Basement Shooter
The Hanna Barbarians Lyrics
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They're worth more in trouble than the fun that they'll bring ya
Well if that's the kinda mischief that you're gravitating to
There's a chance you'll spill blood and die too soon
But you wanna get high, so high
Well your momma and you daddy I bet they told you
Well your teachers and your preachers I bet they told you too
You ain't got no business doing what we don't tell you to do
But you wanna get high, so high
High, high, high, high
When you hear that hot lead come screaming after you
That's when its hardest to remember what they told you not to do
And when you're lying there helpless blood pouring out of you
That's when its easy to remember what they told you not to do
But you wanna get high, so high
High, high, high, high
The song "Basement Shooter" by The Hanna Barbarians speaks to the dangers of seeking thrill and excitement in sketchy places like dark alleys and back rooms. The lyrics caution that the trouble that comes with such experiences is not worth the temporary fun they bring. The song also acknowledges that authority figures such as parents, teachers, and preachers have warned against indulging in such activities, but the desire to get high proves too strong for some to resist. The consequences of such actions can lead to violence and premature death, as warned in the lines "there's a chance you'll spill blood and die too soon" and "when you hear that hot lead come screaming after you."
The lyrics also touch on the difficult decisions that must be made in the face of danger. Despite the warnings, when confronted with the sound of gunshots, it becomes difficult to remember what not to do, and even easier to recall the advice given. The repetition of the phrase "but you wanna get high, so high" emphasizes the lure of these dangerous activities, and the temptation to ignore warnings and put oneself in harm's way.
Overall, "Basement Shooter" is a powerful commentary on the dangers of seeking thrills in dangerous places and the tragic consequences that can result from such behaviors.
Line by Line Meaning
Well beware those dark alleys and them wild back rooms
Be cautious of sketchy areas and places where risks are taken
They're worth more in trouble than the fun that they'll bring ya
The potential consequences outweigh the temporary enjoyment
Well if that's the kinda mischief that you're gravitating to
If you're attracted to these dangerous activities
There's a chance you'll spill blood and die too soon
You could end up seriously hurt or dead
But you wanna get high, so high
You desire the feeling of being intoxicated
Well your momma and you daddy I bet they told you
Your parents likely warned you
Why don't you be a nice boy and do what we tell you to do
They want you to follow their rules and be obedient
Well your teachers and your preachers I bet they told you too
Even your authority figures advised against certain behaviors
You ain't got no business doing what we don't tell you to do
It's not appropriate to engage in activities without permission
When you hear that hot lead come screaming after you
When you're being shot at
That's when its hardest to remember what they told you not to do
It's difficult to recall the warnings against dangerous actions in the moment
And when you're lying there helpless blood pouring out of you
When you're injured and bleeding
That's when its easy to remember what they told you not to do
Injury serves as a reminder of the dangers of disobedience
But you wanna get high, so high
Despite the risks and advice, you still crave getting intoxicated
High, high, high, high
Reiterating the desire for intoxication
Contributed by Levi O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
John Tandberg
I had to honor of joining these cats on stage with my guitar