This song was originally performed by Koenig's college rap group, L'Homme Run.
It samples the song Let Down by Radiohead.
This song was covered by Fleet Foxes in 2011.
Giving Up the Gun
Vampire Weekend Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Burnt beneath the rising sun
It's locked up like a trophy
Forgetting all the things it's done
And though it's been a long time
You're right back where you started from
I see it in your eyes
That now you're giving up the gun
When I was seventeen, I had wrists like steel
And I felt complete
And now my body fades behind a brass charade
And I'm obsolete
But if the chance remains to see those better days
I'd cut the cannons down
My ears are blown to bits from all the rifle hits
But still I crave that sound
Your sword's grown old and rusty
Burnt beneath the rising sun
It's locked up like a trophy
Forgetting all the things it's done
And though it's been a long time
You're right back where you started from
I see it in your eyes
That now you're giving up the gun
I heard you play guitar down at a seedy bar
Where skinheads used to fight
Your Tokugawa smile and your garbage style
Used to save the night
You felt the coming wave, told me we'd all be brave
You said you wouldn't flinch
But in the years that passed, since I saw you last
You haven't moved an inch
Your sword's grown old and rusty
Burnt beneath the rising sun
It's locked up like a trophy
Forgetting all the things it's done
And though it's been a long time
You're right back where you started from
I see it in your eyes
That now you're giving up the gun
I see you shine in your way
Go on, go on, go on
I see you shine in your way
Go on, go on, go on
I see you shine in your way
Go on, go on, go on
I see you shine in your way
Go on, go on, go on
I see you shine in your way
Go on, go on, go on
I see you shine in your way
Go on, go on, go on
(I see you shine in your way
Go on, go on, go on)
(I see you shine in your way
Go on, go on, go on)
Your sword's grown old and rusty
Burnt beneath the rising sun
It's locked up like a trophy
Forgetting all the things it's done
And though it's been a long time
You're right back where you started from
I see it in your eyes
That now you're giving up the gun
The song Giving Up the Gun by Vampire Weekend is a contemplative piece that reflects on the changes that time brings upon people. The lyrics convey the idea of growing old and the feeling that one's life has come full circle. The song starts with a metaphorical reference to a sword that has grown old and rusty and is locked up like a trophy, symbolizing the singer's relinquishing of violence and aggression. The verses go on to describe the hardships of growing up and the compromises that come with age, and the chorus repeats the same metaphor of giving up the gun, indicating a surrender of sorts. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the singer acknowledging the enduring beauty of the human spirit and its capacity to shine despite the trials of life.
The lyrics of Vampire Weekend's Giving Up the Gun are open to interpretation, but some potential meanings include the loss of youthful energy, the acceptance of mortality, and the recognition that one's journey is circular rather than linear. The song seems to suggest that surrendering one's weapons, both literal and figurative, can lead to inner peace and personal growth.
Line by Line Meaning
Your sword's grown old and rusty
You've grown old and your fighting spirit is waning
Burnt beneath the rising sun
Over time, in the face of challenges, you've become defeated and worn down
It's locked up like a trophy
Your past accomplishments have become stagnant and no longer bring you fulfillment
Forgetting all the things it's done
You're ready to move on from the past and start something new
And though it's been a long time
Despite the significant amount of time that has passed, your current state is very similar to where you began
You're right back where you started from
You find yourself in a familiar place, but with a different perspective and attitude
I see it in your eyes
Your expression and demeanor clearly show that you're ready for change
That now you're giving up the gun
You're ready to let go of any weapons or defenses you've relied on in the past and adopt a more vulnerable approach to life
When I was seventeen, I had wrists like steel
I was young and invincible, unafraid of anything
And I felt complete
At that time, I believed I had everything figured out
And now my body fades behind a brass charade
As I've aged, I've become more guarded and less authentic in my actions
And I'm obsolete
I'm becoming less relevant and effective
But if the chance remains to see those better days
If I'm given the opportunity to recapture my youth and vitality, I would take it
I'd cut the cannons down
I would take down any defenses I've built up and embrace vulnerability
My ears are blown to bits from all the rifle hits
