Lynne's first recording for Epic was a duet with George Jones, "If I Could Bottle This Up", which became a top-50 hit in 1988. In 2000 she won a Grammy award for "Best New Artist", despite the fact that she had been recording and releasing records for more than ten years
With Tears, Lies, and Alibis the follow-up to 2008's Just A Little Lovin' and the first release on her own label, Everso Records, Shelby Lynne affirms her position as a visionary, iconoclastic artist who deftly weaves country, soul, rock, blues, pop and folk influences to forge her own unique style. Like Identity Crisis (2003) and Suit Yourself (2005), this sparse, unguarded collection was produced by Lynne, who evokes a live-in-the-studio vibe from a stellar group of musicians. Born in Quantico, VA, she grew up in Jackson, AL and headed to Nashville at an early age. At 18, Lynne s demos landed her an appearance on TNN s Nashville Now series, which led to a Top 50 duet ( "If I Could Bottle This Up" ) with George Jones and a record deal. Following the release of the critically acclaimed I Am Shelby Lynne in 2000, she won the GRAMMY® for Best New Artist. She made her acting debut in 2005, playing Johnny Cash's mother in the Fox Searchlight motion picture Walk the Line.
Son of a Gun
Shelby Lynne Lyrics
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A little crumb of something wouldn't hurt me a lick
I lifted up my blisters went on my way
Thought about mama on her dying day
I got a nickel
After trading a song
Another run of luck's bound to come along
But it ain't up yet
I'll catch a shooting star
Like a fish in a net
I'm just a son of a son of a gun (Looking for a home)
Looking for a home where the west was won
Waiting on a train where the river runs (Waiting on a train)
I'm just a son of
A son of a son of a gun
The heat burned my shoulders
In the noon day sun
Started out walkin'
And I prayed some
Hoping for shelter
When the night went to shade
I'd bet on the weather
But my hands been played
For a minute I thought I'd go insane
I covered up my neck
In the cold rain
Hunkered down low
Under a bridge
The voice in my belly
Is my only friend
I'm just a son of a son of a gun
Looking for a home where the west was won
Waiting on a train where the river runs
I'm just a son of a son of a son of a gun
Son of a son of a gun
Son of a son of a gun
The lyrics to Shelby Lynne's song "Son of a Gun" tell the story of a traveler who is down on his luck and trying to make his way in the world. The song begins with the traveler waking up with a sore neck and hunger pangs, thinking about his mother's death. He has a nickel left to his name, but he remains hopeful that his luck will change.
As the song progresses, the traveler reflects on his journey so far. He has endured the heat and walked for miles, but he is still waiting for a big break. He is looking for a place to call home, where he can feel like he has truly won. However, he is still waiting on a train to take him there.
The song speaks to the struggle of finding one's place in the world and the hope that keeps us going, even in the toughest of times. The repetition of the phrase "son of a son of a gun" emphasizes the traveler's sense of displacement and the feeling of being an outsider. Despite this, he remains hopeful and determined to find his way.
Line by Line Meaning
Woke up early head in a crick
I woke up early with a crick in my neck
A little crumb of something wouldn't hurt me a lick
I could use a little bit of good luck
I lifted up my blisters went on my way
I ignored my pain and continued on my journey
Thought about mama on her dying day
I reminisced about my mother's death
I got a nickel
I found a nickle
After trading a song
I traded a song for something
Another run of luck's bound to come along
I believe good luck will come my way soon
Evenings getting closer
Night is approaching
But it ain't up yet
The night hasn't arrived yet
I'll catch a shooting star
I'll find good luck
Like a fish in a net
Easily and effortlessly
I'm just a son of a son of a gun (Looking for a home)
I'm someone who comes from a family of troublemakers who is searching for a place to belong
Looking for a home where the west was won
I'm searching for a place where I feel like I belong
Waiting on a train where the river runs (Waiting on a train)
I'm waiting for a train to take me somewhere
I'm just a son of
I'm simply the product of
A son of a son of a gun
Someone who comes from a family of troublemakers
The heat burned my shoulders
In the noon day sun
The heat was intense and caused a painful burn on my shoulders
Started out walkin'
I began walking
And I prayed some
I said a prayer
Hoping for shelter
When the night went to shade
I was hoping to find a place to rest as night fell
I'd bet on the weather
I relied on the weather to be on my side
But my hands been played
Things didn't go as planned
For a minute I thought I'd go insane
I felt like I was losing my mind for a brief moment
I covered up my neck
In the cold rain
I protected my neck from the cold rain
Hunkered down low
Under a bridge
I found shelter under a bridge
The voice in my belly
Is my only friend
My own intuition is my only reliable companion
I'm just a son of a son of a gun
Looking for a home where the west was won
Waiting on a train where the river runs
I'm just a son of a son of a son of a gun
Son of a son of a gun
Son of a son of a gun
I come from a family of troublemakers and am searching for a place to belong and for my luck to turn around
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: SHELBY LYNNE MOORER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind