Shotgun
Randy Rogers Band Lyrics


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Once I was a gamblin' man
I kept my pistol by my hand
Got my work done by the light of the moon

Evil deeds made up my mind
I traded peace for troubled times
Wickedness and whiskey were my fuel
Oh but now I keep locked away

I might've hung up my shotgun
But I didn't put it up so high
That I can't reach up and get it back down, if you give me a reason why
Still got a few shells itchin' to see the light of day
Couple rounds of buck shot go a long, long way
Once I had a good run,
But I hung up my shotgun

No one lives that life too long
Just in time somebody came along
With her help, I just might save myself

Sometimes I wake up at night,
Dreams of fire burnin' bright
Pray that I don't ever lose control

And so now I keep locked away

I might've hung up my shotgun
But I didn't put it up so high
That I can't reach up and get it back down, if you give me a reason why
Still got a few shells itchin' to see the light of day
Couple rounds of buck shot go a long, long way
Once I had a good run,
But I hung up my shotgun

I might've hung up my shotgun
But I didn't put it up so high
That I can't reach up and get it back down, if you give me a reason why
Still got a few shells itchin' to see the light of day
Couple rounds of buck shot go a long, long way
Once I had a good run,
But I hung up my shotgun





Yeah I hung up my shotgun

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Randy Rogers Band's song "Shotgun" tell the story of a former gambler who used to live a life of wickedness and whiskey. He kept his pistol by his hand and did evil deeds by the light of the moon. However, the singer of the song decides to turn his life around and give up his life of crime after someone came into his life and helped him change his ways. Although he has hung up his shotgun, he warns that he still has a few shells left and if someone gives him a reason to use it, he won't hesitate. The song captures the internal struggle of someone who used to live a life of sin and the constant reminder that his past actions could catch up with him.


The lyrics of "Shotgun" are distinctive in that they tell a classic Western story with a modern twist. The lyrics are largely metaphors for the inner conflict people face when trying to leave behind negative behaviours. The song was written by Randy Rogers and the rest of the band and was released in 2016 as part of their album "Nothing Shines Like Neon". The song, along with the rest of the album, received critical acclaim and was nominated for Best Country Album at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards.


Line by Line Meaning

Once I was a gamblin' man
I used to take risks in life


I kept my pistol by my hand
I always had my weapon ready for any situation


Got my work done by the light of the moon
I worked outside of the law in the darkness of the night


Evil deeds made up my mind
I let bad intentions govern my decisions


I traded peace for troubled times
I chose chaos over calmness in my life


Wickedness and whiskey were my fuel
I relied on vices to get me through tough times


Oh but now I keep locked away
I've changed my ways and now keep my destructive tendencies contained


I might've hung up my shotgun
I may have given up my old ways


But I didn't put it up so high
But I'm still able to access my weapon if needed


That I can't reach up and get it back down, if you give me a reason why
I still have the potential to resort to violence if provoked


Still got a few shells itchin' to see the light of day
I haven't completely let go of my past and still have the desire to use my weapon


Couple rounds of buck shot go a long, long way
Even a small amount of violence can have a great impact


No one lives that life too long
A life filled with violence and chaos is unsustainable


Just in time somebody came along
Someone helped me change my ways before it was too late


With her help, I just might save myself
The support of another person may be the key to redemption


Sometimes I wake up at night, dreams of fire burnin' bright
I still have dark thoughts and nightmares about my past life


Pray that I don't ever lose control
I hope to never let my old tendencies take over again


Yeah I hung up my shotgun
I've left my past life behind and am committed to a better future




Lyrics © JOHNNY CHOPS MUSIC
Written by: JON RICHARDSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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