Oh What a Circus: A poignant reflection on the tragedy of a life in the spotlight.
In the mid-1970s, the musical landscape was a vibrant, ever-shifting mosaic, and few artists captured its eclectic spirit quite like David Essex. A true chameleon, he effortlessly transitioned from rock ‘n’ roll rebel to romantic crooner, and his work in the stage musical “Evita” cemented his status as a theatrical force. But among the many gems in his discography, one song stands out for its raw emotion and profound narrative depth: “Oh What a Circus.” This wasn’t just a pop song; it was a deeply personal, almost elegiac, piece of music that resonated with a generation and remains a powerful statement to this day.
Released in 1978 as a single from the musical’s original cast album, “Oh What a Circus” wasn’t an immediate chart-topper in the way some of Essex’s earlier hits had been. However, its lasting impact far outstrips its initial chart performance. The single reached number 3 in the UK Singles Chart, a testament to its compelling melody and powerful lyrical content. The song’s success was intrinsically tied to the success of the musical itself. “Evita,” a collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, was a phenomenon, and Essex brought a unique gravitas to his role as Ché, the cynical narrator.
The story behind “Oh What a Circus” is a fascinating one, born from a creative pivot in the development of “Evita.” The song was originally written for the musical to be a reflection on the death and funeral of Eva Perón, the beloved former First Lady of Argentina. As the song’s lyrics suggest, it’s a commentary on the spectacle and hypocrisy surrounding her death. Ché, the character sung by Essex, observes the grandiose funeral procession and reflects on the superficiality of it all. He sees a parade of grieving mourners, but questions the authenticity of their sorrow, viewing it as more of a performance than a genuine outpouring of grief. This sentiment is encapsulated in the iconic lines, “Oh what a circus, oh what a show / Argentina has gone to town over the death of an actress.” The irony is palpable; Eva, a woman who meticulously crafted her public image, is mourned with a performance that rivals her own theatrical flair.
This is where the genius of David Essex’s performance truly shines. His delivery is filled with a weary cynicism that cuts through the pageantry. It’s not a performance of anger, but of a quiet, resigned sadness. He sings of Eva’s final moments, the crowds of mourners, and the empty promises of a life lived in the spotlight. The song’s emotional core lies in this contrast between the public facade and the private reality. Essex’s voice, with its raspy, soulful edge, conveys the profound emptiness of it all. He captures the essence of a man who has seen through the illusions and is left with the stark truth.
For many listeners, particularly those of a certain age, “Oh What a Circus” evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia. It’s a song that transports you back to a time when musicals were grand, and the stories they told were both epic and deeply personal. It’s a reflection on life, death, and the often-deceptive nature of fame. It reminds us that even the most celebrated lives can end in a spectacle that is both glorious and hollow. In David Essex’s hands, this song became more than just a musical number; it became a timeless ballad about the human condition, a poignant reminder that for all the applause and adulation, the final curtain call is the same for us all. It’s a song that truly stood the test of time, a testament to the enduring power of great storytelling and a remarkable performance.