The iconic ballad “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” from the 1970 album and 1971 rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar continues to captivate audiences with its emotional depth and complexity.
Sung by the character of Mary Magdalene, the song explores themes of confusion, devotion, and unrequited love, showcasing the turmoil of a woman drawn to Jesus but uncertain how to express her feelings.
Yvonne Elliman’s original recording became the definitive version, demonstrating her remarkable vocal talent and emotional depth. The song’s haunting melody, combined with Tim Rice’s poignant lyrics and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music, created a timeless piece that transcends its religious context.
Key Takeaways
- The song “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” is a standout ballad from Jesus Christ Superstar.
- Yvonne Elliman’s version is considered the definitive recording.
- The song explores themes of unrequited love and devotion.
- The rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.
- The song has become a beloved and frequently covered ballad in musical theater.
The Genesis of a Timeless Ballad
The genesis of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” is a story of creative transformation, evolving from a song called “Kansas Morning” to a pivotal moment in Jesus Christ Superstar. This ballad, made famous by Yvonne Elliman, had its origins in a different time and context, showcasing the versatility and enduring appeal of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s composition.
From “Kansas Morning” to Mary Magdalene’s Lament
Originally titled “Kansas Morning,” the melody was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber in autumn 1967 with entirely different lyrics. The transformation into “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” occurred when Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice were developing Jesus Christ Superstar in late 1969 and early 1970. They recognized the potential of the melody to express Mary Magdalene’s complex emotions, and Rice crafted new lyrics to capture her conflicted feelings toward Jesus. This process not only showcased their creative partnership but also highlighted their ability to breathe new life into existing material.
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Creative Process
The creative partnership between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice was instrumental in shaping “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.” Their collaboration during the development of Jesus Christ Superstar was particularly fruitful, with their complementary talents allowing them to create emotionally resonant musical storytelling. Rice’s lyrics masterfully balance religious reverence with human emotion, making the song accessible to audiences regardless of their religious beliefs. The development of this ballad represents a pivotal moment in musical theater history, helping to establish the rock opera as a legitimate art form.
Some music critics have noted similarities between the melody and themes from Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, though this connection hasn’t diminished the song’s impact. The song’s journey from “Kansas Morning” to “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” is a testament to the power of creative collaboration and the enduring appeal of well-crafted music.
I Don’t Know How to Love Him by Yvonne Elliman: The Original Recording
The story behind Yvonne Elliman’s recording of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” is one of creative misunderstanding and artistic triumph. Elliman’s powerful and emotive voice brought Mary Magdalene’s complex emotions to life in a way that has become iconic in the world of musical theater.
Olympic Studios Session: One Take Wonder
Recorded in one remarkable take at Olympic Studios in June 1970, “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” showcases Elliman’s incredible vocal talent. The session was a testament to her natural affinity for the material, as she delivered a performance that has been universally acclaimed as the high point of the Jesus Christ Superstar soundtrack.
The Rough Guide to Cult Pop praised Elliman’s version, noting that it’s rare to hear a singer combine such power and purity of tone in one song. This singular performance set the benchmark for all subsequent versions, with none coming close to matching its emotional depth and vocal quality.
Elliman’s Initial Confusion About the Character
When first presented with “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” Elliman had been puzzled by the romantic nature of the lyrics. She had initially believed she was portraying Jesus’s mother, not Mary Magdalene, leading to some confusion about the character’s emotions. Despite this, Elliman delivered a version that captured the essence of Mary Magdalene’s conflicted feelings towards Jesus Christ.
Elliman’s interpretation balanced the character’s religious reverence with human desire, showcasing her ability to convey the complexity of the character. Her performance has become synonymous with the role, making “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” one of the standout tracks from Jesus Christ Superstar. It’s a testament to her talent that she could know love through her performance, even when faced with initial confusion about the character’s context.
Analyzing the Lyrics: Mary Magdalene’s Conflict
The song “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” from Jesus Christ Superstar presents a poignant exploration of Mary Magdalene’s inner turmoil. As she grapples with her feelings for Jesus, the lyrics convey a complex emotional landscape that resonates with listeners beyond its religious context.
