They think they've found the new Messiah
And they'll hurt you when they find they're wrong
I remember when this whole thing began
No talk of God then – we called you a man
And believe me – my admiration for you hasn't died
But every word you say today
Gets twisted round some other way
And they'll hurt you if they think you've lied
 
 
Nazareth your famous son should have stayed a great unknown
Like his father carving wood – he'd have made good
Tables chairs and oaken chests would have suited Jesus best
He'd have caused nobody harm – no-one alarm
Listen Jesus do you care for your race?
Don't you see we must keep in our place?
We are occupied – have you forgotten how put down we are?
I'm frightened by the crowd
For we are getting much too loud
And they'll crush us if we go too far
 
 
Listen Jesus to the warning I give
Please remember that I want us to live
But it's sad to see our chances weakening with every hour
All your followers are blind
Too much heaven on their minds
It was beautiful but now it's sour
Yes it's all gone sour
 

What's the buzz. / Strange thing, Mystifying.

   Bethany, Friday Night

 
APOSTLES
What's the buzz? Tell me, what's happening?
 
 
JESUS
Why should you want to know?
Don't you mind about the future,
Don't you try to think ahead
Save tomorrow for tomorrow,
Think about today instead
 
 
APOSTLES
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening?
 
 
JESUS
I could give you facts and figures -
I could give you plans and forecasts
Even tell you where I'm going -
 
 
APOSTLES
When do we ride into Jerusalem?
 
 
JESUS
Why should you want to know?
Why are you obsessed with fighting
Times and fates you can't defy?
If you knew the path we're riding
You'd understand it less than I
 
 
APOSTLES
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
 
 
MARY MAGDALENE
Let me try to cool down your face a bit
 
 
JESUS
That feels nice, so nice...
Mary that is good -
While you prattle through your supper –
Where and when and who and how
She alone has tried to give me
What I need right here and now
 
 
APOSTLES
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening?
 
 
JUDAS
It seems to me a strange thing, mystifying
That a man like you can waste his time on women of her kind
Yes, I can understand that she amuses
But to let her stroke you, kiss your hair, is hardly in your line
 
 
It's not that I object to her profession
But she doesn't fit in well with that you teach and say
It doesn't help us if you're inconsistent
They only need a small excuse to put us all away
 
 
JESUS
Who are you to criticise her?
Who are you to despise her?
Leave her, leave her, let her be now
Leave her, leave her, she's with me now
If your slate is clean – then you can throw stones
If your slate is not then leave her alone
 
 
I'm amazed that men like you can be so
Shallow thick and slow
There is not a man among you who knows
or cares if I come or go
 
 
ALL (save JUDAS)
No you're wrong! You're very wrong!
How can you say that?
 
 
JESUS
Not one – not one of you!
 

Everything's alright.

 
MARY MAGDALENE
Try not to get worried, try not to turn on to
Problems that upset you, oh, don't you know
Everything's alright, yes, everything's fine
And we want you to sleep well tonight
Let the world turn without you tonight
If we try we'll get by so forget all about us tonight
 
 
APOSTLES' WOMEN
Everything's alright, yes, everything's alright, yes
 
 
MARY MAGDALENE
Sleep and I shall soothe you, calm you and anoint you
Myrrh for your hot forehead, oh, then you'll feel
Everything's alright, yes, everything's fine
And it's cool and the ointment's sweet
For the fire in your heap and feet
Close your eyes, close your eyes
And relax think of nothing tonight
 
 
APOSTLES' WOMEN
Everything's alright, yes, everything's alright, yes
 
 
JUDAS
Woman, your fine ointment – brand new and expensive
Could have been saved for the poor
Why has it been wasted? We could have raised maybe
Three hundred silver pieces or more
People who are hungry, people who are starving
Matter more than your feet and hair
 
 
MARY MAGDALENE
Try not to get worried, try not to turn on to
Problems that upset you, oh, don't you know
Everything's alright, yes, everything's fine
And we want you to sleep well tonight
If we try we'll get by so forget all about us tonight
 
