Son of a Gun
Dead or Alive Lyrics


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There's a boy in the world
Who doesn't follow the crowd
Doesn't do what he's told to
That's why he's allowed to
Stay job as a diver
A job as a diver

If you are lucky
You might be the one
Get to ride with the outlaw
You think that are done by respectable people
Respectable people

But heaven knows
He isn't what he should be
They're just
I just think he could be

A son of a gun
Ever try to save a bullet in your ear before
A son of a gun
He's got something that you've
Never ever ever tried before
Son of a gun
While at once he will take
And he'll take what is best
Life's far too short
To leave time for the rest
That's the law of the jungle
The law of the jungle

Heaven knows
He isn't what he should be




They're just
I just think he could be

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Dead or Alive’s “Son Of A Gun” narrate the story of an unconventional and rebellious young man who does not conform to societal norms and regulations. The opening lines describe him as someone who does not follow the crowd, nor does he adhere to what people ask him to do. The lyrics suggest that because of his defiance, he is allowed to work as a diver, indicating that he may not have found acceptance in more conventional roles or jobs.


The chorus of the song describes the young man as a “son of a gun,” an idiom that is used to refer to a daring or audacious person. The lyrics further explain how this person is someone who possesses unique and unparalleled abilities and has the potential to achieve great things. The second verse compares this person to an outlaw who is often given a negative perception, while respectable people can be deceiving in their actions. The overall meaning suggests that sometimes people who don’t conform to the norms may have more potential for success than those who do.


Throughout the song, the lyrics express a sense of admiration and reverence for this unconventional young man who is often misunderstood by society. Despite being different from the norm, the lyrics seem to suggest that sometimes it is the people who don’t follow the crowd that can make remarkable changes in the world.


Line by Line Meaning

There's a boy in the world
There's a boy existing on this planet


Who doesn't follow the crowd
He doesn't conform to societal standards and expectations


Doesn't do what he's told to
He doesn't obey others' commands or directives


That's why he's allowed to
This quality of being independent is why he is granted opportunities


Stay job as a diver
He can work as a diver and maintain his job


If you are lucky
If you are fortunate enough


You might be the one
You could have the chance


Get to ride with the outlaw
Ride with someone who disregards the law


You think that are done by respectable people
Acts that you believe are only performed by respectable individuals


Respectable people
People who are regarded as honorable and virtuous


But heaven knows
Even though we don't, a higher power knows


He isn't what he should be
He does not possess ideal qualities or meet specific expectations


They're just
People may view him as such, but I don't believe that's entirely true


I just think he could be
I believe he has the potential to be something greater


A son of a gun
Someone who is clever or skilled


Ever try to save a bullet in your ear before
Have you ever heard something so astonishing that it seemed like a gunshot?


He's got something that you've
He possesses something that you've never experienced


Never ever ever tried before
Something that remains unexplored


While at once he will take
He is capable of taking what he wants


And he'll take what is best
He'll choose only the best options available


Life's far too short
Life is too brief


To leave time for the rest
There's not enough time to focus on anything else


That's the law of the jungle
The world can be brutal and only the strongest survive


Heaven knows
Once again, a higher power knows


He isn't what he should be
He is not at his full potential


They're just
Others believe him to be that way


I just think he could be
I believe he has the capability to be something greater




Contributed by Brayden B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Alan E. Cervera Gómez.

There's a boy in the world
Who don't follow the crowd
Doesn't do what he's told to
That's why he's allowed to
Stay sharp as a diamond
As sharp as a diamond

If you are lucky
You might be the one
Gets to ride with the outlaw
Do the things that are done by respectable people
Respectable people

But heaven knows
He isn't what he should be
The description fits
I just think he could be

A son of a gun
Ever tried a silver bullet in your ear before
A son of a gun
He's got something that you've
Never ever ever tried before
Son of a gun

What he wants he will take
And he'll take what is best
Life's much too short
To leave stuff for the rest
That's the law of the jungle
The law of the jungle

Heaven knows
He isn't what he should be
The description fits
I just think he could be



All comments from YouTube:

80s Freak

Oh my God this channel is back...

YAAAASSSSSSA

I love this song

Mark Smith

same

Alexander Schwarz

Amazing album. in my opinion.

Leslee Reyes

Masterpiece

THE ReBeL Ryan Hughes.

May The ICON always be remembered for his music!

Thank you for being a friend

They should do a movie about dead or alive. They did it for Queen

Kim Staines

❤️🦋❤️🦋❤️

Kristina Zammit

I totally agree

nana ` Mahalo

YES

Cauê Araújo

they should do a videogame

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