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I Only Want To Say (Gethsemane) Lyrics

Artist: Jesus Christ Superstar
Album: Jesus Christ Superstar Soundtrack

Jesus
I only want to say
If there is a way
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 want to know
I'd want to know my God
I'd want to know
I'd want to know my God
I'd want to see
I'd want to see my God
I'd want to see
I'd want to see my God
Why I should die
Would I be more noticed
Than I ever was 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, why should I die?
Oh, 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
But not so hot on why
Alright I'll die!
Just watch me die!
See how, see how I die!
Oh, just watch me 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 your cross and break me
Bleed me, beat me
Kill me, take me now
Before I change my mind

Comments/Interpretations

by Constantinos on 5/14/2008 3:39am
Maybe Ian Gillan's the most arresting performance
by Bob on 5/27/2008 11:24am
there are a couple of wrong lyrics in there :) cba to point them out specificallly though
by Airafleeza on 6/19/2008 1:33am
Michael Crawford does an amazing job performing this song. Love that man to bittles I do~
by Joe on 6/27/2008 5:02am
I Did This In A School Production and i had 330 people crying by way i was jesus.

by rk:] on 7/12/2008 8:02pm
Ted Neeley was AMAZING singing this song in the 1973 movie.
by Guerrero Sin Pantalones on 8/11/2008 8:13am
this is an amazing musical, my friend was jesus last year and he was just stunning.
by Philipo on 8/11/2008 8:06pm
No one can touch Ian Gillian as Jesus. His vocals rule.
by es on 8/13/2008 8:18am
well get this i was only 10 when i did this song and reached top C...my primary school were tthe first to ever do it (first primary school)
by by rutizsu on 8/20/2008 5:28am
And Steve Balsamo and Pál Feke as Jesus in Getsemahne? (You tube)!
by Bajs on 8/23/2008 8:04am
ted neeley. mmmm...
by George on 8/26/2008 7:19pm
Ian Gillan is the best "Jesus"... He is unbeatable...

Gillan was the man, who stated hot this song must be sang, and every other singers just try to sing simmiliar to Gillan...
But do not even try, Gillan is the best
by Merry on 8/29/2008 4:00pm
I have a recording of a concert performance if this song by Broadway's Hugh Panaro. It is absolutely amazing.
by KF on 9/8/2008 5:49pm
I always liked this song because it shows Christ not as a messiah, but as a man, with the same questions, fears, and self doubts that any man would harbor.
by lindsey on 9/13/2008 4:54pm
ted neeley rules!!!!!!!
by Brandon on 9/21/2008 11:25am
You should the Colm Wilkinson redition, it is amazing.
by Nadine on 10/3/2008 2:10pm
Yes, "he's just a man" (I mean Jesus)...
by Mevrouw de vries on 10/4/2008 7:05am
There is only one that can sing this song the way it was mend:

Michael Ball...

by Ringos on 10/7/2008 12:04pm
You should try You tube..Colm Wilkinson does a version that is Ah-Mazing!!!!
by dong satin stitch on 10/10/2008 6:43pm
huh nice song what a great music to all thats why my gf accept me because of this song and i like it
by onyot69 on 10/10/2008 7:34pm
Michael Ball is Bullshit...
He is too gay to sing this song..
Ted Neeley rulez
by VICTORIA on 10/13/2008 11:13am
me gusta la versión de Ted Neeley y la de Camilo Sesto
by valerio on 10/22/2008 1:38pm
listen Andy kuntz! Great performance, may ne the best ever

