"Judas Unrepentant" tells the story of a skilled forger and restorer who, feeling bitter over his lack of recognition, creates fake paintings using signature techniques to express his disdain for art dealers profiting off his work. Despite being caught and charged with conspiracy to defraud, his illness halts the trial, leading to posthumous fame for his forgeries.

Meaning of "Judas Unrepentant" by Big Big Train

"Judas Unrepentant" delves into the themes of art forgery, the blurred lines between authenticity and deception in the art world, and the struggle of artists to gain recognition for their work. The character of Judas represents a disillusioned artist who resorts to creating fake paintings as a form of revenge against those who exploit his talent. The lyrics highlight how his forgeries ultimately become his legacy, showcasing the irony of his posthumous fame as people now can buy his "real genuine fakes." Additionally, the song touches on the idea of the value placed on art and the artist's perception of their own worth in the face of commercialization and fame.