"Guts" is a song written and performed by John Cale, released in 1977. The lyrics are dark and abstract, creating a fragmented narrative that is open to interpretation. The song revolves around themes of betrayal, violence, and the consequences of one's actions. The opening lines depict a person (referred to as "the bugger in the short sleeves") who has cheated on the narrator's wife. The act was quick and secretive, and the person returns home seemingly unscathed. The reference to Maisy suggests that the wife's name is Maisy. The mention of a twelve-bore (a type of shotgun) standing in the corner introduces a sense of danger and potential retribution. The gun represents self-disgust and is described in an operatic manner. The following lines describe how the gun was used to shoot the person who cheated, covering the living room floor with their blood and likening it to parrot waste. As the song progresses, Cale introduces the idea of the event being perpetrated by someone familiar to them. This suggests that the betrayal and subsequent violent act are more impactful when committed by someone close to them. The mention of a "secret plot" and "embarrassing denouement" implies a hidden motive or intention behind the affair and its fallout. The repetition of the phrase "guts, guts, got no guts" highlights a lack of courage or integrity in both the person who cheated and the narrator. It also references physical wounds, suggesting that violence only leads to more harm and does not resolve the pain caused. The chorus, with its repetition of "holes in the body, holes in the legs, holes in the forehead, holes in the head," further emphasizes the destructive nature of violence, both physically and metaphorically. The song concludes with the line "make sure, do it right, dead is dead," emphasizing that death is final and irreversible. The last lines suggest that the cheater and the cheated eventually resemble each other, implying that the hurt caused by betrayal affects both parties in equal measure. It reflects on the futility of seeking revenge and the cyclical nature of violence. Overall, "Guts" is a cryptic song that explores themes of betrayal, violence, and the consequences individuals face when their actions lead to harm. The lyrics leave room for personal interpretation, allowing listeners to find their own meaning in the abstract imagery presented.
