The success of the single 'Shoot Your Gun' and the track 'Devil In Me' shot the band to prominence after its use in a Vauxhall commercial.
In early 2006, after four years together touring, with difficulties recording their follow-up album and a desire to change musical direction, the band mutually agreed to split up.
The band reformed in 2008 and released Shake/Shiver/Moan in 2010 and Got It If You Want It in 2012.
On 3 May, 2012, the band announced on Twitter that guitarist Dan Hare decided to leave the band.
22-20s quietly split for a second time in 2013.
Shoot Your Gun
22-20s Lyrics
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Sell me some excuse
To help me understand the things you do
'Cause the way you treat your lovers
Well I just can't relate
Well where'd you learn to shoot your gun so straight?
Oh baby won't you cry?
Oh baby won't you cry?
Show me there's a hurt behind your eyes
Once you had a reason
And once you had a place
You had it all and laid it all to waste
And I know you hate to need us
But why'd you need to hate?
And where'd you learn to shoot without restraint?
Oh baby won't you cry?
You cut yourself so let me see you bleed
Oh baby won't you cry?
Cry for all the things you'll never be
Don't you see your father?
Don't you feel the love?
Don't you see your brother?
Don't you feel the love?
Well could you be a mother
Could you ever find the love?
That you would not place yourself above
Oh baby won't you cry?
Show me there are some tears behind your eyes
Oh baby won't you cry?
Why'd you have to kill to feel alive?
Why'd you have to kill to feel alive?
Why'd you have to kill to feel alive?
The lyrics of the song "Shoot Your Gun" by 22-20s are a plea to an individual to open up and show vulnerability. The song starts with the singer asking the person to spin a sad story or sell an excuse to help understand the things they do, especially towards their lovers. The singer cannot relate to the way the person treats their lovers, and wonder where they learned to shoot their gun - metaphorical for being very direct and harsh with their actions and emotions.
The singer asks the person to cry and show that there is some sadness behind their eyes, to cut themselves so that the singer can see them bleed. The person had it all, but they wasted it and now hate to need others, which the singer questions. The singer asks the person to look at their family and feel the love, and wonder if they could ever find the love that they would not place above themselves.
The song seems to be written from the perspective of someone who is observing a destructive person who has a lot of inner pain but does not know how to express it. The singer is trying to create an empathetic connection with the person and encourage them to show emotions and vulnerability. Overall, the song explores the themes of inner pain, destruction, and the need for love and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Spin me some sad story
Tell me a story that makes me feel sad
Sell me some excuse
Give me a reason to excuse your behavior
To help me understand the things you do
So that I can comprehend your actions
'Cause the way you treat your lovers
Because the way you treat your romantic partners
Well I just can't relate
I'm unable to understand or empathize
Well where'd you learn to shoot your gun so straight?
Where did you learn to be so precise/harsh with your actions?
Oh baby won't you cry?
Please show some emotion
Show me there are some tears behind your eyes
Demonstrate that you have some sorrow or pain
Once you had a reason
At one point you had a cause or purpose
And once you had a place
Previously you had somewhere that you belonged
You had it all and laid it all to waste
You had everything and squandered it all
And I know you hate to need us
I recognize that you despise relying on others
But why'd you need to hate?
But why do you feel the need to harbor anger or negativity?
And where'd you learn to shoot without restraint?
Where did you learn to be so unrestrained or uncontrolled with your actions?
You cut yourself so let me see you bleed
You hurt yourself, so show me your pain
Cry for all the things you'll never be
Weep for all the things you can never achieve
Don't you see your father?
Don't you notice your dad?
Don't you feel the love?
Don't you feel affection or fondness?
Don't you see your brother?
Don't you perceive your sibling?
Well could you be a mother
Is it possible for you to be a parent?
Could you ever find the love?
Can you ever discover or experience love?
That you would not place yourself above
That you wouldn't prioritize yourself over others
Why'd you have to kill to feel alive?
Why did you have to hurt/destroy to feel alive or powerful?
Why'd you have to kill to feel alive?
Why did you have to hurt/destroy to feel alive or powerful?
Why'd you have to kill to feel alive?
Why did you have to hurt/destroy to feel alive or powerful?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: GLEN BARTUP, JAMES IRVING, MARTIN TRIMBLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind