Iscariot
The Last Bison Lyrics
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Double crossing the Son of Man
For in the dish you have dipped your hand
Lo you come here
To deliver the deliverer
From simple kiss into tainted hands
The devil has you now
You’re set up for betrayal
Iscariot, Iscariot
The devil has you now
Your kiss tastes like a crown of thorns
I have used, I have used
Your unbelief, to set them free
So die now, die now my Judas
The song Iscariot by The Last Bison is a poignant retelling of the biblical story of Judas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ who betrayed him to the authorities. The lyrics start with a warning to Judas that he has double-crossed the Son of Man - a reference to Jesus - by betraying him for thirty pieces of silver. The line "in the dish you have dipped your hand" refers to the Last Supper, where Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples, and Judas dipped his hand in the dish alongside Jesus.
The second verse of the song is addressed to Judas and accuses him of seeking to deliver the deliverer - Jesus - into the hands of the authorities. The "simple kiss" mentioned refers to the sign of friendship and respect that Judas gives Jesus when he betrays him to the soldiers. However, the kiss is no longer simple but "tainted", as it symbolizes the ultimate act of treachery towards an innocent man who had done no wrong. The chorus of the song repeats the name "Iscariot" - the name by which Judas is known - and states that the devil has him now, setting him up for betrayal. The final line of the chorus, "your kiss tastes like a crown of thorns", is a powerful image that compares the betrayal of Judas to the suffering and death that Jesus experienced on the cross.
The lyrics of Iscariot by The Last Bison are a haunting commentary on the themes of betrayal, greed, and spiritual corruption that are present in the biblical story of Judas. They capture the tragedy of a man who had the opportunity to walk alongside the son of God, but instead chose to let greed and selfishness guide his actions. The song reminds us that even the closest followers of Jesus are capable of turning against him, and that the ultimate test of faith is to stay true to one's beliefs even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Woe unto you
You will face great sorrow
Double crossing the Son of Man
Betraying the Messiah
For in the dish you have dipped your hand
You have taken part in a terrible act
Lo you come here
You have arrived
To deliver the deliverer
To help the Savior
From simple kiss into tainted hands
From a symbol of affection to aiding in betrayal
Iscariot, Iscariot
Addressing the betrayer, Judas
The devil has you now
You have fallen under the influence of evil
You’re set up for betrayal
You are destined to betray
Your kiss tastes like a crown of thorns
Your display of affection causes much pain and suffering
I have used, I have used
The Messiah claims responsibility
Your unbelief, to set them free
Even your doubt will be used for good
So die now, die now my Judas
As a result of your betrayal, you will suffer the consequences
Contributed by Ryan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
mark fukubayashi
Love what you guys are doing! Christian Folk rules <3
Alan Witt
Saw them last Friday night....amazing performance live. They have been picked up by a major label for a five album deal set to nationwide release in the spring. So I agree they are on the verge of going real big.
kimpurrs
Every second gives me chills, i love it!
Kyle Brinkley
I love this song, it tells the story of Judas so perfectly.
Marisa bergfield
I adore this band. Every song on Quill is fantastic.
Les W
This album ought to be on Spotify as well though. Can’t find a trace of it.
Steve Obrzut
One of my favorite songs I've ever found
Cody Burkett
I listened to this song a lot last Holy Week. love it.
Minty
Amazing song, it has a middle ages feel to it.
Drew M.
These guys love their percussion:D