Take Out the Gunman Lyrics

Lyric discussion by gassygunslinger 

Cover art for Take Out the Gunman lyrics by Chevelle

The lyrics submitted here are incorrect, but in all honesty the only reason I know for sure is because I watched the official lyric video posted to the ChevelleVEVO channel on Youtube. I had no freaking clue what they were saying, and for the record I think Meta4 made a great stab at it, and got most of it right. Here are the videos according to the official video (which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0fCzvAdR3E ):

Awoke when the light Hit me right in the temple Felt something cold Touch my toes as it passed

Might not be the face you'd expect But he's clearly insane Got me pegged in the back

Just need a bit of luck Get 'em up Point the gun at the eyes Or at the knees, had to shoot, had to fight Gonna take out the gunman

Bit of luck Get 'em up Made to run for our lives Take out the knees, had to choose, had to fight Gonna take out the gunman

Eyes huge, so little left if something Cracks and clues, he's crazy as a straw Why denied, does no one care or nothing? How, you ask, I ever last so long

Cuz I, I went blind, a blinding riot He's regretting every word Those empty lies One more tonight, a blinding riot As I summon every nerve

Just need a bit of luck Get 'em up Point the gun at the eyes Or at the knees, had to shoot, had to fight Gonna take out the gunman

Bit of luck Get 'em up Made to run for our lives Take out the knees, had to choose, had to fight Gonna take out the gunman Gonna take out the gunman Gonna take out the gunman

Gonna take out Gonna take out Gonna take out Gonna take out

Just need a bit of luck Get 'em up Point the gun at the eyes Or at the knees, had to shoot, had to fight Gonna take out the gunman

Bit of luck Get 'em up Made to run for our lives I'm so amazed at the way we televize Gonna take out the gunman Gonna take out the gunman Gonna take out the gunman Gonna take out the gunman

Interpretation:

The line "amazed at the way we televise" makes me think of the media frenzies surrounding shooters (they've been in season the past few years). Seems like it's from the perspective of someone trying to fight back, and a bit of a comment on the (somewhat frightening) fascination the general public has with violent tragic events. There's an old saying in journalism: "If it bleeds, it leads". But, it's just a general guess.

Link(s)

@gassygunslinger thanks, +1 for the video link

After watching the vid is looks like the real meaning is to treat everyone in your life with compassion and love, in order to "take out the gunman" before they come to be gunmen in the first place. The "gunmen" are people that feel alone and ignored, and that leads them to anger, resentment, and disassociation. No one cares, until they are made to care. Our society and media just makes is worse, giving them all the attention they want after becoming the gunman.

@gassygunslinger I have edited the lyrics to reflect your posted lyrics (which when listening to the song are correct). Thanks.