The Lumineers: Gun Song Meaning

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Gun Song Lyrics

I don't own a single gun
But if I did, you'd be the one
To hold it, aim it, make all of the bad men run
But I don't own a single gun

And I don't have a sweetheart yet
But if I did I'd break my neck
To please her, make her want to stay in...

1. anonymous

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   Apr 19th 2020 report

   Good point on the sweetheart could be the gun. Don't think this song is saying anything about not owning a gun or gun control. It's a metaphor and poetry. Thank you.
2. anonymous

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   Dec 10th 2019 report

   I think it's about living up to the expectations of men in that part of America - having a girl and a gun.
   
   He describes his shock at finding his father's gun but still talks about guns as if it is expected that he has one himself and not having a gun is a bad thing ("One day I pray I'll be more of my father's son but I don't own a single gun".
   
   Also, the lengths he is willing to go for his hypothetical 'sweetheart' suggest that he feels that way out of obligation and has been raised to treat his partner like that rather than it being a heartfelt response to loving someone. ("I don't have a sweetheart yet but if I did I'd break my neck to please her...").
   
3. vinny

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   Feb 21st 2017 report

   The finding of a gun in his fathers sock drawer causes a shock. he never knew his dearly departed father had a gun. The loss had not hit him when his dad died. It did now. He ruminate about things he thought he knew in his life. Wisdom and sorrow overcome him. Raw emotion
4. anonymous

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   Jun 13th 2016 report

   The gun could be the girl. It's metaphor. Just an opinion. Cheers.

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