Shotgun
Clemons Clarence Lyrics
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(Hey).
Put on your red dress and then you go down yonder.
I said buy yourself a shotgun now, were gonna break it down baby now.
We're gonna load it up baby now 'a then you shoot 'em 'fore he run now.
I said shotgun shoot 'em 'fore he run now do the jerk baby do the jerk now.
(Hey).
I said shotgun shoot 'em 'fore he run now do the jerk baby do the jerk now.
(Hey).
I said Put on your high-heeled shoes.
I said we're goin' down here and I listen to 'em play the blues.
We're gonna dig potatoes, we're gonna pick tomatoes.
I said shotgun shoot 'em 'fore he run now do the jerk baby do the jerk now.
(Hey).
Clemons Clarence's song "Shotgun" is a classic soul tune released in 1983. The song is an upbeat, funky call to action, encouraging listeners to grab their shotguns and take control of their lives. The opening lines describe the need to act fast, to shoot before the target runs away, with the command to "do the jerk now" adding to the urgency of the message. The lyrics later shift focus, with the singer urging listeners to put on their best clothes and head out to listen to the blues, promising that they'll find good times and a bountiful harvest. Despite the seemingly disparate themes, the song's driving beat and powerful vocals tie everything together, creating a sense of camaraderie and excitement.
On a deeper level, "Shotgun" can be interpreted as an anthem for African Americans seeking to assert their power and push back against oppression. The imagery of the shotgun, a potent symbol of self-defense and resistance, is a clear nod to the Civil Rights movement, while the lyrics' emphasis on music and community speaks to the importance of joy and unity in difficult times. Furthermore, the repetition of the phrase "do the jerk now" can be seen as a call-and-response, encouraging listeners to join together in action and support one another in their struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
I said shotgun shoot 'em 'fore he run now do the jerk baby do the jerk now.
The singer is urging someone to shoot their target with a shotgun before they have a chance to escape, while also encouraging them to dance the jerk.
(Hey).
An exclamation of encouragement or enthusiasm.
Put on your red dress and then you go down yonder.
The singer instructs someone to put on their best clothes and head out into the world.
I said buy yourself a shotgun now, were gonna break it down baby now.
The artist advises the listener to purchase a shotgun and prepare to use it.
We're gonna load it up baby now 'a then you shoot 'em 'fore he run now.
The artist urges the listener to load their shotgun and take aim at their target before they have a chance to escape.
I said Put on your high-heeled shoes.
The singer instructs the listener to dress up and be prepared to go out and have fun.
I said we're goin' down here and I listen to 'em play the blues.
The singer plans to go out and listen to some blues music.
We're gonna dig potatoes, we're gonna pick tomatoes.
The artist plans to engage in manual labor in order to make a living.
I said shotgun shoot 'em 'fore he run now do the jerk baby do the jerk now.
Repeating the chorus from earlier, the artist urges the listener to shoot their target and dance the jerk.
(Hey).
An exclamation of encouragement or enthusiasm.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: AUTRY DEWALT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind