Shotgun
The All Stars Lyrics


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I said shotgun shoot 'em 'fore he run now do the jerk baby do the jerk now.
(Hey).
Put on your red dress and then you go down yonder.
I said buy yourself a shotgun now, were gonna break it down baby now.
We're gonna load it up baby now 'a then you shoot 'em 'fore he run now.

I said shotgun shoot 'em 'fore he run now do the jerk baby do the jerk now.
(Hey).

I said shotgun shoot 'em 'fore he run now do the jerk baby do the jerk now.
(Hey).
I said Put on your high-heeled shoes.
I said we're goin' down here and I listen to 'em play the blues.
We're gonna dig potatoes, we're gonna pick tomatoes.




I said shotgun shoot 'em 'fore he run now do the jerk baby do the jerk now.
(Hey).

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The All Stars' song "Shotgun" paint an image of a man warning his lover to be careful and get armed as they prepare to break down their enemies. The chorus repeats the phrase "Shotgun shoot 'em 'fore he run now, do the jerk baby do the jerk now" establishing both the sense of urgency and mood of the song. The addition of "do the jerk" adds a sense of excitement and energy to the lyrics, with the "jerk" referring to the popular dance craze of the time, known for its twitching movements.


The lyrics then transition to the man urging his lover to wear her "red dress" and accompany him as they embark on their mission. The idea of wearing a red dress may symbolize confidence, power and strength, as red is often associated with these qualities. The lyrics also mention "high-heeled shoes" suggesting the woman is ready for anything the mission may throw their way. The verse concludes with the couple heading to a place where they can listen to the blues, while also engaging in agricultural activities such as digging potatoes and picking tomatoes.


Line by Line Meaning

I said shotgun shoot 'em 'fore he run now do the jerk baby do the jerk now. (Hey).
The singer is encouraging someone to use a shotgun to stop an individual from running away, and to dance along to the beat of the music with a specific dance called 'the jerk'.


Put on your red dress and then you go down yonder.
The singer is instructing someone to put on a red dress and to go somewhere far away.


I said buy yourself a shotgun now, were gonna break it down baby now.
The singer is advising someone to purchase a shotgun and to get ready for a wild, energetic performance.


We're gonna load it up baby now 'a then you shoot 'em 'fore he run now.
The artist intends to load the shotgun and then use it to prevent someone from escaping.


I said Put on your high-heeled shoes.
The artist instructs someone to wear high-heeled shoes.


I said we're goin' down here and I listen to 'em play the blues.
The singer desires to go somewhere to listen to the blues.


We're gonna dig potatoes, we're gonna pick tomatoes.
The singer suggests doing some manual labor such as digging potatoes and picking tomatoes.


I said shotgun shoot 'em 'fore he run now do the jerk baby do the jerk now. (Hey).
The artist repeats the earlier line, emphasizing the importance of using the shotgun and dancing the 'jerk'.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: AUTRY DEWALT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@kellyaustin7487

My father passed away on April 23rd this year he was 90. Today he would've been 91 and this was his favorite song. I came here today to play this song in his honor and to share that story. One love and happy birthday dad 🎂

@alexalcocer1994

💪🏽

@russellyoung1262

Totally great song I love to listen to when I scroll and find it...hope my neighbors like it..hahaaaa...bless you for putting it up in honor of your father...

@DRCRANKNSTEIN

my pops too- used to spin dis record- when he was getting ready to go out on the town--

@Kenjiro5775

My dad died nearly 30 years ago now, but he would have been the same age as your father. He was the one who got me into Jr. Walker and the All Stars.

@natecw4164

Your pops clearly had great taste in music! <3 Much love

43 More Replies...

@StingrayKaraoke

A classic!

@swaggamandiesel2711

¡-¡

@judyjae6022

One of the coolest, funkiest songs to come out of the Motown era. I love it!

@AC-mp7cx

jackson 5 too

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