Palehound is the latest project from Yonkers, NY based singer/songwriter ex… Read Full Bio ↴Palehound is the latest project from Yonkers, NY based singer/songwriter extraordinaire Ellen Kempner (they/them). Writing and performing their own songs since they were 10 years old, Kempner has played in bands (Cheerleader) and solo (Kempa), developing an amazing knack for songwriting in the process. Kempa’s self-recorded Dog on Crutches was released early 2012, a stunning collection of smart lo-fi indie rock that sticks in your head. Late last year during their freshman year of college, Kempner decided to create a revolving band, and Palehound was born. Wasting no time, Kempner began recording Palehound’s debut at Brooklyn’s Gravesend Recordings with Ava Luna’s Julian Fader and Carlos Hernandez. The results are simply stunning. Palehound’s Bent Nail EP is due out on October 22nd through Exploding In Sound Records on limited edition cassette and digital. When asked about the record, Kempner shared, “this collection of songs definitely exhibits my uncomfortable shift from teenage-hood to “adulthood” and the fact that regardless of what I felt like I should be as an adult, I still felt the same as I did when I was fifteen.”

Hunter's Gun
Palehound Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Don't come near me, I don't wanna fall in love
And I can tell a hunter's gun, from a glimmer in the brush
You watch TV while I see us growing old
And I can tell a
From a wrinkle in the mold
Who, who, who...
I was struggling, I was looking for a time
Yeah, I can tell a sickly vine, from the smoothest glass of wine

Don't come near me, I don't wanna see your face

I can tell a hunter's gaze, In the way you say my name

Overall Meaning

In Palehound's song "Hunter's Gun," the lyrics explore the idea of a person who is cautious in love and relationships. The opening line, "Don't come near me, I don't wanna fall in love," sets the tone for the entire song. The singer is guarding themselves against potential heartbreak, and they see the signs that others may miss. They can "tell a hunter's gun, from a glimmer in the brush," implying that they can sense danger long before it's visible to others.

As the song progresses, the singer compares their instincts to plants and wine. They can tell a "sickly vine, from the smoothest glass of wine," further emphasizing their ability to separate the wheat from the chaff. The repeated "who, who, who" adds a sense of desperation to the song, suggesting that the singer is looking for someone they can trust but struggling to find it.

The chorus repeats the line, "Don't come near me, I don't wanna see your face." The final line, "I can tell a hunter's gaze, in the way you say my name," is particularly powerful. The singer can sense when someone is looking at them with a predatory gaze, further underscoring their mistrust of others. Overall, "Hunter's Gun" portrays a person who is struggling to form deep connections due to their fear of heartbreak and their ability to sense danger.

Line by Line Meaning

Don't come near me, I don't wanna fall in love
The singer is not interested in falling in love and wants to keep a distance.

And I can tell a hunter's gun, from a glimmer in the brush
The singer can recognize the signs of danger and harm, even in the slightest indication.

You watch TV while I see us growing old
The singer is focusing on long-term relationship goals, while the other person seems to be distracted.

And I can tell a fox's track, from a wrinkle in the mold
The artist has a sharp eye for details and can distinguish the nature of things from small hints.

Who, who, who...
This is a repeated phrase, indicating doubt, confusion or questioning.

I was struggling, I was looking for a time
The singer seems to have gone through a rough patch and was trying to find their own way.

Yeah, I can tell a sickly vine, from the smoothest glass of wine
The singer is able to differentiate between something that is unhealthy and something that is comforting, despite outward appearances.

Don't come near me, I don't wanna see your face
The artist is avoiding a certain someone or something that might cause them discomfort.

I can tell a hunter's gaze, In the way you say my name
The artist can sense a threatening or harmful presence from the tone or demeanor of another person.

Writer(s): Ellen Kempner

Contributed by Sydney E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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