Shotgun
Mansun Lyrics
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Is no uncarved block at hand
Life is sweet but not it seems for buddha
There's a shotgun in his hand
Shotgun, shotgun, shotgun, shotgun
The nature of uncarved blocks
Is how to describe what's hard to describeYeah
The simplest things, the quietest
The child-like simplicity
Everything i need to hear
Positive the way i view
The simple of thought inherit the earth (shotgun blows)
Like winnie the pooh, confucianist rules (shotgun blows)
Oblivious in what i do (oh)
Deliberate the way i live (shotgun blows)
(shotgun blows, shotgun blows, oh, shotgun blows)
(shotgun blows, shotgun blows, oh, shotgun blows)
The nature of uncarved blocks
Is how to describe what's hard to describe
Vinegar taster says
The more force i apply, more trouble i make
(is that i cannot describe why it is
Such a perfect illustration of the opposite and
Complex arrogance we display to protect one another)
Think too much, think too much
Think too much, think too much
The lyrics of Mansun's "Shotgun" seem to be about the idea of simplicity and the nature of "uncarved blocks". The phrase "uncarved block" is a reference to a concept in Taoism, which refers to the idea of the "pure potential" of something before it has been shaped or influenced by external forces. The singer in the song seems to be longing for this kind of simplicity, as opposed to the more complex, troubled existence that they seem to be living. The shotgun in the pillow seems to be a metaphor, representing some kind of danger or threat that the singer is aware of, but cannot escape or avoid.
The chorus repeats the word "shotgun" several times, but it's not entirely clear what this represents. It could be interpreted as a call to action, or a desire to escape from whatever danger is represented by the shotgun in the pillow. The line "The nature of uncarved blocks/Is how to describe what's hard to describe" suggests that the singer is struggling to find the right words to express their desires or emotions.
There are several references to Eastern philosophy throughout the song, such as the mention of Buddha and the Confucianist rules. This seems to fit with the overall theme of the song - a longing for simplicity and a rejection of the complex, materialistic culture that the singer is surrounded by.
Line by Line Meaning
I fully understand the shotgun in my pillow
I'm aware of the real threat of violence that lurks around me
Is no uncarved block at hand
There is no state of innocence or simplicity left
Life is sweet but not it seems for buddha
Life is not as perfect and peaceful as it appears for those who practice Buddhism
There's a shotgun in his hand
Even spiritual and peaceful individuals may resort to violence and aggression
The nature of uncarved blocks
The essence of simplicity and purity
Is how to describe what's hard to describe
It's challenging to put into words what unadulterated and unspoiled things truly are
The simplest things, the quietest
The most basic and unassuming things
The child-like simplicity
The art of seeing the world with an innocent and uncorrupted perspective
Everything i need to hear
The straightforward and uncomplicated ideas are all that really matter
Positive the way i view
Trying to maintain an optimistic and hopeful outlook
The simple of thought inherit the earth (shotgun blows)
Those who live simply and without overthinking will ultimately prevail (even if violence is involved)
Like winnie the pooh, confucianist rules (shotgun blows)
Illustrating the juxtaposition of gentle, childlike storytelling with stricter, more complex philosophical ideas (even if they lead to violent actions)
Oblivious in what i do (oh)
Acting without fully understanding the implications (or being ignorant of them)
Deliberate the way i live (shotgun blows)
Making intentional choices on how to live, even if they involve violent behavior
(shotgun blows, shotgun blows, oh, shotgun blows)
Reinforcing the idea of violence and aggression throughout the song
The nature of uncarved blocks
The essence of simplicity and purity
Is how to describe what's hard to describe
It's challenging to put into words what unadulterated and unspoiled things truly are
Vinegar taster says
A reference to a Chinese proverb that explores differing philosophical perspectives
The more force i apply, more trouble i make
The harder one tries to change something, the more obstacles and problems they will encounter
(is that i cannot describe why it is
Unclear sentence fragment with no discernable meaning
Such a perfect illustration of the opposite and
Demonstrating the irony of trying to use force to achieve peace
Complex arrogance we display to protect one another)
How we use our collective power to maintain social order and protect ourselves (even if it requires force and violence)
Think too much, think too much
Overanalyzing and complicating things can ultimately lead to more problems
Think too much, think too much
Reiterating the idea of overthinking and its negative consequences
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DOMINIC CHAD, PAUL EDWARD DRAPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind