The lyrics of UFO's song "Ballad Of The Left Hand Gun" describe a character who is consumed by materialism and a desire for luxury. They spend money recklessly and engage in gambling, often winning and losing in the process. The persona of the song boasts about their expensive Italian shoes, which have fallen out of fashion. The song also touches on the theme of change. The names of the people involved may change, but the story and its essence remain the same. It suggests that regardless of the circumstances, there are certain patterns and experiences that continue to repeat. The lyrics mention a guitarist who has played for forty years and frequented bars. It is implied that this individual, known as "the champ," is past their prime and has lost everything due to gambling. The persona of the song also has a cheap clock from China that doesn't tell the time accurately. The chorus emphasizes the idea of change and the repetitive nature of certain stories. It states that the song is the ballad of the left hand gun, with the left hand gun symbolizing unexpected and unconventional actions or outcomes. The lyrics mention both the names changing and the stories running, reinforcing the cyclical nature of experiences. The last verse suggests that the persona's pursuits have been in vain, as they have only gained small material rewards and temporary glory. It concludes with an acknowledgement of the bizarre and strange aspects of life. Overall, the song explores themes of materialism, change, and the repetitive nature of certain experiences. It portrays a character who chases luxury and indulges in reckless behavior, while reflecting on the cyclical nature of life's stories.