 
APOSTLES' WOMEN
Everything's alright, yes, everything's alright, yes
 
 
JESUS
Surely, you're not saying we have the resources
To save the poor from their lot?
There will be poor always, pathetically struggling -
Look at the good things you're got
Think! While you still have me
More! While you still see me
You'll be lost and you'll be so sorry when I'm gone
 
 
MARY MAGDALENE
Sleep and I shall soothe you, clam you, and anoint you
Myrrh for your hot forehead, oh, then you'll feel
Everything's alright, yes, everything's fine
And it's cool and the ointment's sweet
For the fire in your head and feet
Close your eyes, close your eyes
And relax think of nothing tonight
Close your eyes, close your eyes and relax
 
 
ALL
Everything's alright, yes, everything's alright, yes
 

This Jesus must die.

   Jerusalem, Sunday

 
PRIEST 1
Good Caiaphas the council waits for you
The Pharisees and priests are here for you
 
 
CAIAPHAS
Ah gentlemen – you know why we are here
We've not much time and quite a problem here
 
 
MOB (outside)
Hosanna! Superstar!
 
 
ANNAS
Listen to that howling mob of blockheads in the street!
A trick or two with lepers and the whole town's on its feet
 
 
ALL
He is dangerous
 
 
MOB (outside)
Jesus Christ Superstar -
Tell us that you're who they say you are
 
 
ALL
He is dangerous
 
 
PRIEST 2
The man is in town right now to whip up some support
 
 
PRIEST 3
A rabble rousing mission that I think we must abort
 
 
ALL
He is dangerous!
 
 
MOB (outside)
Jesus Christ Superstar!
 
 
ALL
He is dangerous!
 
 
PRIEST 2
Look Caiaphas – they're right outside our yard
 
 
PRIEST 3
Quick Caiaphas – go call the Roman guard
 
 
CAIAPHAS
No wait – we need a more permanent solution
to our problem ...
 
 
ANNAS
What then to do about Jesus of Nazareth
Miracle wonderman – hero of fools?
 
 
PRIEST 3
No riots, no army, no fighting, no slogans
 
 
CAIAPHAS
One thing I'll say for him – Jesus is cool
 
 
ANNAS
We dare not leave him to his own devices
His half-witted fans will get out of control
 
 
PRIEST 3
But how can we stop him? His glamour increases
By leaps every minute – he's top of the poll
 
 
CAIAPHAS
I see bad things arising –
The crowd crown him king,
Which the Romans would ban
I see blood and destruction,
Our elimination, because of one man
Blood and destruction, because of one man
 
 
ALL
Because, because, because of one man
 
 
CAIAPHAS
Our elimination, because of one man
 
 
ALL
Because, because, because of one, 'cause of one, 'cause of one man
 
 
PRIEST 3
What then to do about this Jesusmania?
 
 
ANNAS
How do we deal with the carpenter king?
 
 
PRIEST 3
Where do we start with a man who is bigger
Then John was when John did his Baptism thing?
 
 
CAIAPHAS
Fools! You have no perception!
The stakes we are gambling are frighteningly high!
We must crush him completely -
So like John before him, this Jesus must die
For the sake of the nation this Jesus must die
 
 
ALL
Must die, must die, this Jesus must die
 
 
CAIAPHAS
So like John before him, this Jesus must die
 
 
ALL
Must die, must die, this Jesus must, Jesus must, Jesus must die!
 

Hosanna.

 
CROWD
Hosanna Heysanna Sanna Sanna Ho
Sanna Hey Sanna Ho Sanna
Hey JC, JC won't you smile at me?
Sanna Ho Sanna Hey Superstar
 
 
CAIAPHAS
Tell the rabble to be quiet we anticipate a riot
This common crowd is much too loud
Tell the mob who sing your song
That they are fools and they are wrong
They are a curse, they should disperse
 
 
CROWD
Hosanna Heysanna Sanna Sanna Ho
Sanna Hey Sanna Ho Sanna
Hey JC, JC won't you are alright by me
Sanna Ho Sanna Hey Superstar
 
 
JESUS
Why waste your breath moaning at the crowd?
Nothing can be done to stop the shouting
If every tongue was still the noise would still continue
The rocks and stones them selves would start to sing:
 
 
CROWD (with JESUS)
Hosanna Heysanna Sanna Sanna Ho
Sanna Hey Sanna Ho Sanna
Hey JC, JC won't you fight for me?
Sanna Ho Sanna Hey Superstar
 

Simon Zealotes. / Poor Jerusalem.

 
CROWD
Christ you know I love you
Did you see I waved?
I believe in you and God
So tell me that I'm saved
Christ you know I love you
Did you see I waved?
I believe in you and God
So tell me that I'm saved
Jesus I am with you
Touch me touch me Jesus
Jesus I am on your side
Kiss me kiss me Jesus
 
 
SIMON ZEALOTES
Christ, what more do you need to convince you
That you've made it and you're easily as strong
As the filth from Rome who rape our country
And who've terrorized our people for so long?
 
 
CROWD
Christ you know I love you
Did you see I waved?
I believe in you and God
So tell me that I'm saved
Christ you know I love you
Did you see I waved?
I believe in you and God
So tell me that I'm saved
Jesus I am with you
Touch me touch me Jesus
Jesus I am on your side
Kiss me kiss me Jesus
 
 
SIMON ZEALOTES
There must be over fifty thousand
Screaming love and more for you
Everyone of fifty thousand
Would do whatever you ask him to
Keep them yelling their devotion
But add a touch of hate at Rome
You will rise to a greater power
We will win ourselves a home
You'll get the power and the glory
For ever and ever and ever
Amen! Amen!
 
 
JESUS
Neither you Simon, nor the fifty thousand
Nor the Romans, nor the Jews,
Nor Judas, nor the Twelve,
Nor the Priests, nor the Scribes
Nor doomed Jerusalem itself,
Understand what power is
Understand what glory is
Understand at all ... understand at all
If you knew all that I knew, my poor Jerusalem
You'd see the truth, but you close your eyes
But you close your eyes
While you live your troubles are many, poor Jerusalem
To conquer death you only have to die
You only have to die
 

Pilate's dream.

   Pontius Pilate's House, Monday

 
PILATE
I dreamed I met a Galilean
A most amazing man
He had that look you very rarely find
The haunting hunted kind
 
 
I asked him to say what had happened
How it all began
I asked again – he never said a word
As if he hadn't heard
 
 
And next the room was full of wild and angry men
They seemed to hate this man -
They fell on him and then
They disappeared again
 
 
Than I saw thousands of millions
Crying for this man
And then I heard them mentioning my name
And leaving me the blame
 

The temple.

 
MONEYLENDERS AND MERCHANTS
Roll on up – for my price is down
Come on in – for the best in town
Take your pick of the finest wine
Lay your bets on this bird of mine
Roll on up – for my price is down
Come on in – for the best in town
Take pour pick of the finest wine
Lay your bets on this bird of mine
 
 
Name your price I got everything
Came and buy it's all going fast
Borrow cash on the finest terms
Hurry now while stocks still last
Roll on up – for my price is down
Come on in – for the best in town
Take your pick of the finest wine
Lay your bets on this bird of mine
 
 
Roll on up – for my price is down
Come on in – for the best in town
Take pour pick of the finest wine
Lay your bets on this bird of mine
Name your price I got everything
Came and buy it's all going fast
Borrow cash on the finest terms
Hurry now while stocks still last
 
 
Roll on up – for my price is down
Come on in – for the best in town
Take your pick of the finest wine
Lay your bets on this bird of mine
Roll on up – for my price is down
Come on in – for the best in town
 
 
JESUS
My temple should be a house of prayer
But you have made it a den of thieves
Got out! Get out!
My time is almost through
Little left to do
After all I've tried for three years,
Seems like thirty
Seems like thirty!
 
