You Can't Beat Jesus Christ
Shaver & Billy Joe Shaver Lyrics
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He is the Father, Son and Mary is His mother
He is a 'scuse my slanguage
Well, a compound country kinda guy
(Yes, He is)
Ain't no way to get around it
You just can't beat Jesus Christ(No, you can't)
Well I used to crank and drank
Until my back was to the floor
I'd take it to the limit
Then I'd try to get some more
Yeah, when it came to gamblin'
Well, Lord I'd know how to roll them dice
(Yes, I would)
Ain't no two ways about it
I have been saved by Jesus Christ
Yes, I have
Even though I am a sinner
He will always be my friend
Well, He starts in the middle
And He does not have an end
And when my soul was held for ransom
Yeah, He is the one who paid the price
Ain't no reason to deny it
I owe it all to Jesus Christ
Yes I do, God bless you
The lyrics to Shaver & Billy Joe Shaver's song "You Can't Beat Jesus Christ" capture a deep reverence and gratitude towards the figure of Jesus Christ. The opening lines describe Jesus as a figure who is meant to be known and understood as a universal brother to all, embodying the roles of both a father and a son, with Mary as His mother. This depiction emphasizes a sense of kinship and connection with Jesus as a relatable and approachable figure for all.
The following lyrics use colloquial language to portray Jesus as a down-to-earth and relatable character, a "compound country kinda guy" who cannot be surpassed or outdone. This image of Jesus as a humble and unassuming figure evokes a sense of admiration and respect for His qualities and teachings. The chorus emphasizes the impossibility of overcoming or surpassing the greatness and significance of Jesus Christ, reinforcing His unparalleled status and influence.
The subsequent verses delve into the personal experiences and struggles of the singer, who confesses to a life of excess and indulgence, including drinking, gambling, and living recklessly. Despite their past mistakes and sinful behavior, the singer acknowledges the transformative power of Jesus Christ in their life, leading to a sense of redemption and salvation. Through Jesus, the singer finds guidance, strength, and ultimately, forgiveness for their past actions.
The closing lines express a deep sense of gratitude and devotion towards Jesus Christ, highlighting the belief that, despite being flawed and imperfect, Jesus will always be a steadfast friend and guide through life's trials and challenges. The lyrics convey a profound sense of faith and belief in Jesus as a source of salvation and grace, emphasizing the profound impact that His presence has had on the singer's life. Ultimately, the song celebrates the power of Jesus Christ to bring about redemption, forgiveness, and a sense of purpose and meaning to those who believe in Him.
Line by Line Meaning
He was born to be known as everybody's brother
He was destined to be seen as a figure of universal kinship, embodying the spirit of brotherhood for all humanity.
He is the Father, Son and Mary is His mother
He represents the holy trinity of God as Father, the incarnate Son, while Mary serves as His earthly mother, highlighting the divine and human connection.
He is a 'scuse my slanguage
He embodies a humble and relatable presence, allowing for informal expressions of devotion.
Well, a compound country kinda guy
He reflects a blend of multiple influences, rooted firmly in the values of rural, working-class life.
(Yes, He is)
Affirmative acknowledgment of His true nature and essence.
Ain't no way to get around it
There is no avoiding the fact of His significance; it is an undeniable truth.
You just can't beat Jesus Christ
No one or nothing can surpass or challenge the greatness and impact of Jesus Christ.
(No, you can't)
Reiterating that His supremacy is irrefutable.
Well I used to crank and drank
I once engaged in reckless behavior and indulgence, living a life of excess.
Until my back was to the floor
I found myself in a state of despair and defeat due to my choices.
I'd take it to the limit
I pushed my boundaries and explored the extent of my vices.
Then I'd try to get some more
Despite the consequences, I sought out even more pleasure and excitement.
Yeah, when it came to gamblin'
In the realm of chance and risk-taking, I was very skilled.
Well, Lord I'd know how to roll them dice
I was adept at taking risks, enjoying the thrill of unpredictability.
(Yes, I would)
Affirmatively recognizing my proficiency in risky behaviors.
Ain't no two ways about it
There’s no ambiguity; this is a clear truth.
I have been saved by Jesus Christ
I have found redemption and salvation through my faith in Jesus.
Yes, I have
Repeating my assurance in this profound truth.
Even though I am a sinner
Despite my flaws and misdeeds, I am still accepted.
He will always be my friend
He is a constant source of support and companionship in my life.
Well, He starts in the middle
His influence often begins within the depths of our struggles.
And He does not have an end
His presence and impact are eternal, transcending time.
And when my soul was held for ransom
In my darkest times, my spirit was trapped in despair.
Yeah, He is the one who paid the price
He made the ultimate sacrifice to free me from my suffering.
Ain't no reason to deny it
There is no justification for ignoring this truth.
I owe it all to Jesus Christ
All my salvation and hope are attributed to Him alone.
Yes I do, God bless you
Affirming my gratitude and sending blessings to others as a reflection of my faith.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BILLY JOE SHAVER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@janetfarris3739
Willie Nelson said Billy Joe Shaver is the very best song writer ever. Eddy and his Dad could always read each other.
@gratefuldug
You definitely ARE “gonna live forever” brother Shaver! Love your wild spirit and the strong stand you took for number 1. Now you get to be with HIM face to face FOREVER!
@DaveElwess
Great music and message. talented duet
@jasontyree7028
Amen!
@MAGAMANPATRIOT
Everyone needs a good dose of Billy Joe Shaver and Eddie Shaver everyday. Both are missed. God Bless them
@josephdelagarza835
Dig it
@andymelendez9757
I think Billy Joe was an honest man. He writes from his life and his heart and soul. It takes a lot to do that.
You could live someone else’s dream or die happy by living your own
@TheOfficialCatass
Eddy's guitar playing was right there on par with Billy Joe's lyrics around this time. An awesomely badass combination, I don't care what anybody says.
The four greatest words in music, I don't care what genre, are "praise the Lord, guitar." Once you heard that spoken, your ears were about to get blown away with the best country and western guitar playing that's ever been.
@MichaelSeanHarrell
they were the best
@swvastories3498
I loved Eddy's playing the first time I heard it. I just wish he was still around today. Monster guitar player!