by josh on 10/22/2008 2:07pm
truly inspirational
by ozqun on 10/24/2008 11:25am
amazinngg.!!! I'm in love with this song.!!
by Inger on 11/3/2008 4:12am
Steve Balsamo is amaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing
really watch him on youtube.
by Martin on 11/5/2008 5:10am
Steve Balsamo made a total new view of this song. His interpretaion is so musically, vocally, and technically perfect that fuck I'm jeaulous
by Vlad on 12/10/2008 2:48am
I would put this song in 10 best for all times. Ted Neeley - Waw!!!
by Taw on 12/11/2008 5:45pm
Yeah, Ted Neely was the absolute best at this song. I've heard all the other versions of this song as well as it seen it performed live by many different casts. NONE OF THE ONES I'VE SEEN, not one of them, came close to Ted Neely's awesomeness. Same goes for Carl Anderson as Judas.
by The Flying Mouse on 12/27/2008 7:11am
Ted Neeley is the best man for the job.
by Fabiola Gonzalez on 2/8/2009 9:16pm
The Ted Neeley version is the best! i love the movie and that particular scene when he sings this amazing song!
by Isaac Llovera on 2/24/2009 7:07am
Abdy Kurtz is the singer!
by Fairy Godmoose on 3/25/2009 5:08pm
Personally, I love Glenn Carter.
by Fan on 3/29/2009 12:53am
I remember watching the movie and was blown away. Ted Neeley deserved an Oscar his acting and singing was brillant! And the lyrics are amazing!
by fan on 3/29/2009 5:03am
Neely nailed this song in the movie. It start out humble but builds into a mindblowing cresendo.
by Juan on 5/25/2009 7:36pm
Ian Gillan killed in this song!
by Shotgun Messiah on 6/4/2009 2:37pm
Steve Balsamo!!!!!!!!!!!
by Sweeney Todd on 7/5/2009 1:45pm
Isaac Rendell did the best version by far.
by Child in Time on 7/10/2009 8:27pm
Actually, Jesus did the best version by far...
But Ian Gillan the original and best, just interpretations from al of the rest!
by Craig on 7/15/2009 9:29pm
No performer can match Ted Neeley's falsetto in Gethsemane. With the movie, he truly set the bar for the role of Jesus. Also, he's still performing his role 30 years later. I saw him in Providence and he is truly the best Jesus.
by Angela on 7/21/2009 10:15am
I couldn't stand Ted Neeley as Jesus. Could the one who commanded the elements be such a whimpy man? Could the Son of God who withstood such abuse out of love for our eternal souls be like him? To know Jesus it to know restrained power that was spent for our sakes.
by Peter on 8/12/2009 7:52am
Craig's right. Sorry Angela. There's only one Jesus... and his name is Ted Neeley.
by Andris on 8/20/2009 10:00am
Drew Sarich :)
by Mike on 9/3/2009 7:36pm
If you ever can listen to Michael Crawford sing this song...He did so in concert...Absolutely incredible...I's say even better than Neeley if you can imagine...
by Mariah on 9/20/2009 10:54pm
I'm with Andris: Drew Sarich is incredible on this song. He's amazing as Judas, but his recording of Gethsemane is simply unrivaled.
by patricia martin on 10/11/2009 5:22pm
michael ball is the best artist to sing gethsamane he is world class.
by shella on 10/26/2009 6:49am
These words do not at all portray the real Son of God's heart attitude. Jesus' selfless offering on the Cross was motivated out of a heart of love. He did not doubt, was not scared and was not fame hungry as the words suggest. One of the several reasons why He died was to reconcile us back to a true relationship with Him and God the Father. Read the Bible to find out the whole story.
by Henry on 10/26/2009 9:53pm
Listen to Colm Wilkinson's rendition of this song, I'm pretty sure you'd all enjoy it. Very powerful, very emotional.
by daniela on 11/8/2009 4:39pm
best performance of this is from the London 1996 west end performance cd. utterly fantastic!
by Wilyum on 11/21/2009 4:45am
None can beat the powerful expression of emotion as performed by Ted Neeley. I met him and the Teddy Neeley Five in 1964 in a nightclub in Honolulu. I was totally impressed by their expressive interpretations of their rock music. The next thing I knew, ten years later, he has the starring role in an excellent movie. Carl Anderson completed the team for an outstanding performance. In recent years, I met Ted again backstage after a terrific live performance.
by Vince on 1/11/2010 6:33pm
You can't beat Ted neeley...after seeing him perform this, i was like...whoa. There is a God. lol.
by mike on 2/8/2010 2:49pm
the version of Vanden Plas of this song is amazing
by Barrelmaker on 2/11/2010 10:57pm
I just got home from a stage production of this and Ted Neeley was a knockout. He can still hi the high notes at 66. By the way, Peter, there is only one Jesus...and His name is Jesus.
by Rainbowarlene on 2/15/2010 5:40pm
I prefer Ted Neeley because of his very effective way of singing this piece, he made me cry. But somehow I hate the way he demanded and giving commands with God, especially the way he pinpoints against heaven at the film, seems like he is giving orders to God. But he is a very effective human being alive, only the Real Jesus Christ can beat him in this role.
by Simon on 6/10/2010 11:03am
For me it's always Steve Balsamo. His is the only version that's made me cry... and I'm an atheist!

