Lyric discussion by AKAnathan 

Cover art for Gunman lyrics by Them Crooked Vultures

it almost sounds like the story of a man killing his family using animals as a simile for his inner emotions and brutality of his actions. thats wat i interpret this 2 mean. "Brother, does not dream anymore. Sisters, COULD NOT SLEEP. Transformation incomplete, mercy killing, those counting sheep."

My Interpretation

I agree with AKAnathan, I also think the lions in the cage stand for him having rage built up in him and the line "if you catch a tiger by the tail, don't fail," means if you're going to try and kill someone who will fight back don't fail in doing so, otherwise they might kill you.