"Shotgun And A Pistol" is a song by Merle Haggard that tells the story of two legendary outlaws in the Wild West, one known for his shotgun and the other for his pistol. The song explores the rivalry between the two men and the inevitable confrontation that led to a deadly shootout. The lyrics describe the two outlaws as having a bond despite their differences, as they fought side by side and were equally feared by all other outlaws. However, the people of Tombstone began to wonder which of the two was truly the best. The tension grew until it was clear that a shootout was the only way to resolve the matter. The shooting occurred in the town of Tombstone, as scheduled, but it did not go as planned. The outlaws named Clanton and the O.K. Corral got involved and changed the course of history. The shootout ended in tragedy, with both outlaws and bystanders losing their lives. The town of Tombstone was left ashamed and silent. The song reflects on the idea that death is the ultimate outcome of violence and the way of the gun. The image of the two largest guns in the West, the shotgun and the pistol, symbolizes the destructive power of weapons and their ability to spark deadly conflicts. Overall, "Shotgun And A Pistol" is a cautionary tale about the consequences of violence and the tragedy that can result from a single moment of anger or rivalry.