I'm recording this soon for an art project. Very nervous but looking forward to it.
by Toby on 6/17/2010 5:07pm
I agree with you Mevrouw de vries
by hachi on 7/2/2010 4:46pm
Glenn Carter for me.
by Caleb on 7/31/2010 10:43am
Ted Neeley is above and beyond any of the other crap listed on here! I must say that even his performances within the last few years(Ted Neeley New York 2006..........youtube search it) at his age now is still something that cannot be touched, granted his vocal ability is not nearly as prestine as from the original film, you cannot deny that a man in his 70's is still kicking ass in what could be one of the most challenging songs to perform. I also enjoy Feke Pal's version, it is stunning, even in a foreign language. :)
by m on 8/24/2010 1:10am
ive just heard all this singers singing gethsemane: Michael Ball, Ted Neeley, Michael Ball and i wanna say that Gillan is the best!!!
by Chuck Bridges on 9/4/2010 12:41pm
I have both of the original albums, the one with Gillian and the OST with Neeley, and I have to say that Neeley simply nailed it in the film and OST album. Sorry to Gillian, but I have to go with what I feel is the best. By the way, those that say Neeley is wimpy, Jesus was a man of love, not force (Except in the Temple scene, and again, Neeley nailed it).
by Sacred on 10/20/2010 4:11pm
Steve Balsamo, only Steve Balsamo!
by Sunny on 12/2/2010 12:52pm
Steve Balsamo`s Ahoi performance is the one that touched me the most. He`s brilliant.
by Soundmaster DJ on 2/1/2011 7:48am
Ted Neeley is the best jesus ever!!!!
by Ocyhm on 2/6/2011 9:06pm
I really don't care who sings it, it's beautiful. It shows that He was not just some untouchable figure, a kind of legend we hear about today. He was a mortal man, with fears and doubts and emotions, like any of us. Any performance moves me to tears... the whole bloody show does.
by 7241gabi on 2/9/2011 9:57pm
sung by Tamás Mester is a masterpiece. (check on yt)
by Jimmy Barnes on 2/21/2011 7:34am
John Farnham on the Australian 1992 recording. Obviously all of the above are great, but he is incredible. Wow.
by ed nario on 3/7/2011 12:38am
bar none, this is own personal fave song...great
by Steve on 5/6/2011 11:11am
Drew Sarich does the best interpretation of this song, hands down.
by CreatureFromThePinkLagoon on 5/10/2011 7:58pm
Shut up, they all have a different voice, none of them is objectively better than another. But the best is Neeley, though. :)
by Walter Minton on 6/15/2011 7:55am
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
by Mick on 9/12/2011 9:50pm
It's hard to say but I saw a rendition on 'Songs of Praise' by Steve Balsamo and he made an already moving piece of music even more so. But Ted Neeley is still the man for me. (As for John Farnham's performance he's just a little too histrionic for my liking.)
by mick on 9/12/2011 9:52pm
Oh, and Ian Gillan nailed it as well. Well said to those emphasising the real Jesus (such as Walter Minton.)
by amazing on 11/1/2011 1:38pm
colm wilkinson does an absolutly incredible job of preforming this song- MUST LISTEN TO!!!
by Charlie C on 11/17/2011 5:06pm
I myself think that all of the versions of this song were cool, but only Ted Neeley´s version realy made me cry cause I think it was the most emotional performance but yeah, I loved Gillan and Sebastian Bach but I didn´t love that much Glen Carter(I´m not sure about the name) in 2000´s movie his voice was s actually so beautiful ;) but he fucked it up
by Jette on 1/31/2012 11:07am
such a great song! maybe it`s true? and jesus felt like this?
by Evil on 2/5/2012 7:04am
Andy Kuntz of Vanden Plas did it perfectly! It's a rock-metal version that fits 100% with the feelings.
by Rubens Toledo (rubenstol@gmail.com) on 3/13/2012 9:39am
I am according to Sheila... Jesus was not afraid, or sinking how to be famous. He knew it was necessary testify his lessons about forgiving... loving! I recomend you read Spiristim by Allan Kardec. Its Jesus Christ back, with us!!!
by JimBob on 4/13/2012 11:14am
I don't understand why people like Ted Neeley, he's not on the beat and he sings a pretty wimpy falsetto. On the other hand, Gillan's wails penetrate my very soul. That man can sing!
by Romanaa on 4/20/2012 4:37pm
