Soft Target
Southern Echoes: A Tale of Buried Grief and Lost Innocence
Lyrics
Long barrel magnum that you lifted from a friend
Obtaining a powerful gun (long barrel magnum) borrowed from a friend.
Out past the state line there's some trouble to get in
Hinting at trouble beyond state lines, suggesting a risky situation.
Sixteen, low self esteem and a wicked look in your eye
Describing a 16-year-old with low self-esteem and a dangerous expression.
Feels so cathartic squeezing off that forty-five
Expressing the relief and release felt when firing a .45 caliber gun.
Hey, I knew you as a boy in Tennessee
Recalling the person as a boy in Tennessee, possibly highlighting a change.
That Dixie whistle never sounded good to me
Disliking a Dixie whistle, possibly a symbol of a mindset or ideology.
White lies, I won't deny I should have said much more than I meant
Admitting to telling white lies and realizing the importance of truthful communication.
Sweet southern comfort keeping us indifferent
Referring to comfort in southern culture that maintains indifference to deeper issues.
Bury the grief like a seed for your son to discover
Suggesting the burial of emotional pain for future generations to confront.
Stow the anger in a fortress deep inside
Encouraging the suppression of anger deep within oneself.
And when the apple doesn't fall far from the tree that's rotten
Metaphorically connecting a corrupted family tree with hidden anger.
Don't pretend that you don't know exactly why
Addressing denial and the need to acknowledge the reasons behind actions.
Last time I saw you you were waiting for the storm
Observing someone awaiting a difficult situation, possibly metaphorical or literal.
So rough and tumble in your combat uniform
Describing a tough and ready appearance in a combat uniform.
Sit tight, stare down the sight at a target softer than clay
Sitting still and aiming at a vulnerable target, possibly symbolic.
And if it goes south well you're just having a bad day
Downplaying the severity of a negative outcome as just a bad day.
Racing around you now the mob is closing in
Feeling surrounded by a threatening crowd, increasing tension.
Squeeze off a couple, it's the best it's ever been
Expressing satisfaction in firing shots, possibly reflecting on violence.
Hands up, back to the truck and now I'm starting to see
Retreating from a situation, recognizing the consequences of one's actions.
You stole a life to prove what a man you happen to be
Highlighting a life taken to prove masculinity, possibly addressing toxic masculinity.
Bury the grief like a seed for your son to discover
Reiterating the theme of burying emotional pain for the next generation.
Stow the anger in a fortress deep inside
Encouraging the continued suppression of anger within oneself.
And when the apple doesn't fall far from the tree that's rotten
Repeating the idea of a corrupted family tree and acknowledging the underlying issues.
Don't pretend that you don't know exactly why
Emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the true reasons behind actions.
Don't pretend that you don't know exactly why
Repeating the call to honesty and self-awareness.
Don't pretend that you don't know exactly why
Stressing the significance of recognizing and understanding the motives behind actions.
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