The Meaning Behind The Song: I Don’t Know How to Love Him by Original Television Cast of Jesus Christ Superstar
| Title | I Don’t Know How to Love Him |
|---|---|
| Artist | Original Television Cast of Jesus Christ Superstar |
| Writer/Composer | Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice |
| Album | Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert (Original Soundtrack of the NBC Television Event) (2018) |
| Release Date | April 1, 2018 |
One song that has captivated audiences for years is “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. This timeless ballad, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, beautifully explores the emotions and uncertainties of Mary Magdalene towards Jesus. The song is performed by the Original Television Cast of Jesus Christ Superstar and can be found in the album “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert (Original Soundtrack of the NBC Television Event) (2018)”. It was released on April 1, 2018.
The lyrics of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” brilliantly convey Mary Magdalene’s inner conflict. She expresses her confusion and loss for words when it comes to her feelings for Jesus. The first lines, “I don’t know how to love him, what to do, how to move him,” perfectly encapsulate the essence of her struggle. She acknowledges that she has been changed and seen herself in a different light since encountering Jesus.
Mary Magdalene questions why Jesus affects her so deeply, as she recognizes that he is just a man. She compares him to the many men she has encountered before, implying that he is no different. However, there is a sense of vulnerability in her words that suggests she is drawn to Jesus in a way she can’t quite comprehend. She wonders whether she should bring him down, scream and shout, or let her feelings out. Mary Magdalene finds herself in an unfamiliar position of not knowing how to navigate her emotions towards Jesus.
The line “He scares me so” signifies the power and impact Jesus has on her. Mary Magdalene has always been calm and composed, but now she finds herself shaken by this man. She is both afraid and in awe of him. The repetition of “He scares me so, I want him so, I love him so” indicates the complexity of her emotions. She desires him, even though she doesn’t fully understand her own feelings.
Personally, this song resonates deeply with me. Like Mary Magdalene, there have been moments in my life when I have questioned my own ability to love someone. It’s not uncommon to experience confusion and uncertainty when it comes to matters of the heart. This song beautifully captures those emotions and reminds us that it’s okay to be unsure and afraid.
“I Don’t Know How to Love Him” also serves as a reminder that love can be both beautiful and terrifying. It is a testament to the transformative power of love and its ability to evoke complex emotions within us. Through Mary Magdalene’s words, we witness her internal struggle as she grapples with her feelings for Jesus.
Furthermore, the song highlights the human aspect of Jesus and the impact he had on those around him. Mary Magdalene’s uncertainty and fear show us that even a figure as revered as Jesus can evoke a range of emotions in people. It humanizes him and makes him relatable to the listener.
Overall, “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” is a powerful and emotionally charged song that delves into the complexities of love, vulnerability, and human connection. It beautifully captures Mary Magdalene’s inner turmoil and her struggle to understand her feelings for Jesus. It serves as a reminder that love can be both beautiful and scary, and it’s okay to feel unsure when it comes to matters of the heart.
As I listen to this song, it takes me back to moments in my own life where I have felt unsure and vulnerable in love. It reassures me that these emotions are a part of the human experience and that it’s okay to not have all the answers. “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” continues to resonate with audiences, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.