Sorry but Glenn Carter is the one and only Jesus. He is FLAWLESS! His vocal range is just amazing! I love him as Jesus. I hear him sing this song and I get goosebumps everytime
by CGS on 5/3/2012 2:32pm
Jesus was a man. The Son of God suffered and lived every single human emotion any of us can ever feel which is what made his sacrifice on the cross significant. This is the greates song ever written and Ian's version is untouchable.
by Huw on 6/28/2012 3:02pm
I respect every singer who has ever sung this song as it is probably the most difficult song to that i've ever come across and I respect everyones opinions but for me Micheal crawford's is always going to be the best and always makes me emotional, I was lucky enough to see him perform it in concert live, wow, made the hairs on my neck stand up and a brought a lump to the throat. For all intents and perpuses he almost is jesus in the way that he feels the passion of the perfomance he is giving. I also like the fact that he doesnt screech the long note swhich although they may be meant to sung like that when its was written dont sound right to my mind that high pitched. Thats my view anyway, and the lyrics are more important than who sang it best really.
by Zdenka on 7/22/2012 8:42am
Kamil strihavka je spevák pár exelans 'kto nepoÄul jeho jesus nepochopil Äo prežívajú 'syn bozi pred smrÅ¥ou
by JC on 7/26/2012 11:42am
The best version I have ever heard of this song that shows true emotion and true meaning to the words of this song as it was meant to be is found in the Australian Cast Recording performed by John Farnham as Jesus. When this show was playing back in the 90's Andrew Lloyd Webber said he had never heard his musical come to life until it was performed in Sydney with the Australian Cast. Well worth checking out. It should still be available on CD from your local record store or from iTunes.
by DAP on 9/4/2012 3:55am
Best version hands down is Ian Gillan. No one else comes close.
by stas on 11/12/2012 8:57pm
Dima Bilan! Check him out singing this song!!!
by Lazuli on 12/10/2012 2:31am
Ian Gillan, one of the most gifted singers of his era, was hand-picked and groomed by Andrew Lloyd Webber for the JCS album, and Ian delivered beyond his wildest dreams. Ian's touring schedule didn't allow him to pursue either the movie or the stage version (which he was offered), and Ted Neeley was brought in to replace him. Whule Ted did an admirable job for many years, nobody in my opinion will ever match Ian Gillan's version. If you haven't heard it, do youself a favour and listen to the original album (not the movie soundtrack) - you'll never go back.
by LaCorde on 1/5/2013 7:20pm
watch- Luka Zaqariadze I Only Want To Say ... :))
by BaMiTsMoLLy on 2/12/2013 5:35pm
Uhmm. Ben Forster anyone? ;]
by Ruben A on 2/23/2013 5:10am
I've listened to all these performances and I don't think they can equal the passion of Mr. Neeley. Maybe better voices but Neeley's look and that he was picked over many for the major motion picture puts him over the top. They all are great though.
by Robert Zamora on 3/9/2013 7:49pm
Who is Jesus?
by Katy on 3/31/2013 5:57pm
My school did this last year, it was posted in New York and people were conning from everywhere just to see a bunch of high school kids. Yet will say, Ted Neely is the most amazing Jesus, our JC could have people in the crowd bawling when he was singing this song. They were an amazing cast to work with, and I had fun watching my brother be Caiphas, and being an angel was fun too. Amazing dramatic context for a catholic school
by George on 4/27/2013 3:53pm
Ted Neeley was the perfect choice for the film version!!!!
by bionan on 5/10/2013 2:29pm
For me, Ted Neeley's performance is the best.
by Shadow on 5/29/2013 7:49pm
I like Glenn Carter's version. He can do the soft classical AND the screaming rock and role.
by Hannah on 7/16/2013 9:13pm
Is no one going to mention Hugh Panaro's version of this? So much passion and emotion, and his vocals are amazing.
by belle on 7/18/2013 4:15pm
all of these are good versions, but now i'm enamoured with katie hall's version
by BMunro on 7/30/2013 4:29pm
Go check the 1976 version from Neeley on youtube. It's insane.

