I Need To Know

In the song "I Need To Know" from the musical Jekyll & Hyde, Dr. Henry Jekyll expresses his deep yearning to understand the dual nature of humanity. The lyrics delve into his obsession with uncovering the reasons behind the darker aspects of the human soul. Jekyll is tormented by the idea that man is content to let his darker impulses make him less than whole, and he is determined to find a way to separate the good from the evil within. This quest is not just scientific but deeply philosophical and moral, as he grapples with the fundamental question of why humans revel in madness and murder.

Jekyll's internal struggle is evident as he questions why good seems to fight a losing battle against evil. He is driven by a desperate need to adjust this balance and bring humanity back from the brink of moral decay. The song captures his intense desire to venture into uncharted territories of the mind, seeking the key to end what he sees as tragic and senseless decay. This journey is fraught with danger, as he acknowledges the strength of the evil he is up against and the fine line between sanity and madness.

The song also touches on Jekyll's plea for divine guidance, as he seeks wisdom and courage to see the truth that others cannot. His determination to go where no angel will go highlights his willingness to sacrifice his own well-being for the greater good. The lyrics encapsulate the essence of Jekyll's character: a man driven by an insatiable need to understand and conquer the duality within himself and, by extension, within all of humanity. This exploration of the human condition is a central theme in the musical, making "I Need To Know" a powerful and poignant piece.