The struggles and challenges I've faced have taken a significant toll on my well-being
But still I crave that sound
Despite the difficulties, I'm compelled to push through and keep going
I heard you play guitar down at a seedy bar
I heard you were pursuing your passion in a less-than-ideal setting
Where skinheads used to fight
The environment was rough and dangerous
Your Tokugawa smile and your garbage style
You had a unique, confident style despite the difficult circumstances
Used to save the night
Your music brought light and positivity to a dark place
You felt the coming wave, told me we'd all be brave
You were optimistic about the future and believed in your own and others' abilities to rise to the occasion
You said you wouldn't flinch
You made it clear that you were dedicated and unafraid in the face of challenges
But in the years that passed, since I saw you last
As time went on, things changed and became more difficult
You haven't moved an inch
Despite your initial drive, you've become stagnant and haven't made much progress
I see you shine in your way
Despite the challenges, you still have a unique and impressive spirit
Go on, go on, go on
Keep pushing forward and don't give up
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Christopher Joseph Baio, Christopher William Tomson, Ezra Koenig, Rostam Batmanglij
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Leonator-cz9ix
Your sword's grown old and rusty
Burnt beneath the rising sun
It's locked up like a trophy
Forgetting all the things it's done
And though it's been a long time
You're right back where you started from
I see it in your eyes
That now you're giving up the gun
When I was seventeen, I had wrists like steel
And I felt complete
And now my body fades behind a brass charade
And I'm obsolete
But if the chance remains to see those better days
I'd cut the cannons down
My ears are blown to bits from all the rifle hits
But still I crave that sound
Your sword's grown old and rusty
Burnt beneath the rising sun
It's locked up like a trophy
Forgetting all the things it's done
And though it's been a long time
You're right back where you started from
I see it in your eyes
That now you're giving up the gun
I heard you play guitar down at a seedy bar
Where skinheads used to fight
Your Tokugawa smile and your garbage style
Used to save the night
You felt the coming wave, told me we'd all be brave
You said you wouldn't flinch
But in the years that passed, since I saw you last
You haven't moved an inch
Your sword's grown old and rusty
Burnt beneath the rising sun
It's locked up like a trophy
Forgetting all the things it's done
And though it's been a long time
You're right back where you started from
I see it in your eyes
That now you're giving up the gun
I see you shine in your way
Go on, go on, go on
I see you shine in your way
Go on, go on, go on
I see you shine in your way
Go on, go on, go on
I see you shine in your way
Go on, go on, go on
I see you shine in your way
Go on, go on, go on
I see you shine in your way
Go on, go on, go on
(I see you shine in your way
Go on, go on, go on)
(I see you shine in your way
Go on, go on, go on)
Your sword's grown old and rusty
Burnt beneath the rising sun
It's locked up like a trophy
Forgetting all the things it's done
And though it's been a long time
You're right back where you started from
I see it in your eyes
That now you're giving up the gun
@struggledaisy
not even gonna lie I came for jake gyllenhaal
@elijahjago1271
I bet you did ;)
@oscarg.9464
I bet we all
@eduardo_gallardo009
I literally came.
@ianlovesmickey9658
Me too. He looks fine in those shorts.
@icecreamalacarte
I came for the tennis. Her grip is atrocious while Jake pronates — mildly :)
@abhaykaushik8800
Koenig explained to NME February 16, 2010:
“I got the idea for the song from a book my Dad gave me called Giving Up The Gun. It’s a history book about the time when Japan expelled all the foreigners from the country, closed off all trade, and stopped using guns and reverted back to the sword. It seems unimaginable now that humanity could willingly go back to an older technology. It got me thinking about whether you could give up the things that you have and go back to a simpler way of life.”
@flala2261
Nice
@ayden_james
that’s such an interesting thought. but lately people have been preferring older technlogy such as film cameras, mixtapes, turntables, and such
@anon123214
@Abhay Kaushik
That's the song's origins, but I'd love to know what it was really about. At first I thought it was about love rejection, but your quote led me to believe the tennis matches symbolized the discussions of her friends trying to change some aspect about her. Then at the end is her future self, debating about if she lost her spark or not, not caring really about how much she's improved herself or not.
I could've worded that better but I hope that theory came across clear.