“I Don’t Know How to Love Him” remains one of the most beloved songs of all time, known for its poignant exploration of confusing emotions.
The song is about the struggle with love, fear, and uncertainty.
The lyrics speak to anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by love and unsure if it’s more than a crush, perhaps it’s time to find out if you are obsessed or in love with your crush. It’s a powerful ballad about the emotional turmoil that can come with falling for someone, especially when you don’t know how to express those feelings.
We’ll take a look at the emotional core of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and its enduring resonance.
The lyrics: A journey through internal conflict
The song “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” as sung by Mary Magdalene about Jesus Christ, is full of complexity and confusion. Let’s take a look at the lyrics to understand how they highlight her internal conflict.
Confusion and vulnerability
From the opening lines, the narrator conveys a sense of disorientation as she admits she’s overwhelmed by the feelings she’s only recently begun to have. It’s a vulnerable moment, admitting you don’t understand something. But this vulnerability is something most people can relate to: Who hasn’t felt adrift when confronted with new, unfamiliar emotions?
Love and fear
As the song continues, the lyrics reveal that the narrator is experiencing attraction and apprehension at the same time. She’s drawn to the object of her affection but also scared by him. She wants to embrace love, but something holds her back.
What’s behind this fear? Is it a fear of vulnerability, rejection, or loss of control? These are all possibilities.
Decoding the Deeper Meaning: More Than Just a Love Song
“I Don’t Know How to Love Him” is more than just a song about romantic love. It can be interpreted in many ways, and when you think about it, the “him” in the lyrics could represent a higher power, a cause, or even a personal ideal, showcasing elements of agape love style. The song explores the nuances of complicated emotions that are hard to define.
The narrator questions her own ability to love and be loved, and many listeners can relate to this self-doubt and feeling of unworthiness.
Ultimately, “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” delves into the universal human experience of emotional struggle. The song resonates with anyone who has ever faced a similar internal conflict. It’s a powerful expression of vulnerability and confusion that transcends the boundaries of simple romance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who originally sang “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”?
The original singer of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” was Yvonne Elliman. She performed the song in the 1970 rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. While many artists have covered it since, including Helen Reddy and Olivia Newton-John, Elliman’s version is the first and arguably most iconic.
What did Mary Magdalene sing to Jesus?
In Jesus Christ Superstar, Mary Magdalene sings primarily about her conflicted feelings toward Jesus. “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” explores her struggle to understand the nature of her affection, which is neither purely platonic nor overtly romantic, but something deeper and more complex. She also sings about trying to protect him and ease his suffering.
Did Yvonne Elliman play Mary Magdalene?
Yes, Yvonne Elliman not only sang “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” but she also portrayed the character of Mary Magdalene in the original 1970 stage production and the 1973 film adaptation of Jesus Christ Superstar. Her portrayal of Mary Magdalene, both vocally and dramatically, is highly regarded and remains a defining interpretation of the role.
Wrapping Up
“I Don’t Know How to Love Him” perfectly captures that moment of internal conflict, of being afraid to show your true self, and of just not understanding your own feelings. The song’s emotional honesty is why it connects with so many listeners, even today, particularly those who may be exhibiting signs of a fearful avoidant attachment style in how they love.
That honesty is also why the song has had such a lasting impact. The push-pull of wanting to love someone but not knowing how is a timeless, universal feeling. Ultimately, that’s why this song still resonates so deeply: it speaks to the messy complexities of the human heart.