Shotgun
Maurice & the Radiants 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 lyrics of Maurice & The Radiants' "Shotgun" begin with the main singer urging someone to shoot the shotgun at someone before they run away. He then tells them to do the jerk dance move three times before asking the person to put on their red dress as they head down yonder. The singer then tells the other person to buy themselves a shotgun and load it up before shooting whoever they were aiming at before they run away. After repeating the first verse and chorus, the singer tells the other person to put on their high-heeled shoes and go down to listen to the blues. The singer then proceeds to tell the other person that they're going to dig potatoes and pick tomatoes before urging them to shoot the shotgun and do the jerk dance move once again.

The lyrics of "Shotgun" appear to be a mix of a dance song and a cautionary tale. While the song has a catchy beat and an uplifting rhythm that encourages dancing, it is hard to overlook the presence of a shotgun in the lyrics. This could be interpreted as a metaphor or a literal representation of an actual weapon, but either way, it does not paint a picture of a carefree and lighthearted atmosphere. The lyrics could also be seen as a warning against the dangers of violence or fighting, which is reflected in the urgency of the singer's tone when they ask the other person to shoot the shotgun before their target gets away.

Line by Line Meaning

I said shotgun shoot 'em 'fore he run now do the jerk baby do the jerk now.
The singer urges someone to quickly shoot their target with a shotgun so they won't escape, and to dance the jerk in celebration.

(Hey).
An interjection expressing enthusiasm and excitement.

Put on your red dress and then you go down yonder.
The singer instructs someone to wear their best clothes and head in a certain direction.

I said buy yourself a shotgun now, were gonna break it down baby now.
The artist tells someone to obtain a shotgun and prepare to use it.

We're gonna load it up baby now 'a then you shoot 'em 'fore he run now.
The artist prompts someone to load the shotgun and take action quickly to prevent their target from escaping.

I said Put on your high-heeled shoes.
The singer encourages someone to wear stylish footwear.

I said we're goin' down here and I listen to 'em play the blues.
The singer plans to go somewhere to listen to blues music.

We're gonna dig potatoes, we're gonna pick tomatoes.
The artist describes agricultural work they plan to engage in.

I said shotgun shoot 'em 'fore he run now do the jerk baby do the jerk now.
The artist repeats the earlier prompt to shoot quickly and dance in celebration.

(Hey).
An interjection expressing enthusiasm and excitement.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: AUTRY DEWALT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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