I Shot The Sheriff
- Eric Clapton Lyrics
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(I shot the sheriff) but I didn't shoot the deputy
All around in my home town
They're trying to track me down
They say they want to bring me in guilty
For the killing of a deputy
For the life of a deputy, but I say
(I shot the sheriff) but I swear it was in self-defense
(I shot the sheriff) they say it is a capital offense
Sheriff John Brown always hated me
For what I don't know
Every time that I plant a seed
He said, "Kill it before it grows"
He said, "Kill it before it grows", I say
(I shot the sheriff) but I swear it was in self-defense
(I shot the sheriff) but I swear it was in self-defense
Freedom came my way one day
And I started out of town
All of a sudden I see sheriff John Brown
Aiming to shoot me down
So I shot, I shot him down, I say
(I shot the sheriff) but I did not shoot the deputy
(I shot the sheriff) but I didn't shoot the deputy
Reflexes got the better of me
And what is to be must be
Every day the bucket goes to the well
One day the bottom will drop out
Yes, one day the bottom will drop out, but I say
(I shot the sheriff) but I didn't shoot the deputy, oh no
(I shot the sheriff) but I did not shoot no deputy, oh no
The song "I Shot The Sheriff" by Eric Clapton was released in 1974, and was written by Bob Marley. The lyrics tell a story of a person who has allegedly shot the sheriff, but claims to have not shot the deputy. The song starts with the singer being pursued by law enforcement in his hometown, as they want to accuse him of killing a deputy. The singer admits that he shot the sheriff, but it was in self-defense. He claims that he did not shoot the deputy and is not guilty of that crime. The song describes the singer's experience of being on the run, and his eventual confrontation with Sheriff John Brown, who he shoots down in self-defense.
The song could be interpreted as a commentary on political corruption and abuse of power by those in positions of authority. The sheriff is depicted as a cruel and oppressive figure, who seeks to stifle the singer's efforts at personal growth and success. The singer is forced to take matters into his own hands to protect himself from the sheriff's wrath. The song also speaks to the importance of individual freedom and justice, and the idea that one has the right to defend themselves when they feel threatened.
Line by Line Meaning
I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy
I am responsible for killing the sheriff, but I am not responsible for killing the deputy.
All around in my home town
They're trying to track me down
They say they want to bring me in guilty
For the killing of a deputy
For the life of a deputy, but I say
People in my hometown are searching for me and claim I'm responsible for killing a deputy, even though I didn't. They want to bring me in for his death, but I maintain my innocence.
I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense
I shot the sheriff, and they say it is a capital offense
Although I claim to have shot the sheriff in self-defense, I am aware that this is considered a severe crime and could be punishable by death.
Sheriff John Brown always hated me
For what I don't know
Every time that I plant a seed
He said, "Kill it before it grows"
He said, "Kill it before it grows", I say
Sheriff John Brown held a grudge against me, and I am unsure of the reason. Whenever I tried to grow something, he would warn me to destroy it before it could flourish.
Freedom came my way one day
And I started out of town
All of a sudden I see sheriff John Brown
Aiming to shoot me down
So I shot, I shot him down, I say
When I had the opportunity to leave town and start fresh, Sheriff John Brown suddenly appeared with the intent to harm me. In self-defense, I shot and killed him.
Reflexes got the better of me
And what is to be must be
Every day the bucket goes to the well
But one day the bottom will drop out
Yes, one day the bottom will drop out, but I say
I acted instinctively in the situation with Sheriff John Brown, and I know that I must face the consequences of my actions. Life is unpredictable, and we must be prepared for when things fall apart.
I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy, oh no
I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy, oh no
I maintain that I am responsible for Sheriff John Brown's death, but I did not harm the deputy. This refrain is repeated to reinforce this fact.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bob Marley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@vpap8103
Saw Clapton two weeks ago. He is now 74 years old, so i went to the concert without having big expectations.
Ended up being the best musical experience of my life
@TheIzzatsyamim
How was it? Albert Hall?
@vpap8103
@@TheIzzatsyamim It was great. Saw him in Mannheim, Germany. He played both Layla-versions :)
@Spartanm333
He is quality of course and also no fool - that is Steve Gadd on drums... former Steely Dan and arguably the best session drummer in the world. In his former band he had Steve Ferrone on drums (Average White Band followed by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), Nathan East on bass and Greg (I really wrote most of Thriller) Phillinganes on keys. Andy Fairweather Low as his backup guitarist for over a decade - these are all proven journey men of popular music and recording. Who was Clapton's best friend and the guitarist he admired (even more than Jimi, Buddy, Albert and Robert)... George Harrison. The mans got class.
@lessattractiveleatherface9021
@@Spartanm333 Ye and he fucked his wife as well ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@taylordrew8425
The power of music mannn haha shits real
@wady0
I've been listening to this solo for 13 years .. All i can say, this solo is from heaven!!
The note after note he built for this solo is tremendous!
@rocksteady309
Agree with that 100 percent! Amazing! Only Eric can do this!
@riff5449
Definetely the magic start at 5:35
@user-dc1zm9ee1z
Nobody talks about the bassist, he is just awesome!. Аж мурашки по коже идут. До чего же шикарное исполнение.