High, Flying Adored: A Tragic Love Story of a “Golden Girl”
“High, Flying Adored,” performed by the iconic David Essex and featuring Elaine Paige, is not a standalone pop hit in the traditional sense, but rather a powerful, emotionally charged song from the 1978 original London cast recording of the musical Evita. It never charted as a single on its own, instead, it’s a pivotal piece within the larger narrative of one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s and Tim Rice’s most enduring and acclaimed works. Essex played the role of “Che,” the cynical and observant narrator, and his delivery of the song is a masterclass in musical theater storytelling.
This song delves into the tragic, yet spectacular, rise of Eva Perón, the “First Lady” of Argentina, as seen through the eyes of the character Che. The lyrics paint a picture of a young woman who, through ambition and charisma, became a beloved national figure. The title itself, “High, Flying Adored,” captures her meteoric ascent to fame and the almost god-like worship she received from the Argentine people. The song’s tone is both reflective and critical. Che, the narrator, marvels at her success and the glamorous image she projects, but he also questions the sincerity of her actions and the price she paid for her fame. It’s a bittersweet reflection on the fleeting nature of adoration and the loneliness that can come with being in the spotlight.
The song is a duet, with Elaine Paige as Eva Perón and David Essex as Che. While Essex sings the main verses, Paige’s interjections are a haunting echo of Eva’s own thoughts and feelings. This duality creates a complex and moving piece that goes beyond a simple love song. It’s a tragic love story not between two people, but between a woman and her nation. It speaks to the universal themes of ambition, power, and the search for acceptance. For those who remember the 1970s, it’s impossible to separate this song from the cultural phenomenon that was Evita. The musical, and songs like this one, captured the public’s imagination and showcased a different side of a pop idol, revealing David Essex’s remarkable range and dramatic talent. It was a new, more mature chapter for an artist who had previously been a teen heartthrob with hits like “Rock On” and “Gonna Make You A Star.”
For a generation, this song evokes a sense of nostalgia for a time when musicals were at the heart of popular culture. It takes us back to a period when grand, theatrical productions could captivate a global audience. The song is a poignant reminder of the power of a well-told story and the lasting impact of a truly great performance. It’s a moment of reflection on a life lived in the public eye, a cautionary tale about the illusion of fame, and a beautiful testament to the enduring power of music.