Hammer Back
Blue Öyster Cult Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Step into a world of strangers
Into a sea of unknowns
Even friends potential danger
Secrets wound around their bones

Everybody else has got one
Packin' high caliber heat
If you don't wanna be dancin'
You don't dare miss the beat

Keep the hammer back, hammer back
Don't keep the safety on
Keep the hammer back, hammer back
'Til the living shadow's gone

Maybe at a Seven-Eleven
Maybe at a quick carjack
You'll verify there ain't a heaven
If you don't keep the hammer back

Keep the hammer back, hammer back
Don't keep the safety on
Keep the hammer back, hammer back
'Til the living shadow's gone

Keep the hammer back, hammer back
Don't keep the safety on
Keep the hammer back, hammer back
'Til the living shadow's gone

Hammer back, hammer back
Don't keep the safety on
Keep the hammer back, hammer back
'Til the living shadow's gone

Keep the hammer back, hammer back
Don't keep the safety on
Keep the hammer back, hammer back
'Til the living shadow's gone

Keep the hammer back, hammer back




Hammer back, hammer back
Ha ha ha

Overall Meaning

"Hammer Back" by Blue Öyster Cult is a song with lyrics that can be interpreted as a warning about the dangers of the unknown and the importance of being prepared for anything. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where danger can be lurking around any corner and even friends can pose a threat. The line "secrets wound around their bones" suggests that even those closest to us may be hiding things that could put us in danger.


The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "keep the hammer back" which can be interpreted as a metaphor for being prepared and on guard. The lines "if you don't wanna be dancin'/ you don't dare miss the beat" suggest that in this world of strangers, one must always be ready to act or risk being caught off guard.


The song itself is structured around heavy guitar riffs and a driving beat, which adds to the sense of urgency and danger conveyed in the lyrics. Overall, "Hammer Back" is a warning to be cautious and to always be ready for the unexpected.


Line by Line Meaning

Step into a world of strangers
Enter a place of unfamiliar people


Into a sea of unknowns
A place where unpredictable things occur


Even friends potential danger
Even trusted people may pose a threat


Secrets wound around their bones
People have deep and hidden secrets


Everybody else has got one
Everyone else is carrying a gun


Packin' high caliber heat
Carrying a powerful firearm


If you don't wanna be dancin'
If you don't want to get shot


You don't dare miss the beat
You must be alert and move quickly


Keep the hammer back, hammer back
Keep the gun ready to fire


Don't keep the safety on
Don't have the safety engaged on the gun


Til the living shadow's gone
Until the threat is eliminated


Maybe at a Seven-Eleven
Perhaps at a convenience store


Maybe at a quick carjack
Perhaps during a carjacking


You'll verify there ain't a heaven
You may realize you're going to die


Keep the hammer back, hammer back
Keep the gun ready to fire


Hammer back, hammer back
Keep the gun loaded and cocked


Ha ha ha
Laughs of nervousness or bravado




Contributed by Natalie I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Desdinova69

Step into a world of strangers
Into a sea of unknowns
Even friends potential danger
Secrets wound around their bones

Everybody else has got one
Packin' high caliber heat
If you don't wanna be dancin'
You don't dare miss the beat

Keep the hammer back, hammer back
Don't keep the safety on
Keep the hammer back, hammer back
'Til the living shadow's gone

Maybe at a Seven-Eleven
Maybe at a quick carjack
You'll verify there ain't a heaven
If you don't keep the hammer back

Keep the hammer back, hammer back
Don't keep the safety on
Keep the hammer back, hammer back
'Til the living shadow's gone

Keep the hammer back, hammer back
Don't keep the safety on
Keep the hammer back, hammer back
'Til the living shadow's gone

Hammer back, hammer back
Don't keep the safety on
Keep the hammer back, hammer back
'Til the living shadow's gone

Keep the hammer back, hammer back
Don't keep the safety on
Keep the hammer back, hammer back
'Til the living shadow's gone

Keep the hammer back, hammer back
Hammer back, hammer back
Ha ha ha



All comments from YouTube:

Mick Loud

I just discovered this album recently. Flew under my radar all these decades. I love BOC especially Secret Treaties, Mirrors and Cultosaurus Erectus (also very underrated). This solo is so freaking sublime!!. Buck is Jimmy Page's fave guitarist. heady praise indeed!!!

Josh Tyler

“All these decades”

album was released in 1998

commented 8 years ago as of December 2020

Orphan Gypsy

one of the most underrated albums in music history

Clarkké Peterson

No shit!!

Stixnfeet

Love the snare drum changes...and the left right channel switches on verses. Incredible album!

Einar Haukur Reynis

Better late than never. I just chanced upon this fine album. A must to add to the BÖC collection.

Alan Peters

man eric bloom is 60 andhis voice sounds better than ever this is some of the heaviest and best shit theve ever done!!! long live the cult!!!

Metal Over Matter

havent heard this in 20 years. i can still sing along to most of it. ah nostalgia

aitech nasus

Hammer Back Is A Great Straight Up Killer Rock Song By Blue Oyster Cult And Totally Rocks It Needs To Be Fully Cranked Up All The Way To Full Maximum Volume.

Ira Siegel

I bought this when it came out and forgot how good it was. It's been packed away in a box (a box) for years now.

More Comments

More Versions