 
CROWD
See my eyes I can hardly see
See me stand I can hardly walk
I believe you can make me whole
See my tongue I can hardly talk
See my skin I'm a mass of blood
See my legs I can hardly stand
I believe you can make me well
See my purse I'm a poor poor man
Will you touch will you mend me Christ
Won't you touch will you heal me Christ
Will you kiss you can cure me Christ
Won't you kiss won't you pay me Christ
See my eyes I can hardly see
See me stand I can hardly walk
I believe you can make me whole
See my tongue I can hardly talk
See my skin I'm a mass of blood
See my legs I can hardly stand
I believe you can make me well
See my purse I'm a poor poor man
Will you touch will you mend me Christ
Won't you touch will you heal me Christ
Will you kiss you can cure me Christ
Won't you kiss won't you pay me Christ
See my eyes I can hardly see
See me stand I can hardly walk
I believe you can make me whole
See my tongue I can hardly talk
See my skin I'm a mass of blood
See my legs I can hardly stand
I believe you can make me well
See my purse I'm a poor poor man
Will you touch will you mend me Christ
Won't you touch will you heal me Christ
Will you kiss you can cure me Christ
Won't you kiss won't you pay me Christ
 
 
JESUS
There's too many of you – don't push me
There's too little of me – don't crowd me
Heal yourselves!
 

Everything's alright.

 
MARY MAGDALENE
Try not to get worried try no to turn on to
Problems that upset you oh don't you know
Everything's alright yes everything's fine
 
 
JESUS
And I think I shall sleep well tonight
Let the world turn without me tonight
 
 
MARY MAGDALENE
Close your eyes close year eyes
And forget all about us tonight
 

I don't know how to love him?

 
MARY MAGDALENE
I don't know how to love him
What to do how to move him
I've been changed yes really changed
In these past few days when I've seen myself
I seem like someone else
 
 
I don't know how to take this
I don't see why he moves me
He's a man he's just a man
And I've had so many men before
In very many ways
He's just one more
 
 
Should I bring him down
Should I scream and shout
Should I speak of love
Let my feelings out
I never thought I'd come to this -
What's it all about
 
 
Don't you think it's rather funny
I should be in this position
I'm the one who's always been
So calm so cool, no lover's fool
Running every show
He scares me so
 
 
I never thought I'd come to this -
What's it all about
Yet if he said he loved me
I'd be lost I'd be frightened
I couldn't cope just couldn't cope
I'd turn my head I'd back away
I wouldn't want to know
He scares me so
I want him so
I love him so
 

Damned for all time. / Blood money.

   Jerusalem, Tuesday

 
JUDAS
Now if I help you it matters that you see
These sordid kind of things are coming hard to me
It's taken me some time to work out what to do
I weighed the whole thing up before I came to you
I have no thought at all about my own reward
I really didn't come here of my own accord
Just don't say I'm
Damned for all time
 
 
I came because I had to I'm the one who saw
Jesus can't control it like he did before
And furthermore I know that Jesus thinks so too
Jesus wouldn't mind that I was here with you
I have no thought at all about my own reward
I really didn't come here of my own accord
Just don't say I'm
Damned for all time
 
 
Annas you're a friend a wordly man and wise
Caiaphas my friend I know you sympathise
Why are we the prophets? Why are we the ones?
Who see the sad solution – know what must be done
I have no thought at all about my own reward
I really didn't come here of my own accord
Just don't say I'm
Damned for all time
 
 
ANNAS
Cut the protesting forget the excuses
We want information get up off the floor
 
 
CAIAPHAS
We have the papers we need to arrest him
You know his movements – we know the law
 
 
ANNAS
Your help in this matter won't go unrewarded
 
 
CAIAPHAS
We'll pay you in silver – cash on the nail
We just need to know where the soldiers can find him
 
 
ANNAS
With no crowd around him
 
 
CAIAPHAS
Then we can't fail
 
 
***
 
 
JUDAS
I don't need your blood money!
 
 
CAIAPHAS
Oh that doesn't matter our expenses are good
 
 
JUDAS
I don't want your blood money!
 
 
ANNAS
But you might as well take it – we think that you should
 
 
CAIAPHAS
Think of the things you can do with that money
Choose any charity – give to the poor
We've noted your motives we've noted your feelings
This isn't blood money – it's a fee nothing
Fee nothing, fee nothing more.
 
 
JUDAS
On Thursday night you'll find him where you want him
Far from the crowds in the Garden of Gethsemane
 
 
CHOIR
Well done Judas
Good old Judas
 

ACT-II

The last supper.

