The Johnny Horton song "I'm A Mean, Mean, Mean Son Of A Gun" is a lighthearted and humorous country song that showcases the personality of a tough and rebellious individual. The lyrics describe the protagonist as someone who enjoys his own brand of fun and is not afraid to fight if necessary. They boast about their physical strength and resilience, claiming to have skin as hard as leather and engaging in activities like shaving with a tin can and washing their face in boiling wax. The song continues to depict the protagonist as a wild and reckless person, who drinks corn liquor, smokes corn silk, and has a mean reputation. They chew up tin and spit out nails, sleep on snakes, and are unafraid to take risks. The lyrics also mention the protagonist's encounter with the law, where they enjoy themselves so much that they shoot out all the lights, leading the sheriff to kick them out of town and send them underground. Throughout the song, the protagonist's exaggerated actions and tough demeanor serve to emphasize their Rough and tough nature. The lyrics also include references to bizarre and daring feats, such as throwing a saddle on a grizzly bear, chopping off their hair on a chopping block, and tangling with a wildcat by grabbing its tail. Overall, the song is meant to entertain listeners with its playful and exaggerated storytelling. It showcases a larger-than-life character who takes pleasure in defying norms and embracing their own unique and wild lifestyle.
