if
Suzanne Lyrics


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Ooh
If I were a weapon
You said I'd be a gun
Lethal at close range I guess
With silencer and stun

But I feel more like a needle
Always pulling on the thread
Always making the same point again
And wondering if you heard what I just said

If you were a weapon
A hammer's what you'd be
Blunt and heavy at the end
And coming down on me

But I've concealed a weapon
In a pocket knife attack
All folded up inside until you see the shine
And then you'll want it back

Ooh
If I were a weapon
You said I'd be a gun
Lethal at close range I guess
W silencer and stun

Well, if I am that weapon
I am pointing now at you




So just put down the hostage and we'll
Talk it down until we see this through

Overall Meaning

In Suzanne Vega's song, If I Were A Weapon, the singer explores the imagery of weapons as a metaphor for two people caught in a tumultuous, possibly destructive, relationship. The lyrics speak to the power dynamics at play and the different ways that these two individuals might exercise control, or try to assert themselves over one another in this relationship.


The first verse describes the persona as a gun; lethal, unyielding, and terrifyingly unpredictable. The image of a silencer and a stun adds an ominous tone to the stanza, making it clear that while the persona might seem dormant, it could be activated to lethal effect at any time. However, in the chorus, Vega subverts this image, describing herself instead as a needle, something that always pulls on the thread, always making the same point again. In this way, the persona is portrayed as something that might be more insidious than outright deadly; something that is always moving, always pricking, always wearing down the other person in the relationship.


The second verse explores another aspect of this dynamic, with the persona describing her partner as a hammer, something blunt, heavy, and unsophisticated. It goes on to describe how the persona has concealed a weapon, a pocket knife, and how it can be folded away, making it appear harmless until the shine of the blade reveals its true nature. The imagery suggests that the persona has learned to be more subtle in her approach than her partner, and that she is able to hide her true nature and intentions until the moment is right.


The final verse pulls the two strands of the song together when the persona turns the tables on her partner and points the weapon at them. It is a moment of confrontation but also one of hope, as the singer suggests that both sides can calm down and talk things through until they reach a resolution.


Overall, If I Were A Weapon is a complex exploration of a painful relationship, and it uses the metaphor of weapons to explore the power dynamics at play, the ways that each person might try to assert their own control, and the different ways that these efforts can manifest themselves.


Line by Line Meaning

Ooh
Starting the song with an exclamation sound to grab attention.


If I were a weapon
Expressing a hypothetical idea of being a weapon.


You said I'd be a gun
Referring to someone else's opinion or suggestion about the type of weapon.


Lethal at close range I guess
Admitting the possibility of causing harm at a close distance.


With silencer and stun
Adding features that would make the weapon more effective and efficient.


But I feel more like a needle
Shifting the focus to a different type of tool, suggesting a different personality or purpose.


Always pulling on the thread
Conveying an idea of continuous action, similar to sewing or stitching.


Always making the same point again
Indicating the repetitive nature of the tool or the conversation, possibly hinting at a conflict or a disagreement.


And wondering if you heard what I just said
Expressing doubt or uncertainty about the other person's understanding or attention.


If you were a weapon
Returning to the hypothetical scenario, this time focusing on the other person.


A hammer's what you'd be
Associating the other person with a different type of weapon/tool, emphasizing the contrasting personalities and roles.


Blunt and heavy at the end
Describing the characteristics of a hammer, possibly suggesting the other person's straightforwardness or lack of flexibility.


And coming down on me
Suggesting a power dynamic or a conflict, where the other person is the dominant force.


But I've concealed a weapon
Introducing a surprise element, where the singer reveals their own strategy or capability.


In a pocket knife attack
Adding a specific tool and context for the surprise attack, implying a calculated and precise strike.


All folded up inside until you see the shine
Describing the way the weapon is hidden, waiting for the right moment to be revealed.


And then you'll want it back
Hinting at the power shift or the revenge plot, where the artist gains an advantage over the other person.


Well, if I am that weapon
Reasserting the singer's identity as a weapon, possibly after a pause or a silence.


I am pointing now at you
Shifting the focus to the present moment, where the singer is taking control of the situation.


So just put down the hostage and we'll
Using a metaphor of a hostage to emphasize the dangerous or tense situation, where the other person must comply with the artist's demands.


Talk it down until we see this through
Acknowledging the conflict, but suggesting a way to resolve it through communication or negotiation.




Lyrics Β© Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: SUZANNE VEGA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Diane Dominguez

Y'all are so talented. Your voices are beautiful 🀩

Nicole Thomas

Love everything KP does; you'll were great on this.

Rowmanntha Neeley

Y’all snapped on this one! I’m 54 years young! This song is a whole vibe πŸ”₯πŸ”₯

Takeriyana Taylor

Kp and Des yall killed this

Chelle Here

This duo was def needed 😍

Nikki Dennis904

This was actually a VIBE 🎡 🎧
IF I HAD TO CHOOSE πŸ’ƒ

Honor Savoy

I had no idea that beautiful voice was in there....loving this so much! Keep pushing....β™₯️

indiajms54

Right both of them kp shocked me though

Raven Breedlove

I love this song yessss queens πŸ‘‘πŸ‘‘

Natasha Johnson

I’m older, I heard it, I bought it and I love it!πŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ’œ πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯

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