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THE CROWD CHOOSES BARABBAS song lyrics
by Joel Sattler

Pilate stands before the crowd
two men look up their heads unbowed
one is a criminal unrepentant
the other the Savior whom God has sent

Pilate says "What has this man done?"
the priests say "He claims that he is the one,
he claims that he is the King of the Jews,
stir up sedition of this we accuse."

Pilate says "Are you this or are not?"
Jesus says "Thou sayest it" then says naught
Pilate says "I find no fault in this man
I will release him upon my command"

"What is the evil that this man hath done?
I have examined and yet have found none"
but the crowd calls out, out of the din
"Crucify crucify crucify him!"

but by all tradition one man could be
absolved of his crimes and be set free
but the crowd cries out, "Release unto us
"Barabbus Barabbus Barabbus Barrabus!"

the crowd chooses Barabbus
the crowd chooses Barabbus
each of us
does what he must
the crowd chooses Barabbus

when Pilate sees he is accomplishing nothing
but rather instead a riot is starting
he takes water and washes his hands and scrubs
and says, "I am innocent of this Man's blood"

and Pilate gives sentence as is required
and casts Him in prison as they desire
but each of us is in the prison and crowd
echoing in our ears so loud:

"Barabbas Barabbas Barabbas Barabbas!"

the crowd chooses Barabbus
the crowd chooses Barabbus
each of us
choose what he must
the crowd chooses Barabbus

and if the choice should come again
which one would you choose my friend?
each of us is free to try
to be let go or crucified

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