Shotgun
Funk Brothers Lyrics

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I said shotgun shoot 'em 'fore he run now do the jerk baby do the jerk now.
(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).

Overall Meaning

The Funk Brothers' song Shotgun is filled with catchy, upbeat lyrics that are filled with double entendres about guns and dance moves. The song's opening line, "I said shotgun, shoot 'em 'fore he run now, do the jerk baby, do the jerk now", suggests a need for protection and urgency in the face of danger. But with the mention of "do the jerk", it also implies that the singer is not necessarily focusing on avoiding a violent encounter and is instead enjoying a night out on the town.

The next few lines introduce the idea of dressing up in a red dress and going "down yonder". This could be interpreted as a reference to going downtown or going out into the countryside, but either way, it's clear that the singer is encouraging someone to prepare for a night out by buying a shotgun. The lyrics also include lines about digging potatoes and picking tomatoes, suggesting that this is a working-class party with a lively atmosphere.

Overall, the lyrics of Shotgun are playful and fun, but also suggest a certain recklessness or disregard for safety (likely reflecting the spirit of the times in which it was written). Ultimately, the song captures the joy of letting loose and having a good time, while also hinting at the darker themes that are present in many of the Funk Brothers' other songs.

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 quickly shoot their target before they have a chance to escape, while also encouraging them to dance the 'jerk'.

Put on your red dress and then you go down yonder.
The singer instructs someone to put on their nicest clothes and head down to a certain location.

I said buy yourself a shotgun now, were gonna break it down baby now.
The singer encourages someone to get a shotgun and promises they will have a good time.

We're gonna load it up baby now 'a then you shoot 'em 'fore he run now.
The group is planning to load up the shotgun and quickly take aim at their target to avoid letting them escape.

I said Put on your high-heeled shoes.
The artist advises someone to put on their fanciest footwear.

I said we're goin' down here and I listen to 'em play the blues.
The group is going to a location to listen to some blues music.

We're gonna dig potatoes, we're gonna pick tomatoes.
The group plans to engage in some farm work and activities.

I said shotgun shoot 'em 'fore he run now do the jerk baby do the jerk now.
The artist repeats their earlier instructions about shooting the target quickly and dancing the 'jerk'.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: AUTRY DEWALT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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