For Her (Reprise)
Jeremy Jordan
The Eternal Hope and Tragedy of Love
In "For Her (Reprise)," Jeremy Jordan channels the voice of Jay Gatsby, a character from F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, "The Great Gatsby." The song captures Gatsby's unwavering devotion to Daisy Buchanan, the woman he loves. Gatsby's determination is evident as he declares that he has done everything for Daisy, building walls and stoking flames, metaphorically representing the lengths he has gone to win her affection. The green light, a recurring symbol in the novel, represents Gatsby's hope and dreams for a future with Daisy, a future he believes is still possible.
The lyrics convey a sense of longing and anticipation as Gatsby waits for Daisy to return to him. He is willing to wait indefinitely, believing that their destinies are intertwined and that they are meant to be together. This reflects Gatsby's idealistic and romantic nature, as well as his inability to accept reality. The repetition of Daisy's name throughout the song emphasizes his obsession and the central role she plays in his life. Despite the obstacles and the passage of time, Gatsby remains hopeful that Daisy will choose him, highlighting his relentless pursuit of an unattainable dream.
The song also introduces the character of George, who represents the moral and religious undertones of the story. George's lines, "God sees everything" and "Forgive me, for being his hands," suggest a sense of divine judgment and the inevitability of fate. This adds a layer of tragedy to the song, as it foreshadows the impending doom that awaits Gatsby. The interplay between Gatsby's hopeful longing and George's somber reflections creates a poignant contrast, underscoring the themes of love, obsession, and the consequences of one's actions.