Hayloft
Nickel Creek Lyrics

The lyrics to "Hayloft" by Nickel Creek tell the story of a father catching two young lovers in the hayloft with his gun, resulting in a chase. The song starts with the repeated line, "My daddy's got a gun, you better run," which sets the tone for the rest of the song. The story then begins with the hayloft creaking, creating an ominous and foreboding atmosphere. The father, referred to as "Pop," goes to investigate and discovers the young lovers in the hayloft. The father's long gun is pointed at the lovers while he creeps towards them, giving the impression of imminent danger. The lovers' legs are tied up in knots, a metaphor for their complicated entanglement. The father is portrayed as severe and frightening, with the lines "to blow their hayloft bedheads straight off" suggesting a violent intent. The lovers are urged to run, emphasizing the danger they are in and the power the father possesses.

The song portrays several themes, including violence, power, and control. The father's ownership of a gun is connected to masculinity and dominance, with the lyrics framing the father as a threatening figure. The lovers are powerless in the presence of the father with his gun, a weapon that can easily inflict harm. The song also explores the turbulent nature of young love, with the young lovers tangled and tied up, a symbol of their emotional and physical attachment to each other.