   Thursday Night

 
APOSTLES
Look at all my trials and tribulations
Sinking in a gentle pool of wine
Don't disturb me now I can see the answers
Till this evening is this morning life is fine
Always hoped that I'd be an apostle
Knew that I would make it if I tried
Then when we retire we can write the gospels
So they'll still talk about us when we've died
 
 
JESUS
The end ...
Is just a little harder when brought about by friends
For all you care this wine could be my blood
For all you care this bread could be my body
The end!
This is my blood you drink
This is my body you eat
If you would remember me when you eat and drink ...
I must be mad thinking I'll be remembered – yes
I must be out of my head!
Look at your blank faces! My name will mean nothing
Ten minutes after I'm dead!
One of you denies me
One of you betrays me -
 
 
APOSTLES
Not I! Who would? Impossible!
 
 
JESUS
Peter will deny me in just a few hours
Three time will deny me – and that's not all I see
One of you here dining, one of my twelve chosen
Will leave to betray me -
 
 
JUDAS
Cut out the dramatics! You know very well who -
 
 
JESUS
Why don't you go do it?
 
 
JUDAS
You want me to do it!
 
 
JESUS
Harry they are waiting
 
 
JUDAS
If you knew why I do it ...
 
 
JESUS
I don't care why you do it!
 
 
JUDAS
To think I admired you
For now I despise you
 
 
JESUS
You liar – you Judas
 
 
JUDAS
You want me to do it!
What if I just stayed here
And ruined your ambition?
Christ you deserve it!
 
 
JESUS
Hurry you fool, hurry and go,
Save me your speeches, I don't want to know – Go!
 
 
APOSTLES
Look at all my trials and tribulations
Sinking in a gentle pool of wine
What's that in the bread it's gone to my head
Till this morning is this evening life is fine
Always hoped that I'd be an apostle
Knew that I would make it if I tried
Then when we retire we can write the gospels
So they'll all talk about us when we've died
 
 
JUDAS
You sad pathetic man – see where you've brought us to
Our ideals die around us all because of you
And now the saddest cut of all -
Someone has to turn you in
Like a common criminal, like a wounded animal
A jaded mandarin
A jaded mandarin
A jaded faded mandarin
 
 
JESUS
Get out! They're waiting! They're waiting for you!
 
 
JUDAS
Everytime I look at you 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 -
 
 
APOSTLES
Look at all my trials and tribulations
Sinking in a gentle peal of wine
Don't disturb me now I can see the answers
Till this evening is this morning life is fine
Always hoped that I'd be an apostle
Knew that I would make it if I tried
Then when we retire we can write the gospels
So they'll still talk about us when we've died
 
 
JESUS
Will no-one stay awake with me?
Peter? John? James?
Will none of you wait with me?
Peter? John? James?
 

Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say).

   Garden of Gethsemane

 
JESUS
I only want to say
If there is away
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 wanna know I'd wanna know my God
I'd wanna know I'd wanna know my God
I'd wanna see I'd wanna see my God
I'd wanna see I'd wanna see my God
Why I should die?
Would I be more noticed than I was ever 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 should I die?
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 and 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 the cross and break me
Bleed me beat me kill me take me now – before I change my mind
 

The arrest.

 
JUDAS
There he is! They're all a sleep – the fools!
 
 
JESUS
Judas – must you betray me with a kiss?
 
 
PETER
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
 
 
PETER AND APOSTLES
What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening
Hang on Lord we're gonna fight for you
 
 
JESUS
Put away your sword
Don't you know that it's all over?
It was nice but now it's gone
Why are you obsessed with fighting?
Stick to fishing from now on
 
 
CROWD
Tell me Christ how you feel tonight
Do you plan to put up a fight?
Do you feel that you've had the breaks?
What would you say were your big mistakes?
Do you think that you may retire?
Did you think you would get much higher?
How do you view your coming trial?
Have your men proved at all worthwhile?
 
 
Come with us to see Caiaphas
You'll just love the High Priest's house
You'll just love seeing Caiaphas
You'll just die in the High Priest's house
Come on God this is not like you
Let us know what you're gonna do
You know what your supporters feel
You'll escape in the final reel
Tell me Christ how you feel tonight
Do you plan to put up a fight?
Do you feel that you've had the breaks?
What would you say were your big mistakes?
 