"Gethsemane (live audio) - Ted Neeley - 1976"
by Dana on 8/14/2013 7:26am
The one and only Steve Balsamo !!!!
by LimySurvivor on 9/26/2013 7:01pm
Listen to James Aconley's (from Yorkshire UK) fantastic!recording of this and you will be amazed!
by Miqo on 11/7/2013 11:28am
search on youtube

Luka Zakariadze - I Only want to say
by swampyfool on 11/19/2013 10:10pm
Ted Neeley did fine, but Ian Gillian was far and away better. His rock-inspired grittiness on the high notes is the clincher for me. He gave the role a level of masculinity that has yet to be matched (or even approached) by any of his successors, and IMO, the loving and pacific nature of the Jesus Christ character is far more compelling when delivered from such a perspective.

Also, Murray Head is easily the best Judas.
by NikTh on 12/5/2013 7:03am
The Vanden Plas version is also pretty impressive! This song is amazing whichever gifted singer sings it!
by quim on 12/10/2013 2:22am
for the time the movie has made Ted voice PREFECT and must say it's my chosen version,
Ted aws
by korean dude on 9/30/2014 6:45pm
Steve balsamo is born for this!!
He has shown the best performance ever. I want to be a performer like him one day.
by Kelly on 1/25/2015 3:47am
Glenn Carter was outstanding and is by far better than anyone! no one can compare to him, his voice is so incredibly beautiful and his vocal range is astonishing!
by o.c. on 2/21/2015 9:25pm
ouch
by abs on 4/11/2015 1:18am
Steve balsamo in Ahoy
by scatteredenergy on 6/8/2015 1:48pm
So many fantastic renditions! I have heard all the "official" ones since the concept album in 1970. I have to say my favorite right now is Ben Forster. He was/is incredible. All brought something different to this incredible song. It's a very had piece for any well trained tenor to sing.
by tonyAB on 9/17/2015 2:48pm
i just preformed this song for the production i was in of JCS i had to come here before i did the dress rehearsal because i forgot every word for a split moment
by RaeRae7676 on 10/2/2015 9:38am
The length of this stream is testimony! As a point of Biblical trivia, acc. 2 Luke "there appeared an angel...strengthening him..and being in AGONY he prayed more earnestly; his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down..." & acc to Matthew 26, Jesus "began to be sorrowful and very heavy" and he said "My soul is EXCEEDING SORROWFUL, even unto death." Best Tenor Jesus? Same choice as Tim Rice & Sir Andrew--Ian Gillian.
by ChessVertigo on 11/13/2015 4:48am
Nothing to say, Ted Neeley was the best Jesus ever, his interpretation gives the perfect dimension of the tragedy on the scene.
by Dmitry on 2/3/2016 2:26pm
I can't believe it. Ted Neely? Really? Have you ever heard Ian Gillan's performance?
by Mo on 3/22/2016 4:00am
Drew Sarich anyone? :'D *holds hands into fire*
by Despina on 8/2/2016 6:00am
I have to confess that i haven't heard no ones version(even Michael Crawford which i appreciate him because he was the first Phantom on stage)except Steve Balsamo's.
I don't know if you have heard him or not,or how good are the other great singers,but believe me,this song that you have heard many times,every time will be like the first time with him.Every time,a unique time.
by J.C.Stierheim on 8/26/2016 8:13am
Despina, while I think Ted's is best, Steve Balsamo's is very moving. You can see the pain and fear in his eyes, as if he is really facing his end.

One thing I have noticed about most anyone's performance is when they get to "But, if I die.." it grabs them, and instead of just singing, they are emotionally pushed. I don't think it's just acting, I believe they realize the gravity of the song, what it means, and they are swept away. Even Ted (I saw him in a video performing with his band and he was in street clothes). When he gets to that part, he took off his glasses and really got into it. I myself can't get thru listening/watching it, without tearing up. If anyone hasn't seen the movie it's on YouTube in several parts.
by Robert Clark on 2/12/2017 5:35am
Ian Gillan...original and best








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