On his third and latest album, When the Money’s All Gone, Eady delivers southern gospel stomps, New Orleans soul, and the heartbreaking tide of sin and redemption through his rich baritone voice and a raucous band. Produced by critically-acclaimed songwriter, Kevin Welch, When the Money’s All Gone comes as both a calming voice for the current times and as a timeless album of blue-eyed, southern soul music. The songs sound from the voice of a sage poet that’s made it through the storm to see the other side, all the while knowing it’s going to come again.
Barabbas
Jason Eady Lyrics
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And I heard 'em say my name and why I′ll never know
They unchained my feet, they unshackled my hands
And they let me go instead of that innocent man
I've got a second chance
I'm gonna make it count
Make my way out west
Live a life of a pardoned man
Believing in things I don′t understand
Well the guilt hangs twice as heavy when it′s followed by a surprise
I'd surrendered, I was ready to give up and do my time
I did not know his name, did not know why he was there
But on this side of forgiveness we both have our cross to bear
I′ve got a second chance
I'm gonna make it count
Make my way out west
Maybe head down south
Live a life of a pardoned man
Believing in things I don′t understand
Well I know that I am free cause they did not like his kind
But the man who preaches peace is always looking for a fight
And now I must go on, always knowin' that I′m bound
To try to make the best of this freedom I have found
I've got a second chance
I'm gonna make it count
Make my way out west
Maybe head down south
Live a life of a pardoned man
Believing in things I don′t understand
The lyrics to Jason Eady's song "Barabbas" tell the story of a man named Barabbas who is granted a second chance at life. The song begins with Barabbas hearing the judge ask the jury which prisoner should be released. To his surprise, they choose him instead of an innocent man. Barabbas is freed, his feet unchained and his hands unshackled. This turn of events leaves him wondering why his name was chosen and why he was spared.
The first verse emphasizes Barabbas' gratitude for this second chance. He vows to make it count and plans to embark on a journey out west, potentially heading down south. However, despite his newfound freedom, he admits to not fully understanding the reasons behind his release and the implications of his new life.
The second verse delves deeper into Barabbas' feelings of guilt. He speaks of surrendering and being ready to accept his punishment. He reflects on the unexpected nature of his release and his lack of knowledge about the innocent man he was saved over. Barabbas acknowledges that both he and the innocent man bear their own crosses, highlighting the weight of forgiveness and the complexities of their shared fate.
The final verse delves into the social and political context of Barabbas' release. He realizes that his freedom is not a result of his own qualities or actions but rather a product of society's dislike for the type of person the innocent man represented. Barabbas acknowledges the irony that the man who preaches peace (referring to the innocent man) is always ready for a fight. He accepts the responsibility of living with this newfound freedom, always aware of the bound obligations and the need to make the best of his situation.
Overall, these lyrics portray the journey of a man given a second chance at life and struggling to make sense of the circumstances that led to his release. Barabbas grapples with feelings of gratitude, guilt, and a lack of understanding, ultimately questioning his role in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard the judge ask the jury, 'which one′s the one to go?'
I overheard the judge questioning the jury about who should be condemned.
And I heard 'em say my name and why I′ll never know
I heard them utter my name as the chosen one, but I'm still unsure of the reasons.
They unchained my feet, they unshackled my hands
They released me from physical restraints and set me free.
And they let me go instead of that innocent man
They chose to release me instead of the innocent person.
Well the guilt hangs twice as heavy when it′s followed by a surprise
The weight of guilt is doubled when unexpected events occur.
I'd surrendered, I was ready to give up and do my time
I had already accepted my fate and was prepared to serve my sentence.
I did not know his name, did not know why he was there
I had no knowledge of the other person's identity or the reasons for their presence.
But on this side of forgiveness we both have our cross to bear
Despite receiving forgiveness, both of us still have our burdens to carry.
Well I know that I am free cause they did not like his kind
I realize I am now free because the authorities held prejudice against the other person.
But the man who preaches peace is always looking for a fight
Ironically, the person advocating for peace always seems to seek conflict.
And now I must go on, always knowin' that I′m bound
I have to continue with the understanding that I am forever tied to this situation.
To try to make the best of this freedom I have found
I'm determined to make the most out of the newfound freedom I've been given.
Writer(s): Joshua Dean Grider, Jason Thomas Eady, Larry Hooper, Adam Hood
Contributed by Henry H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ner1849
Yeah, I never cared for country, but this is gold. I hope to see you on the 9th at Sam's
@ethanmurray5882
I've never gotten into country, but this album is awesome!
@rickwing1171
It's All Country-Americana-Folk-Roots Music now & He's Among the Best: Check Out the Trishas, Hayes Carll, The Band of Heathens, Kevin Welch, Ray Wylie Hubbard, etc...It's all just great friggin' Music!
@jp-a1a729
Ethan Murray
Every one of his albums is great!!
@robertchilders6652
wonderful song from a Good ole hometown man
@dalerawson2234
This song is incredible!
@garyrush1658
Hi Jason, Be sure to take Courtney to Venice in May. Sure would like to see you two in Munich one of the days. Long way from Hattiesburg, Gary