There are aspects of the band's sound - abrasive guitar hooks, immediate drumming, and incessant codas - that speak to living in a big city. But there's also a dreary sparseness, a David Lynch-esque darkness, culled from the other members' native Washington.
The band's skeletal sound began to take shape, with Robert's rust-belt guitar parts lending a restless, sinister edge to Molly's subdued melodies and soft vocal style. Writing became a collaborative effort, and Widowspeak racked up an arsenal of songs. By fall the trio had recorded a six-track cassette using only a built-in laptop microphone and Garageband. The self-released October Tape, as it was called, fell into the hands of Brooklyn's Captured Tracks. Weeks later, after only their sixth show, Widowspeak recorded the 7" single Harsh Realm, in anticipation of a full LP.
Their eponymous debut LP was released on August 9th, 2011 on Captured Tracks.
http://widowspeak.bandcamp.com
Gun Shy
Widowspeak Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You were fixing to get lost
I tried to tame you, it wasn't long 'til you were takin' off
Lightly, I was on your mind
Lonely on the road at night
You're still a wild one, but what is it you're running from?
All scared, like you're staring down the barrel of the gun
No pistol could get you, no rifle could shoot fast enough
Lightly, I was on your mind
Lonely on the road at night
Lights so low and glare in your eyes
Jump the gun and you were too shy
Lightly, I was on your mind
Lonely on the road at night
Lights so low and glare in your eyes
Jump the gun and you were too shy.
In Widowspeak's song "Gun Shy," the lyrics reflect the singer's attempt to love and tame a wild and restless individual. The singer reflects on their attempt to keep this person grounded and focused, but all their efforts were in vain. The person remained a free spirit, always on the move, always on the run, always "jumping the gun." The lyrics also suggest that this person is scared of something, as if they are "staring down the barrel of the gun." The singer tries to understand what it is that this person is running away from, but cannot quite grasp the answer.
The repeated line "lightly, I was on your mind, lonely on the road at night" gives a sense of distance and detachment. The singer is trying to reach out to this person, but they feel isolated, alone, and detached from reality. The line "some try to love you but it's never long before you shake 'em off" implies that the person's restless nature has caused them to push away those who have tried to love them, including the singer. The song ends on a sad note, as the singer realizes that this person is not ready to settle down and that they will continue to be lost and restless.
Overall, "Gun Shy" is a beautifully poetic song that captures the frustration and sadness of trying to love and tame someone who is not ready to be tamed.
Line by Line Meaning
What you were, what it was
Reflecting on the past and questioning the current state of their relationship.
You were fixing to get lost
Feeling uncertain about the future and possibly wanting to leave.
I tried to tame you, it wasn't long 'til you were takin' off
Attempting to change the other person's behavior, but inevitably failing as they had their own desires and free will.
Lightly, I was on your mind
Being thought of in a casual or fleeting manner.
Lonely on the road at night
Feeling isolated and alone during travels or in general.
You're still a wild one, but what is it you're running from?
Acknowledging the other person's adventurous and uncontainable nature, yet wondering what motivates them to act in such a manner.
All scared, like you're staring down the barrel of the gun
Being fearful or anxious, as if facing imminent danger or threats.
No pistol could get you, no rifle could shoot fast enough
Not being able to be controlled or subdued by force.
Some try to love you, but it's never long before you shake 'em off
Encountering others who desire a romantic relationship, but consistently pushing them away or ending things quickly.
Lights so low and glare in your eyes
Describing the setting as being dim or poorly lit, causing an unpleasant visual experience.
Jump the gun and you were too shy
Acting prematurely or impulsively, yet subsequently feeling hesitant or unsure.
Contributed by Ian J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.