In addition to his own albums, Eaglesmith frequently collaborated with the late Willie P. Bennett, a past member of Eaglesmith's band, who had to step down after a heart attack in spring 2007. Eaglesmith's fans are known as Fredheads because of the similarities to deadheads. He has appeared in several movies, including "The Gift" and "50 Odd Dollars." His band is known as The Flying Squirrels or The Flathead Noodlers. Both bands have the same lineup, but play different styles. The Flathead Noodlers play bluegrass, while the Flying Squirrels play more folk and rock. An early incarnation of the band was known as The Smokin' Losers. When Fred does solo appearances he bills himself as Fred J. Eaglesmith. In addition to the songs, a typical Fred Eaglesmith show includes several lengthy between-song comic monologues by Fred. Topics in the past have included stories about crossing the U.S./Canada border, Newfoundlanders, and some friends from an Indian reserve. Eaglesmith is the owner and president of A Major Label, which publishes his records.
Current band members
* Fred J. Eaglesmith - Guitars, Vocals
* Matt Simpson - Acoustic guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
* Kori Heppner - Drums
* Luke Stackhouse - Bass, Vocals
Former members
* Willie P. Bennett - Mandolin, Harmonica, Vocals
* David Essig - Mandolin, Guitar
* Kevin Komatsu - Drums
* Roger Marin Jr. - Pedal Steel, Guitar, Vocals
* Ralph Schipper - Bass
* Jude Waldman - Drums
* Dan Walsh - Dobro, Guitar, Vocals
* Skip Wamsteeker - Drums
* Washboard Hank - Washboard, Dobro
* Darcy Yates - Bass
Discography
* Fred Eaglesmith (1980)
* The Boy That Just Went Wrong (1983)
* Indiana Road (1987)
* There Ain't No Easy Road (1991)
* Things Is Changin' (1993)
* Paradise Motel (1994)
* Drive-In Movie (1995)
* Lipstick, Lies and Gasoline (1997)
* 50 Odd Dollars (1999)
* Live: Ralph's Last Show (2001)
* Falling Stars and Broken Hearts (2002)
* The Official Bootleg Series, Vol. 1' (2002)
* Balin (2003)
* The Official Bootleg Series, Vol. 2' (2004)
* Dusty (2004)
* Milly's Cafe (2006)
* Tinderbox (2008)
www.fredeaglesmith.com
Time To Get A Gun
Fred Eaglesmith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Right out of his driveway
We heard the dogs a'barking
We never paid 'em any mind
Mary says she's gonna lock the door
From now on when we go away
And I've been walking around this farm
Wonderin' if it's time
That's what I've been thinking
I could afford one
If I did just a little less drinking
Time to put something
Between me and the sun
When the talking is over
It's time to get a gun
Last week the Government Man was there
When I walked out of my back door
He said I'm sorry to bother you, son
But it don't matter anymore
'Cause even while we're talking
Right here where we stand
They're making plans for a four lane highway
And a big old overpass
Time to get a gun
That's what I've been thinking
I could afford one
If I did just a little less drinking
Time to put something
Between me and the sun
When the talking is over
It's time to get a gun
Mary says she's worried
About herself and the kids
She's never known anybody had a gun
And her Daddy never did
But I think it should be up to me
'Cause when it's all said and done
Somebody's got to walk into the night
Well I'm gonna be that one
Time to get a gun
That's what I've been thinking
I could afford one
If I did a little less drinking
Time to put something
Between me and the sun
When the talking is over
It's time to get a gun
When the talking is over
It's time to get a gun
When the talking is over
It's time to get a gun
Time to get a gun
"Time to Get A Gun" is a song by Fred Eaglesmith, released in 1994, that depicts a man's reflections on the necessity of protecting his family and land. The song begins with the theft of his neighbour's car, which prompts him to consider investing in a gun to protect himself and his family. The Government Man's visit to inform him of the four-lane highway and big old overpass they plan to build near his land further convinces him to get a gun to defend his property. However, his wife is uncertain about the decision, and her reservations are fueled by the fact that she has never known anybody that owns a gun. The singer concludes by saying that when the talking is over, it's time to get a gun.
Line by Line Meaning
My neighbour's car got stole last night
Last night, my neighbor's car was stolen from his driveway.
Right out of his driveway
The car was stolen directly from the driveway.
We heard the dogs a'barking
The dogs were barking and making noise during the theft.
We never paid 'em any mind
They didn't pay attention to the barking dogs at the time.
Mary says she's gonna lock the door
Mary plans to lock the door from now on to prevent theft.
From now on when we go away
In the future when they leave their home, they will lock the door.
And I've been walking around this farm
The singer has been walking around a farm, perhaps lost in thought.
Wonderin' if it's time
The artist is wondering if it's time to take action.
Time to get a gun
The artist feels that it's time to get a gun for protection.
That's what I've been thinking
The artist has been thinking about getting a gun.
I could afford one
The singer has the means to purchase a gun.
If I did just a little less drinking
The artist could afford a gun if they spent less money on drinking.
Time to put something
It's time to take action to protect oneself and their family.
Between me and the sun
A gun can serve as a barrier and protection from potential danger and harm.
When the talking is over
After discussing potential dangers, it's time to take real action.
Last week the Government Man was there
Recently, a government representative visited the artist.
When I walked out of my back door
The artist saw the representative when they left their house via the back door.
He said I'm sorry to bother you, son
The representative apologized for bothering the singer.
But it don't matter anymore
The situation has escalated beyond the point of words or apologies being effective.
'Cause even while we're talking
Despite talking, there are still potential dangers and threats.
Right here where we stand
The threat is present even where the conversation is taking place.
They're making plans for a four lane highway
There are plans to construct a four lane highway in the area.
And a big old overpass
Additionally, there are plans to construct a large overpass.
Mary says she's worried
Mary is concerned about the safety of herself and her children.
About herself and the kids
Mary is specifically worried about her own safety and that of her children.
She's never known anybody had a gun
Mary has not previously known anyone who owns a gun.
And her Daddy never did
Even Mary's father did not own a gun.
But I think it should be up to me
The artist believes it's their responsibility to take action and protect their family.
'Cause when it's all said and done
In the end, the artist alone will be responsible for their own safety and that of their family.
Somebody's got to walk into the night
Someone has to take action and confront potential danger.
Well I'm gonna be that one
The singer has decided that they will take responsibility for protecting their family.
Lyrics © Bluewater Music Corp.
Written by: Fred Elgersma
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Jeffrey
Hey..Freddy J Eaglesmith is still making music!
I knew Fred...not as a friend, but as a business acquaintance..back in the days when he sold flowers (he was one of the "flies" ...trying to make a living in an over-saturated market with an ever growing swarm of guys with a reefer truck and an account at "the clock"...) I am glad to see him doing well with his music...because he was not destined for greatness in the horticultural world...
99butcher99
If you have never seen Fred eagle smith, time to get a ticket! His shows are pure entertainment. A complete show you will remember forever. One of the last traveling musicians.
Gary Martin
oh my - what a perfect accompaniment for my morning coffee and whiskey!
Dirty Cracker
Morning whiskey is always great with coffee. Good day
Popular Sovereignty
Excellent song.
GoTime
Saw this at Trout Forest Music Fest years ago and its been in my head ever since.
ZDM314
Let this be the anthem for 2021.
Nancy Daniel
love for my generation. how did I miss this. thanks
swaggytoast
ok boomer
Audrey Strome
Hell Ya...Going to see him tomorrow night in SASKATOON .