I Am A Barbarian!

The song was written in 1987.

The May/June 2026 cover above follows the original melody, feel and chord structure closely.

"There's something you should understand,
Before you offer me your hand.
You may think you are my friend,
You'll stick with me until the end.
But I may not be quite the man,
You now believe you comprehend.
There's more to me than a casual scan
Would ever suggest to the innocent.

I am a Barbarian!
I am a Barbarian!
I am a Barbarian!
I am a Barbarian!
I am a Barbarian!
I am a man!

I used to be a trusting soul.
I believed what I was told.
Cheats never prosper nice guys do.
Work hard, be good and tell the truth.
Suffer in silence, say your prayers,
Don't envy the powerful what is theirs
And you will arise in paradise
And be best friends with Jesus Christ!

I am a Barbarian!
I am a Barbarian!
I am a Barbarian!
I am a Barbarian!
I am a Barbarian!
I am a man!

I want my victory right here,
Up among the bucaneer!
Where the world bows down before the man
Of iron will and heavy hand!
I am a Barbarian! I am a man!

Better leave now while you have the chance.
Before I claim your innocence.
And cleave your snow white heart asunder,
And tear apart your world of wonder.
I've got the ill will and the ruthless streak
To seize for myself your teenage chic.
Put your trust in me, my pretty,
I'll steal your dreams and your virginity!

I am a Barbarian!
I am a Barbarian!
I am a Barbarian!
I am a Barbarian!
I am a Barbarian!
I am a man!

It's way too late and never enough,
Where were you when I needed love?
You sought for the answer to a maiden's prayer
But now you're alone with your worst nightmare!

I am a Barbarian!
I am a Barbarian!
I am a Barbarian!
I am a Barbarian!
I am a Barbarian!
I am a man!"

The version below was created in December 2004.

An early recording of 'Barbarian' can be accessed here.

Apologies for the lack of audio clarity here.

Such unimpressive material has been added for those who are interested in the history and development of the songs and, if anyone happens to be interested in covering any of them, to give such enthusiasts an idea of metrical presentation of the lyric, as it was originally intended.