The Outline are:
Graham Fink: Guitar, Lead vocals
Ryan Rabin: Drums, Backing Vocals
Austen Lee: Keyboards, Guitar, Saxophone
Max St. John: Bass, Backing Vocals
Discography :
The Outline proudly presents The Chestnut Tree (2005)
You Smash It, We'll Build Around It (2006)
Phantasmagoria (2009)
Shotgun
The Outline Lyrics
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It's a shotgun, baby
I think I'll use it tonight
It's a shutdown, maybe
I got you in my sight
It's just a shadow, baby
But it's the shadows, baby
They're quickest with the knife
If I was a robot
Would you love me anymore
If I wore a mask would you know
If I was a robot
Would you love me anymore
If I wore a mask
It's a contract, baby
We're gonna make you sign
It's your choice now, maybe
But you could die tonight
It's a whisper, baby
When your ears are blind
It's a scream, baby
We don't want your kind
If I was a robot
Would you love me anymore
If I wore a mask would you know
If I was a robot
Would you love me anymore
If I wore a mask
The Outline's "Shotgun" is a troubled love song, but it's not a typical one. The song presents a narrative of a man who feels like a frantic puppet, holding a shotgun to his partner. The motivation behind his actions is unclear, but his attitude contends with ownership and fear. He's cocooned within himself and is perhaps trying to fight his way out. The chorus is centered around an existential refrain: "If I was a robot, would you love me anymore? If I wore a mask, would you know?". These questions highlight how the relationship is a transaction of sorts, and this man isn't sure if his partner loves him for who he is, or for what he provides.
The first two verses revolve around the tension between shadows and light. The man's lonesomeness is clear as he explains how shadows are quickest with the knife, how fast they can hurt and wreck havoc. This feeling of imminent danger is only strengthened when the man talks about a shadow that he has in his sight. It's clear he's paranoid, and we can't tell if he's trying to protect his partner or himself. The contract he mentions in verse three feels like the point-of-no-return. The fact that he says they'll make her sign a contract highlights he is part of a more significant and more dangerous system in which he has little control. Finally, the song ends on the question of whether his partner would stay with him if he wore a mask or was a robot, which suggests that he might feel constricted and unable to be himself in the relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a shotgun, baby
I have a weapon and I intend to use it.
I think I'll use it tonight
I have decided to take action tonight.
It's a shutdown, maybe
If you mess with me, I will put an end to it.
I got you in my sight
You are my target and I am ready to take you down.
It's just a shadow, baby
It's not real, you have nothing to fear.
It can't come to life
There is nothing to worry about, it's just an illusion.
But it's the shadows, baby
Sometimes the things we fear the most are our own thoughts and perceptions.
They're quickest with the knife
Our fears can be more potent and dangerous than anything else.
If I was a robot
If I were someone or something that doesn't feel emotions or empathy.
Would you love me anymore
Would you still care about me or see me as something different and distant.
If I wore a mask would you know
If I tried to hide my true self or intentions, would you be able to see through it.
It's a contract, baby
You have no choice but to do what we say.
We're gonna make you sign
We will use whatever means necessary to get you to agree.
It's your choice now, maybe
We will give the illusion of choice, but really you have none.
But you could die tonight
If you don't comply, we will use force and you may suffer the consequences.
It's a whisper, baby
It's a subtle suggestion or manipulation.
When your ears are blind
When you are vulnerable or not paying attention.
It's a scream, baby
If the subtle approach doesn't work, we will resort to something louder and more aggressive.
We don't want your kind
We don't accept or tolerate those who are different or don't fit our standards.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: AUSTEN CHRISTOPHER LEE, GRAHAM FINK, MAXIMILLIAN RICHARD ST. JOHN, RYAN RABIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind