Bob Marley - I Shot The Sheriff Meaning

Song Released: 1973

Covered By: Eric Clapton (1974)

I Shot The Sheriff Lyrics

I shot the sheriff, but I didn't shoot no deputy
Oh, no, oh
I shot the sheriff, but I didn't shoot no deputy
Ooh, ooh, ooh Yeah

All around in my hometown
They're tryin' to track me down, yeah
They say they want to bring me in guilty
For...

1. anonymous

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   Feb 7th 2009 !⃝

   Didn't Bob Marley do this song?
2. cherepub

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   May 28th 2008 !⃝

   He's explaining he is of the best of the human race. Still adores jah.

   This interpretation has been marked as poor. view anyway
3. anonymous

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   Sep 25th 2007 !⃝

   I believe the sheriff shot the deputy and framed him for it
4. ambassadorinchains

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   Feb 10th 2007 !⃝

   I am not totally sure about the main story line other than he's saying that he admits shooting the sheriff, but not the deputy. I am kind of confused with the line about sheriff John brown always hated me. For what I don't know.
   But every time that I plant a seed, he'd say kill it before it grows. I guess that could mean a number of things. One thing I think he is trying to say is that he had to kill or be killed. And that no matter what happens. Everyone gets whats comin to them. Or basically "what goes around, comes around." Given the very last lyrics of the song.
   Reflexes got the better of me,
   and what will be will be.
   But everday the bucket goes to the well,
   and one day the bottom MUST drop out.
   One day, one day, the bottom must drop out.