 
Come with us to age Caiaphas
You'll just love the High Priest's house
You'll just love seeing Caiaphas
You'll just die in High Priest's house
 
 
Now we have him! Now we have got him!
 
 
CAIAPHAS
Jesus you must realise the serious charges facing you
You say you're the Son of God in all your handouts – well is it true?
 
 
JESUS
That's what you say – you say that I am
 
 
ANNAS
There you have it gentlemen -
What more evidence do we need?
Judas thank you for the victim -
Stay a while and you'll see it bleed?
 
 
CROWD
Now we hare him! Now we have got him!
Take him to Pilate!
 

Peter's denial.

 
MAID BY THE FIRE
I think I've seen you somewhere -
I remember
You were with that man they took away
I recognise your face
 
 
PETER
You've got the wrong man lady
I don't know him
And I wasn't where he was tonight -
Never near the place
 
 
SOLDIER
That's strange for I am sure I saw you with him
You were right by his side and yet you denied -
 
 
PETER
I tell you I was never with him
 
 
OLD MAN
But I saw you too – it looked just like you
 
 
PETER
I don't know him!
 
 
MARY MAGDALENE
Peter – don't you know what you have said
You've gone and cut him dead
 
 
PETER
I had to do it don't you see?
Or else they'd go for me
 
 
MARY MAGDALENE
It's what he told us you would do -
I wonder how he knew ...
 

Pilate and Christ.

   Friday

 
PILATE
Who is this broken man cluttering up my hallway?
Who is this unfortunate?
 
 
SOLDIER
Someone Christ – King of the Jews
 
 
PILATE
Oh so this is Jesus Christ, I am really quite surprised
You look so small – not a king at all
We all know that you are news – but are you king?
King of the Jews?
 
 
JESUS
That's what you say
 
 
PILATE
What do you mean by that?
That is not an answer
You're deep in trouble friend -
Someone Christ – King of the Jews
How can someone in your state be so cool about your fate?
An amazing thing – this silent king
Since you come from Galilee then you need not come to me
You're Herod's race! You're Herod's case!
 
 
MOB
Ho-ho Sanna Hey Sanna Sanna Sanna Ho
Sanna Hey Sanna Ho and how
Hey JC, JC please explain to me
You had everything where is it now?
 

King Herod's song (Try It And See).

 
HEROD
Jesus I am overjoyed to meet you face to face
You've been getting quite a name all around the place
Healing cripples, raising from the dead
And now I understand you're God at least that's what you've said
 
 
So you are the Christ you're the great Jesus Christ
Prove to me that you're divine – change my water into wine
That's all you need do end I'll know it's all true
C'mon King of the Jews
 
 
Jesus you just won't believe the hit you've made round here
You are all we talk about the wonder of the year
Oh what a pity if it's all a lie
Still I'm sure that you can rock the cynics if you try
 
 
So you are the Christ you're the great Jesus Christ
Prove to me that you're no fool walk across my swimming pool
If you do that for me then I'll let you go free
C'man King of the Jews
 
 
I only ask things I'd ask any superstar
What is it that you have got that puts you where you are?
I am waiting yes I'm a captive fan
I am dying to be shown that you are not just any man
 
 
So if you are the Christ yes the great Jesus Christ
Feed my household with this bread – you can do it on your head
Or has something gone wrong? Why do you take so long?
C'mon King of the Jews
 
 
Hey! Aren't you scared of me Christ? Mr. Wonderful Christ!
You're a joke you're not the Lord – you're nothing but a fraud
Take him away – he's got nothing to say!
Get out you King of the Jews! Get out of my life!
 

Judas' death.

 
JUDAS
My God! I saw him – he looked three-quarters dead!
And he was so bad I had to turn my head
You beat him so hard that he was bent and lame
And I know who everybody's gonna blame
I don't believe he knows I acted for our good
I'd save him all this suffering if I could
Don't believe ... our good ... save him ... if I could
 
 
PRIEST 3
Cut the confessions forget the excuses
I don't understand why you're filled with remorse
All that you've said has come true with a vengeance
The mob turned against him – you backed the right horse
 
 
CAIAPHAS
What you have done will be the saving of Israel
You'll be remembered forever for this
And not only that you've been paid for your efforts
Pretty good wages for one little kiss
 
 
JUDAS
Christ! I know you can't hear me
But I only did what you wanted me to
Christ! I'd sell out the nation
For I have been saddled with the murder of you
I have been spattered with innocent blood
I shall be dragged through the slime and the mud
I have been spattered with innocent blood
I shall be dragged through the slime and the mud!
 
