The song "I Got a Gun" by John Hiatt tells the story of a woman who has been physically abused by a man. The lyrics describe the woman taking some blood and tears from an old fruit jar to rub them on her belly where the man had left his scars. This indicates her pain and anguish from the abuse she endured. The woman is portrayed as fragile, like pigeon bones, highlighting her vulnerability in the face of the man's violence. The lyrics mention her little brother, suggesting that he was also a victim of the man's abuse. Despite witnessing this, the protagonist's rage and desire for justice intensify. The chorus emphasizes the protagonist's determination to protect the woman and seek justice. They warn the man that he should run because they have a gun and are prepared to use it. The repetition of the chorus demonstrates the protagonist's unwavering resolve to make the man pay for his actions. The lyrics also touch on the idea that the legal system often fails to deliver adequate punishment for abusers. The protagonist mentions that a man with a weapon can receive 99 years in prison, contrasting the severity of the punishment with the lack of consequences the abuser faced. The protagonist expresses their willingness to give up their own life if it means washing away the woman's tears and making things right. In the final verse, the protagonist admits to never having looked at a gun before but now firmly holds one. They reflect on the lenient punishment the abuser received from the judge, mentioning it was only a slap on the wrist. This injustice pushes the protagonist to take matters into their own hands, knowing that the woman endured her very last whipping from the man. The song ends with the repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the protagonist's determination to bring justice and protect the woman through whatever means necessary.
