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.
Shrinking Violet
L.A. Guns Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We get to wear the made up fantasy
We like to spin the bottle
Hogs on the road, you and me
You got the vice to pull you in
Watch the cobra shed his skin
You're a sexy violet, shrinking violet
You're a sexy violet, shrinking violet
The hand that bites and feeds our family
I've got the magic potion
It's called the anaconda snake
Down go two fingers
Heard you like all the lead singers
You got the vice to pull you in
Watch the cobra shed his skin
You're a sexy violet, shrinking violet
You're a sexy violet, shrinking violet
Yeah
How many ways to fly
You're going for a ride
Tell me, how many ways to fly
You're going for it, you're going for it
You got the vice to pull you in
Watch the cobra shed his skin
You're a sexy violet, shrinking violet
You're a sexy violet, shrinking violet
Oh, you're a sexy violet, shrinking violet
Oh, you're a sexy violet, shrinking violet
Come on, you're a sexy violet, shrinking violet
Oh, you're a sexy violet, shrinking violet
The song "Shrinking Violet" by L.A. Guns is a high-energy rock song that appears to be about the pleasure-seeking lifestyle of someone who is living life to the fullest. The lyrics speak to a person who enjoys the glamour and the fantasy that comes with partying and being in the spotlight. The "ultra-violets" they pick are likely a metaphor for living fast and dangerously. The line "we like to spin the bottle" suggests that they're playing games and taking risks with each other for fun.
The mention of the "cobra shedding his skin" may be a reference to rebirth or transformation, possibly indicating that the subject of the song is someone who frequently reinvents themselves or takes new risks. The line "you've got the hand in pocket, the hand that bites and feeds our family" suggests that there may be a sense of responsibility or loyalty to others in the lyrics, despite the carefree nature of the lifestyle being described.
Overall, "Shrinking Violet" seems to be a celebration of living life in the fast lane, taking risks, and enjoying the thrill of being wild and free.
Line by Line Meaning
We pick the ultra-violets
We select the most vibrant and colorful of things
We get to wear the made up fantasy
We embrace a fictitious and imaginary way of life
We like to spin the bottle
We enjoy games of chance and risk-taking
Hogs on the road, you and me
We are carefree and reckless, living life on the edge
You got the vice to pull you in
You have an addictive quality that draws you in
Watch the cobra shed his skin
Observe the act of transformation and rebirth
You're a sexy violet, shrinking violet
You may appear timid and shy, but you have an allure that cannot be ignored
You've got the hand in pocket
You have something hidden or secretive in your possession
The hand that bites and feeds our family
The thing that you keep secret has the potential to either harm or help those close to you
I've got the magic potion
I have the solution to our problems or the means to make things better
It's called the anaconda snake
The solution is something powerful and potentially dangerous
Down go two fingers
Taking a shot of alcohol, perhaps to steel oneself for the challenge ahead
Heard you like all the lead singers
You have a preference for those in the spotlight or the center of attention
How many ways to fly
There are many ways to achieve success or freedom
You're going for a ride
You are taking a chance and embracing risk
You're going for it
You are taking a risk, putting everything on the line for the chance at success
Come on, you're a sexy violet, shrinking violet
You have a seductive power that belies your outward appearance
Lyrics © RIVERTON ONE MUSIC
Written by: JIZZY PEARL, JOHNNY CRYPT, STEVE RILEY, TRACII GUNS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Víctor Casado
This album is awesome.
Hélder Teixeira
Viva Espanha 🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸
Portugal? O fracaso mais GRANDE no mundo, que bom ..
L.A. GUNS muito bom! Abaixo Cacalans!!!
Jav C
well i don't know about awesome. the production is very low quality and there are better LA Guns records. hearing Jizzy sing is always a treat.
this was a time when LA Guns was at their very lowest, hard time for sure.
craving loonatic
È l'album meno conosciuto ma unico.Cmq LA Guns non hanno mai deluso hanno saputo mixare lo street hc al punk non x questo la migliore glam metal band insieme a Motley Crue
timothy holmes
this was back when i was taking handful of double stacks not a care in the world. and jizzy pearl did a great job on this record.
Dennyguitarxxc Dennis
dave 2017 with the guns both singers kick ass
Zero NC
Wish Tracii would re-record this album with Phil singing
Hector Prieto
bad ass band got to see them twice :-) 1St time at the whiskey then at the house of blues in Hollywood--
Love Fist
Great Album..... I love it.
Better than GnR. Idgaf what people say.
This band is way better
ZodiacKillerIdentified
LA Guns blow the shit out of GNR!