The song "Smoking Gun" by Lia Marie Johnson tells the story of a toxic and abusive relationship. The lyrics depict the narrator's experiences of being manipulated, mistreated, and hurt by their partner. The opening lines, "Up all night to get paid, Did you love me or were you afraid?" suggest that the narrator's partner may have used them for personal gain without truly caring for them. The lyrics continue to describe instances of their partner's unpredictable behavior, comparing it to a switchblade and implying that their actions caused the narrator to be labeled as insane by others. The chorus emphasizes the conflicting emotions the narrator feels, saying "It's all okay, It's not okay." This reveals the inner struggle of accepting the mistreatment while also recognizing that their situation is not healthy or acceptable. The next verses delve deeper into the abusive nature of the relationship, with lyrics such as "You leave bruises on me like it is fun" and "You use every bit of everyone." These lines suggest that the partner inflicts physical and emotional harm on the narrator and takes advantage of people around them. The bridge of the song introduces the metaphor of the partner as a "smoking gun." In this context, the smoking gun represents the evidence or proof of the partner's destructive and harmful actions. The bridge also mentions the narrator's own faults and their participation in the toxic dynamic by playing mind games and engaging in self-destructive behavior. The final lines of the song express determination and resilience, indicating that the narrator has become aware of the toxicity in the relationship and will not allow themselves to be overshadowed or diminished. They state, "You're a runaway train, You took all I made, I'm an act on your stage, But I won't fade." Overall, "Smoking Gun" is a powerful and introspective song that sheds light on the dynamics of an abusive relationship, highlighting the pain, confusion, and eventual strength and resolve of the survivor.