 
I don't know how to love him.
I don't know why he moves me
He's a man – he's just a man
He's not a king – he's just the same
As anyone I know
He scares me so
When he's cold and dead will he let me be?
Does he love me too? Does he care for me?
My mind is darkness now – My God I am sick I've been used
And you knew all the time
God! I'll never ever know why you chose me for your crime
For your foul bloody crime
You have murdered me! You have murdered me!
 
 
CHOIR
Poor old Judas
So long Judas
 

Trial before Pilate.

 
PILATE
And so the king is once again my guest
And why is this? Was Herod unimpressed?
 
 
CAIAPHAS
We turn to Rome to sentence Nazareth
We have no law to put a man to death
We need him crucified – it's all you have to do
We need him crucified – it's all you have to do
 
 
PILATE
Talk to me Jesus Christ
You have been brought here – manacled, beaten
By your own people – do you have the first idea
why you deserve it?
Listen, King of the Jews
Where is your kingdom?
Look at me – am I a Jew?
 
 
JESUS
I have got no kingdom in this world -
I'm through, through, through
 
 
MOB
Talk to me Jesus Christ
 
 
JESUS
There may be a kingdom for me somewhere – if I only knew
 
 
PILATE
Then you're a king?
 
 
JESUS
It's you that say I am
I look for truth and find that I get damned
 
 
PILATE
But what is truth? Is truth unchanging law?
We both have truths – are mine the same as yours?
 
 
MOB
Crucify him!
 
 
PILATE
What do you mean? You'd crucify your king?
 
 
MOB
We have no king but Caesar!
 
 
PILATE
He's done no wrong – no not the slightest thing
 
 
MOB
We have no king but Caesar! Crucify him!
 
 
PILATE
He's done no wrong – no not the slightest thing
 
 
MOB
We have no king but Caesar! Crucify him!
 
 
PILATE
I see no reason – I find no evil
This man is harmless so why does he upset you?
He's just misguided – thinks he's important
But to keep you vultures happy I shall flog him
 
 
MOB
Crucify him!
 
 
(Thirty nine lashes)
 
 
PILATE
Where are you from Jesus?
What do you want Jesus? Tell me
You've got to be careful –
You could be dead soon – could well be
Why do you not speak when I have your life in my hands?
How can you stay quiet? I don't believe you understand
 
 
JESUS
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
 
 
PILATE
You're a fool Jesus Christ – how can I help you?
 
 
MOB
Pilate? Crucify him!
Remember Caesar – you have a duty
To keep the peace so crucify him!
Remember Caesar – you'll be demoted, you'll be deported
Crucify him!
 
 
PILATE
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!
 

Superstar.

 
VOICE OF JUDAS
Everytime I look at you 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
Why'd you choose such a backward time and such a strange land?
If you'd come today you would have reached a whole nation
Israel in 4 BC had no mass communication
Don't you get me wrong – I only want to know
 
 
CHOIR
Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ
Who are you? What have you sacrificed?
Jesus Christ Superstar
Do you think you're what they say you are?
 
 
VOICE OF JUDAS
Tell me what you think about your friends at the top
Who d'you think besides yourself's the pick of the crop?
Buddah was he where it's at? Is he where you are?
Could Mahomet 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?
Don't you get me wrong – I only want to know
 
 
CHOIR
Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ
Who are you? What have you sacrificed?
Jesus Christ Superstar
Do you think you're what they say you are?
 

Crucifixion.

 
JESUS
God forgive them – they don't know what they're doing
Who is my mother? Where is my mother?
My God My Cod why have you forgotten me?
I am thirsty
It is finished
Father into your hands I commend my spirit
 

John Nineteen Forty-One.

   (Instrumental)
   [Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.]

  
   Βρε κνθγθ ΰβςξπΰ