This Jesus Must Die

Andrew Lloyd Webber, Victor Brox, Brian Keith

About This Jesus Must Die

"This Jesus Must Die" is a song from the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, which also appears in the film version of Jesus Christ Superstar, and on the album of the musical. In the 1973 film, it is sung primarily by Bob Bingham as Caiaphas and Kurt Yaghjian as Annas; and on the 1970 album, by Victor Brox as Caiaphas and Brian Keith as Annas. In the 2000 film it is sung by Frederick B. Owens as Caiaphas and Michael Shaeffer as Annas.


Year:
1970
3:35
876 
#2

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PRIEST ONE

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! 
Hosanna! Superstar! 
Hosanna! Superstar! 
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 (inside) 

He is dangerous!

MOB (outside)

Jesus Christ Superstar!

ALL (inside)

He is dangerous!

MOB (outside)

Tell us that you're who they say you are.

PRIEST TWO

The man is in town right now to whip up some support.

PRIEST THREE 

A rabble rousing mission that I think we must abort.

ALL (inside) 

He is dangerous!

MOB (outside)

Jesus Christ Superstar!

ALL (inside)

He is dangerous!

PRIEST TWO 

Look Caiaphas, they're right outside our yard.

PRIEST THREE 

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 THREE 

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.

PRIESTS

But how can we stop him? 
His glamour increases 
By leaps every moment; 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 (inside) 

Because, because, because of one man.

CAIAPHAS

Our elimination because of one man.

ALL (inside) 

Because, because, because of one, 'cause of one, 'cause of one man.

PRIEST THREE 

What then to do about this Jesus-mania?

ANNAS

How do we deal with a carpenter king?

PRIESTS

Where do we start with a man who is bigger 
Than 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 (inside)

Must die, must die, this Jesus must die.

CAIAPHAS

So like John before him, this Jesus must die.

ALL (inside) 

Must die, must die, this Jesus must, Jesus must, Jesus must die!

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Andrew Lloyd Webber

Andrew Lloyd Webber, Baron Lloyd-Webber Kt. (born 22 March 1948) is an English composer and impresario of musical theatre. more »

10 fans

Written by: ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER, TIM RICE

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Musical Composition
"This Jesus Must Die" is a song by Andrew Lloyd Webber, an iconic English composer known for his musical theater. Webber composed this song for the 1970 rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar."
Lyrics Writer
The lyrics for "This Jesus Must Die" were written by Tim Rice who was a long-term partner for Webber and contributed to many successful musical theatre productions together.
Song Context
This song takes place in the biblical narrative when the Sanhedrin, the Supreme Council in ancient Jerusalem, plots to kill Jesus. It expresses their fear of the potential social unrest that Jesus's teachings could incite.
Song Style
"This Jesus Must Die" falls under the genre of rock opera, a fusion of rock music and opera. It contains characteristics of both genres while maintaining a theatrical presentation.
Musical Ensemble
This song comprises several characters, notably Caiaphas and Annas, who are the high priests of the Sanhedrin. There is also a chorus of priests singing in the background.
Album Success
The song helps to set the stage for the album's immensely successful run, with "Jesus Christ Superstar" reaching number one on the Billboard chart and staying there for over two months, showing the popularity of "This Jesus Must Die".
Movie Inclusion
"This Jesus Must Die" is also a part of the 1973 film adaptation of "Jesus Christ Superstar". Despite the movie's initial controversial reception, it has since gained cult status and been recognized for its importance to musical cinema.
Theater Adaptations
The song has been performed in numerous theater productions of "Jesus Christ Superstar", showing the enduring appeal and the impactful story setting role it holds within the opera.
Music Structure
The song switches between different characters, using distinct musical motifs to represent different speakers, a testament to Webber's compositional skills.
Cultural Impact
"This Jesus Must Die" portrays the conflict between religious authorities and Jesus, causing it to be a subject of discussion and criticism. Despite this, it continues to be a well-known song from one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most famous works.

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