Theme From Barabbas
Various Artists Lyrics


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Banjo, banjo
Doesn't play it for fun
He's just hiding his gun

Banjo, banjo
His chaps made of leather
Even in hot weather
Banjo (He's comin', gunnin' for ya)
Banjo (He's comin', strummin' for ya)
You can try to talk
But he don't give a pluck

Banjo (He's comin', gunnin' for ya)
Banjo (He's comin', strummin' for ya)




He's strumming for you
He's coming for you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Theme from S'Express" by Various Artists are quite straightforward and paint a picture of a cowboy. The opening line, "Banjo, banjo / Doesn't play it for fun / He's just hiding his gun," reveals that this cowboy is not just a musician but also a skilled shooter. The reference to the banjo being used to hide the gun adds an element of surprise and danger to the cowboy's character. Additionally, the use of the word "just" implies that the cowboy doesn't necessarily enjoy playing the banjo but instead uses it for a purpose.


The following lines, "His chaps made of leather / Even in hot weather," suggest that this cowboy is tough and able to endure difficult circumstances. The phrase "hot weather" implies that the cowboy lives in a hot, dry climate and likely spends most of his days outdoors. The use of chaps, which are heavy, protective leather coverings for the legs, further emphasizes his toughness.


The repeated lines "He's comin', gunnin' for ya / He's comin', strummin' for ya" suggest that the cowboy is on a mission and there's no stopping him. The line "You can try to talk / But he don't give a pluck" implies that the cowboy is determined and focused on his goal and doesn't take kindly to being talked out of it.


Overall, "Theme from S'Express" presents a vivid picture of a cowboy who is tough, skilled, and dangerous.


Line by Line Meaning

Banjo, banjo
Introducing the theme of a banjo-playing character


Doesn't play it for fun
The character isn't playing the banjo for entertainment


He's just hiding his gun
The character is concealing a weapon while playing the banjo


His chaps made of leather
The character is wearing leather chaps


Even in hot weather
The character wears the chaps regardless of the temperature


Banjo (He's comin', gunnin' for ya)
Repeating the introduction, now implying the character is gunning for someone


Banjo (He's comin', strummin' for ya)
Repeating the introduction, now implying the character is playing the banjo as he approaches


You can try to talk
The listener may attempt to reason with the character


But he don't give a pluck
The character is indifferent to any attempt at negotiation


Banjo (He's comin', gunnin' for ya)
Repeating the introduction, now emphasizing the character's violent intent


Banjo (He's comin', strummin' for ya)
Repeating the introduction, now emphasizing the character's musical approach


He's strumming for you
The character is playing the banjo as he approaches his target


He's coming for you
The character is actively seeking out his target




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Loren Bouchard, Kit Boss

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@shrek1824

They said that this preacher man
Comes from Galilee
Did something so absurd that he deserved this penalty
How can it be?
I know I've done my wrongs
And doing wrong is something I do well
I know the court of law and something like this doesn't ring a bell
How can it be?
How can this be?
I am Barabbas
You took upon my cross
I was that prisoner
Till you bought my bond with blood
I can't run away
From what my accusers say
I am Barabbas your friend
They made me sit right there
As I watched them beat the preacher man
39 of all them lashes should've been on my own skin
How can it be?
How can this be?
I am Barabbas
You took upon my cross
I was that prisoner
Till you bought my bond with blood
I can't run away
From what my accusers say
I am Barabbas your friend
I'll never comprehend the
Repercussions of my every sins
Is this love?
Or is this hatred flowing out from bitterness
How can it be?
But he looked at me
And I said
I am Barabbas
You took upon my cross
I was that prisoner
Till you bought my bond with blood
I can't run away
From what my accusers say
I am Barabbas
I am Barabbas
I am Barabbas your friend



All comments from YouTube:

@MrDavidrex

My son just passed away sky diving, one thing that brings me a little peace, this is the last thing he was listening to. Thank you father for my time with Jacob. Find Jesus folks.

@ashleyayala7523

May God help you through this time and may peace flow through you my brother. I’m terribly sorry for your loss,heaven has earned another fighter soldier. ❤❤

@danielamejia886

Im so sorry, God is with you

@LilahPulling

That’s so sad I will be praying for u just now God is with y through no matter what

@allisongroben2423

@brittniecooper828

So sorry for your loss!

34 More Replies...

@TaylorHWF13

I love this song. I cried, listening to it. This showed me how much Jesus loves me. So much to die for me. <3

@flannel_man

I just got back from a camp called camp on the rock where they played this song. Everyone was in tears singing it and I've never heard anything that touched me better than it.

@Consbetter

the true meaning of this song is deep.. makes me sad everytime it plays but i love it too much to not listen and sing along 😢

@Gabrielle-LeeAnn

This song will never fail to make me cry!! Jesus deserves the best of our hearts!!

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