, with lyrics by Tim Rice
. The musical started off as a rock opera
concept recording
before its first staging on Broadway
in 1971. The musical is based very loosely on the Gospels' account
of the last week of Jesus' life, beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem, and ending with the crucifixion
. It highlights political and interpersonal struggles between Judas Iscariot
and Jesus
, struggles that are not in the Bible.
Think while you still have me. Move, while you still see me; cause' you'll be lost--you'll be sorry when I'm gone!
Sing me your songs, but not for me alone. Sing out for yourselves, for you are blessed.
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.
To conquer death you only have to die.
The end...is just a little harder, when brought about by friends.
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 I die!
Judas, must you betray me with a kiss?
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.
It is finished. Father, in your hands I commend... my spirit! [He dies]
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 started to believe the things they say of you. You really do believe this talk of god is true?