The Portrayal of Unrequited Love
The song masterfully captures the tension between spiritual devotion and human desire. Mary acknowledges her attraction to Jesus while recognizing its impossibility and impropriety. Lines like “I don’t know how to take this / I don’t see why he moves me” express her confusion, while “He’s a man, he’s just a man” reveals her attempt to rationalize her feelings. This portrayal of unrequited love is particularly poignant as Mary understands that her love cannot be reciprocated due to Jesus’s divine mission.
- The lyrics explore the complexity of Mary’s emotions, presenting a universal theme of love and longing.
- The song’s emotional journey moves from confusion to acceptance, reflecting Mary’s growth.
Religious and Emotional Dimensions of the Song
The religious dimensions of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” add layers of complexity, as Mary’s feelings represent not just romantic longing but also the struggle between earthly attachment and spiritual devotion. Tim Rice’s lyrics avoid explicit religious language, allowing the song to function both within its biblical context and as a universal expression of complicated love. This nuanced portrayal contributes to the song’s enduring appeal.
By exploring Mary Magdalene’s conflict, “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” offers insights into the human experience, making it a timeless piece within the Jesus Christ Superstar narrative.
Chart Success and Cultural Impact
The chart success and cultural impact of ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’ is a fascinating story that highlights the song’s enduring legacy. As a standout track from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, it achieved remarkable chart success and left a lasting mark on the music industry.
The Unique Chart Battle with Helen Reddy’s Version
In a rare chart phenomenon, two versions of ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’ by Yvonne Elliman and Helen Reddy concurrently charted on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971. While Reddy’s cover reached No. 13, Elliman’s original peaked at No. 28. Despite Reddy’s higher chart position, Cash Box considered Elliman’s version to be the stronger interpretation of the song. This unique chart battle highlighted the song’s popularity and the different ways it was received by audiences.
The initial release strategy for singles from the Jesus Christ Superstar album is also noteworthy. MCA Records initially chose “Superstar” by Murray Head as the first single, only releasing Elliman’s track as a single after Reddy’s cover began gaining traction. This strategic decision underscores the complexities of promoting a song from a musical that was gaining popularity.
Legacy in Musical Theater History
‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’ has become a standard in musical theater repertoire, with its emotional depth and technical challenges making it a showcase piece for performers. The song helped establish Jesus Christ Superstar as a groundbreaking work that bridged the gap between rock music and musical theater. As noted in an analysis of similar impactful songs, such as “His Name is Jesus” by Phil Wickham, the success of ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’ contributed to the rock opera format gaining legitimacy in mainstream culture, influencing subsequent works in musical theater.
Beyond the stage, the song has become a popular choice for vocal competitions, auditions, and concerts, cementing its place in the canon of great theatrical ballads. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of the music and the story of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Notable Interpretations Through the Years
The enduring popularity of ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’ is evident in its many covers. This iconic song from Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar has been reimagined by numerous artists over the years. Yvonne Elliman‘s original version remains a benchmark, having been performed in the Broadway production and the subsequent film adaptation.
Other notable artists have brought their own interpretations to the song. For instance, Helen Reddy‘s cover introduced it to a wider pop audience, while Melanie C of Spice Girls fame brought a fresh, powerful rendition during the Jesus Christ Superstar Live Arena Tour in 2012-2013. Additionally, artists like Marina Prior and Julia McKenzie have recorded the song, showcasing its versatility within the musical theater genre.
The song’s impact is further highlighted by its occasional performance in medley with “Everything’s Alright,” another key number from the show. This enduring legacy is a testament to the song’s significance within the Jesus Christ Superstar rock opera and its continued appeal to new generations.
FAQ
What is the song "I Don’t Know How to Love Him" from?
The song is from the famous rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice.
Who originally recorded "I Don’t Know How to Love Him"?
The song was originally recorded by Yvonne Elliman for the 1970 concept album of Jesus Christ Superstar.
What is the song "I Don’t Know How to Love Him" about?
The song is about Mary Magdalene’s emotional turmoil as she struggles to understand her feelings towards Jesus Christ.
How did "I Don’t Know How to Love Him" perform on the charts?
The song was a chart success, and its unique chart battle with Helen Reddy’s version is still talked about today.
What is the significance of "I Don’t Know How to Love Him" in musical theater history?
The song is considered a classic of the rock opera genre and has had a lasting impact on musical theater, with its themes and emotions continuing to resonate with audiences.
Has "I Don’t Know How to Love Him" been covered by other artists?
Yes, the song has been covered by many artists over the years, with various interpretations and styles, showcasing its timeless appeal.
