The Proverbial Gun
Unveiling the Moral Quandary: Derek Webb's "The Proverbial Gun
Lyrics
Now I can buy the proverbial gun
Expresses the ability to acquire a symbolic means of causing harm or taking drastic action.
And shoot the proverbial child
Illustrates a metaphorical act of causing harm to innocence or vulnerability.
When my uncle looks me in the eye
Describes a personal encounter with a family member, potentially suggesting a confrontation.
And speaks of freedom
Refers to the uncle discussing the concept of freedom, possibly leading to internal conflict.
My conscience goes up on trial
Highlights a moral dilemma, with the speaker's conscience being tested.
In the courtrooms of the mind
Mentions the internal struggle taking place in the speaker's mind, akin to a legal trial.
Where the judges all have sons
Suggests that those passing judgment internally have personal stakes, as judges' sons are involved.
And all the lawyers all were dead
Indicates that legal representatives are no longer present or effective.
And the backs are all broke
Alludes to a collective burden or hardship, possibly reflecting societal issues.
And the bailiff is my brother
Introduces a familial connection to the legal process, with the bailiff being the speaker's brother.
And the witness is my sister
Expands on familial involvement, with the speaker's sister acting as a witness.
And I'm guilty as hell
Declares the speaker's guilt in the internal trial, indicating a personal sense of responsibility.
And by the afternoon I'm out
Suggests a rapid resolution to the internal conflict, with the speaker being "out" by the afternoon.
On the pavement walking
Describes the speaker walking outside, possibly reflecting a changed or liberated state.
Reeking of salt and blood
Portrays a physical manifestation of the internal struggle, with the speaker reeking of salt and blood.
No hair upon my head
Symbolizes a loss or transformation, with the absence of hair upon the speaker's head.
No shoes upon my feet
Highlights a state of vulnerability or destitution, with the speaker lacking shoes.
Picking your body from my teeth
Metaphorically depicts the aftermath of a destructive action, picking remnants from the speaker's teeth.
No stars above me
Emphasizes a lack of guidance or celestial support, with no stars above the speaker.
No stripes upon me
Indicates an absence of societal recognition or accolades, with no stripes upon the speaker.
Free (x10)
Repetition of "Free" multiple times, possibly emphasizing liberation or freedom.
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