☝️ Key Points
- The song 'Superstar' is sung by Judas Iscariot, who contemplates the life and death of Jesus from the afterlife.
- In the first part of the song, Judas questions the historical period and geographical location of Jesus' actions, and whether he could have reached more people in a more modern era and a larger country.
- In the second part of the song, Judas compares Jesus to other religious leaders and questions whether Jesus' death was planned or a mistake, and whether Jesus knew his death would cause a stir.
- The concluding part of the song, sung by the soul girls and the choir, examines who Jesus really is, what he has sacrificed, and whether he believes he is who he is believed to be.
- Overall, the song is a critical examination of the life and work of Jesus, raising questions about his authenticity and true character.
Interpretation
The song 'Superstar' from the musical
Jesus Christ Superstar is found towards the end of the musical and is sung by Judas Iscariot, who looks back from beyond on the life and death of Jesus Christ.
In the first part of the song, Judas questions Jesus' decisions. He asks questions like 'Why'd you choose such a backward time and such a strange land?' and 'If you'd come today, You would have reached a whole nation', criticizing the historical period and geographical location of Jesus' ministry. Judas questions whether Jesus could have reached more people if he had lived in a more modern time and in a larger country.
In the second part, Judas compares Jesus to other religious leaders like Buddha and Mohammed and asks if Jesus thinks he is better than them ('Who d'you think besides Yourselfs the pick of the crop?'). He also questions whether Jesus' death was planned or a mistake ('Did you mean to die like that? Was that a mistake') and whether Jesus knew that his death would cause such a sensation ('Or did you know your messy death would be a record breaker?').
The last part of the song, sung by the Soul Girls and the chorus, poses the question of who Jesus really is and what he has sacrificed ('Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, Who are you what have you sacrificed?'). They also ask if Jesus thinks he is who others believe him to be ('Jesus Christ Superstar, Do you think you're what they say you are?').
Overall, the song is a critical examination of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and raises questions about the authenticity and true character of Jesus.