I Shot the Sheriff
The Wailers Bob Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I didn't shoot no deputy
Oh, no, no
I shot the sheriff
But I didn't shoot no deputy
Ooh
All around in my hometown
They say they want to bring me in guilty
For the life 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 swear it was in self-defense, yeah
It was I shot the sheriff
And they say it is a capital offense
Sheriff John Brown always hated me
For what, I don't know
Every time I plant a seed
He said kill them before it grow
He said kill them before they grow
And so
And so
I shot the sheriff
But I didn't shoot the deputy
It was I shot the sheriff
(But I didn't shoot the deputy) I didn't shoot the deputy, no, no
Freedom came my way one day
And I started out of town, yeah
Then all of a sudden I saw sheriff John Brown
He was aiming to shoot I down
So I shot, yes, I shot, shot him down
And I say
I-I-I-I shot the sheriff
Lord, I didn't shoot the deputy
(No, no, no)
It was I who shot the sheriff
But I didn't shoot the deputy
Reflexes had the better of me
And what is to be must be
Every day the bucket goes to the well
I say, one day the bottom a-go drop out
One day the bottom will drop out
And so
And so
Really sing
I shot the sheriff
But I didn't shoot the deputy
(No, no, no)
I shot the sheriff
But I didn't shoot the deputy
The song "I Shot The Sheriff" by Bob Marley is a powerful anti-authority anthem. The singer seems to be confessing to shooting the sheriff, despite claiming that it was in self-defense. However, he adamantly maintains that he did not shoot the deputy. The song implies that the singer is being persecuted unjustly and it serves as a warning to those who abuse their power.
The lyrics are significant because they address police brutality and corruption, which were widespread issues in Jamaica during the 1970s. The character of Sheriff John Brown represents the oppressive system that has been oppressing the singer and his community. By shooting the sheriff, the singer is metaphorically taking a stand against this unjust authority.
However, the song ends on a note of resignation, with the singer accepting that "what is to be must be." This could be interpreted as a message of hopelessness, implying that the fight against oppression is futile. Alternatively, it could be read as a call to continue the struggle, despite the challenges.
Overall, "I Shot The Sheriff" is a powerful song that speaks to the experiences of people who have been oppressed and mistreated by those in power. It emphasizes the importance of standing up against injustice and refusing to be silenced.
Line by Line Meaning
I shot the sheriff
I took the life of the law enforcement officer
But I didn't shoot no deputy
I did not kill the other officer
Oh, no, no
I am trying to deny my involvement in the crime
All around in my hometown
Everywhere in the place where I grew up
They're tryin' to track me down
They are attempting to locate and arrest me
They say they want to bring me in guilty
They are accusing me of being guilty of the crime
For the life of a deputy
Because I took the life of a deputy
But I say
However, I am going to explain my side of the story
(But I swear it was in self-defense) I swear it was in self-defense, yeah
I am claiming that I acted in self-defense when I shot the sheriff
And they say it is a capital offense
They are saying that my actions are punishable by death
Sheriff John Brown always hated me
The sheriff had a personal animosity towards me
For what, I don't know
I am not sure why the sheriff held a grudge against me
Every time I plant a seed
Whenever I start something new
He said kill them before it grow
The sheriff advised to stop it before it gets too big
He said kill them before they grow
The sheriff recommended to end things before they become bigger problems
But I didn't shoot the deputy, no, no
I am innocent of the accusation that I also shot the deputy
Freedom came my way one day
One day, I found an opportunity to leave my hometown
And I started out of town, yeah
I began to leave the place and seek better life somewhere else
Then all of a sudden I saw sheriff John Brown
Unexpectedly, I encountered the sheriff again
He was aiming to shoot I down
He was about to shoot me
So I shot, yes, I shot, shot him down
I took the life of the sheriff in self-defense
Lord, I didn't shoot the deputy
Again, I am affirming my innocence regarding the shooting of the deputy
Reflexes had the better of me
My instincts overpowered my rational decision-making
And what is to be must be
I accept the consequences of my actions
Every day the bucket goes to the well
Every day, I must face the reality of my situation
I say, one day the bottom a-go drop out
One day things will get worse
One day the bottom will drop out
Eventually, things will hit rock bottom
Really sing
Repeat the chorus
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bob Marley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MFM_88
If you're listening to this in 2024, hit me ๐
@ahmetoztekin1232
Im.saying hello from cyprus island๐
@darrellmoore8194
From Philippines
@BTWrush
I am listening and performing this Sunday for Bob Marleyโs Birthday gig โค
@Roki.hermawan
๐
@nadiaarthus4125
From Martinique
@jamestyson458
I've been listening to all of Bob Marley's hit songs since I saw Bob Marley One Love. He was very talented. And a great man
@garrithdaly4541
Same
@jessenicolas6900
Talented ? GOD GIFTED !! one love
@Ijayed22
It is only Bob Marley and Michael Jackson that can sit on the same table and enjoy a meal of corn porridge while watching Thriller play on the TV. The two greatest musicians of all time ๐๐๐๐๐
Counting down from 7 days when I can finally watch Bobโs biopic โOne Loveโ on February 14th.