Murray Head - Heaven on Their Minds (radio promo single)

This is the radio promo single of Murray Head singing 'Heaven on Their Minds' from the 1970 double-album Jesus Christ Superstar. The lyrics are different due to Tim Rice's attempt to avoid any censorship or possible offence to radio listeners. The back-up singers are definitely an interesting addition.

The B-side to this 45 is an instrumental version of 'Strange Thing Mystifying'.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Murray Head
• Tim Rice
• Andrew Lloyd Webber
• Jesus Christ Superstar
• Heaven on Their Minds

[19gonzaga99]

ARE THERE ANY OTHER SONG LYRICAL VARIATIONS WITH THE ORIGINAL 1970 ROSTER!!!!!!! This is like finding Gold, IMO.

[bridesheadrevisited]

@19gonzaga99 Not that I'm aware of. 'Superstar' was the first single released in 1969/70 and it appears on the LP exactly as it was released. It's B-side was 'John 19:41' which was recorded with a smaller orchestra and has considerably different ending. 'Heaven' was released in 1970 with an instrumental version of 'Strange Thing Mystifying' (Decca 32709). 'I Don't Know How to Love Him' was released as a single with 'Superstar' in 1972; prior to JCS, the song was known as 'Kansas Morning'.

[GBJPhotoWorks]

Absolutely fascinating! I've never heard this before, despite having been a fan since the original album release, and having played Judas when I was a much younger man. I'd be curious whether the altered wording is Tim Rice's work or not.

[bridesheadrevisited]

Thanks for the comment. Yes, the alterations were made by Tim Rice, although under protest. He realised the changes weakened the story and are not too clever as the original. However, it had to be done in order for it to be played on US radio.

[muppetfest]

Would you mind sending me this Mp3? I have it, but mine seems to be speed up by accident, I would to have one the quality of this! I would appreciate it!

[bridesheadrevisited]

No problem. I had taken this from the original 45 and remastered it for cd/dvd audio. So the mp3s sound far better than the version I posted here on YouTube. And it's in stereo. :)

[secondeagle]

(instrumental, then:)

Listen Jesus to the warning I give

Please remember that I want us to live

But it's sad to see

Our chances weakening with every hour

We are impotent and blind

Too much heaven on our minds

It was beautiful but now it's sour

Yes it's all gone sour - ah -

[ZEPnALE]

I agee with Gonzaga: this is like finding gold. I've been listening to this album for 40 years, and hearing this version was quite a treat. Although the circumstances that brought it about were unfortunate, at least it brings joy to some of us now.

[blithium]

If I had to change the lyrics so much that it's hardly the same song, I wouldn't let it be played on the radio.

[PtolemyJones]

@19gonzaga99 there is this one ht tp:/ /youtu .be/PF w7K5-MV8I

[LightenUpMcGraw]

I recently heard that Jesus's last name was Magillicutti, who would have guessed it.

[UnlimitedTimeOnly]

I love the "crazy people in control" variation and the way Murray sings "HEAVEN on their mind"... actually think I may prefer those to the later version from the concept album.

[jatras]

@Theslayerwins - what do you mean? Would love to hear it.

[ExploringReal]

Whats wrong with keeping to the original lyrics of the song? The writing was done by Jewish authors, which is why they didnt have jesus rise from the dead. I feel like they are changing the lyrics to make it sound less blasphemous, and thats no fun.

[Theslayerwins]

i have one of him singing the actual song without the backup singers and the original lyrics

[Broblem12]

Part of my youth and ever after. Blessings for this kind post.

[54nomore]

No one does this better then Murray Head...the original judas of " Jesus Christ Superstar" musical theatre.