The "classic lineup" of the group would reunite in 1999 and began recording new material. However, the group continued to change lineups and Guns eventually left to form the hard rock supergroup Brides of Destruction with Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe in 2002. L.A. Guns continued without Guns, bringing in guitarist Stacey Blades, however, following his decision to put Brides of Destruction on hiatus in 2006, Guns formed The Tracii Guns Band. The group's lineup consisted of former L.A. Guns members Black, Alexander as well as Jeremy Guns (though the lineup would eventually change), with the group eventually changing their name to L.A. Guns. Both groups continued to record and tour under the L.A. Guns moniker until 2012, when the Tracii Guns-led version of the group disbanded. Riley died in 2023.
L.A. Guns (feat. Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis) released a new single "Let You Down" on May 6, 2020. It was released as the first single from their then-upcoming fourteenth studio album Checkered Past, which was released on November 12, 2021, and featured producer Adam Hamilton on drums.
In May 2022, it was announced that Shawn Duncan had replaced Shane Fitzgibbon as their drummer. In the following month, guitarist Ace Von Johnson revealed that L.A. Guns had been working on new material for their next studio album. The resulting album, Black Diamonds, was released on April 14, 2023.
Out of Sight
L.A. Guns Lyrics
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She could teach a boy a thing or two
Just grab an ankle and you can make a wish
And she can fly you to the moon
Sweet Sally Seagull was a gypsy and a tramp
I wouldn't know but I've been told
Once you get in there it's a little cold and damp
Ain't the kinda woman you can hold
Nothing in between
Out of mind and outta sight
Lost inside a dream
Mother Mary Maple's been sleeping with the lord
Never seen a woman so confused
If you should ask me I'd say that she was bored
Never seen a bible so abused
To the left and to the right
Nothing in between
Out of mind and outta sight
Lost inside a dream
Penelope the Pirate was a pin ball machine
She had two triggers on her hips
You could play her all night and never find the seam
Just make sure the balance never tips
The lyrics to "Out of Sight" by L.A. Guns are filled with vivid images of women with unique personalities and eccentricities. The opening lines introduce Betty Bunion, who is described as a “strange little fish” but also possessing of some kind of magical power. The reference to making a wish suggests that Betty may be a kind of mythical figure, like a mermaid. Sally Seagull is depicted as a “gypsy and a tramp” who is elusive and not easily held. The line “ain’t the kinda woman you can hold” implies that she is someone you can pursue but never catch.
Mother Mary Maple is described as being confused, and the “bored” line suggests that she may be searching for something but hasn’t found it yet. The idea of a woman who has been sleeping with the lord adds religious undertones to the song. Finally, Penelope the Pirate is portrayed as a pinball machine, with the similarity between her buttons and the buttons on her hips likely representing her ability to control and manipulate men. Overall, the song offers a commentary on the unpredictability of women and the desire to control them, as well as exploring themes of fantasy and escapism.
Line by Line Meaning
Betty Bunion was a strange little fish
Betty Bunion was an unusual person.
She could teach a boy a thing or two
She had valuable lessons to impart to others.
Just grab an ankle and you can make a wish
She had a unique way of making wishes come true.
And she can fly you to the moon
She had unsuspecting abilities.
Sweet Sally Seagull was a gypsy and a tramp
Sally Seagull was a nomad and homeless woman.
I wouldn't know but I've been told
The singer is unsure but has heard rumors about her.
Once you get in there it's a little cold and damp
Being with Sally is uncomfortable.
Ain't the kinda woman you can hold
She is difficult to be in a relationship with.
To the left and to the right
Possibly a reference to indecisiveness or confusion.
Nothing in between
There are no clear options or solutions.
Out of mind and outta sight
The situation is out of control and invisible.
Lost inside a dream
The artist can't distinguish reality from fantasy.
Mother Mary Maple's been sleeping with the lord
Mother Mary Maple is very religious.
Never seen a woman so confused
She is conflicted or unsure of herself despite her faith.
If you should ask me I'd say that she was bored
The singer suspects her faith may be unfulfilling.
Never seen a bible so abused
The artist has observed Mother Mary Maple disrespecting her religion.
Penelope the Pirate was a pin ball machine
Penelope was a fun and exciting person.
She had two triggers on her hips
She was attractive and seductive.
You could play her all night and never find the seam
She was a mystery that could never be figured out.
Just make sure the balance never tips
Make sure things don't go too far or go out of control.
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Walt Disney Music Company, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, RIVERTON ONE MUSIC
Written by: PAUL LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind