There’s no doubt that guns have a long and storied history in America. They’ve been used for hunting, self-defense, and in wars both foreign and domestic. And while there are many songs that reference guns in one way or another, only a select few can truly be called “songs about guns.”
We’ve put together a list of 20 of the best songs about guns, ranging from country to rap to metal. So whether you’re a fan of guns or not, there’s sure to be a song on this list that you’ll enjoy.
By the way, if you’re interested in songs about guns, you may also be interested in songs about butts, songs about cupid, and songs about hunting.Cleaning This Gun – Rodney Atkins
Cleaning This Gun is a song written and performed by American country music artist Rodney Atkins. The song was released in 2006 as the lead single from his album If You’re Going Through Hell. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, becoming Atkins’ second Number One hit on that chart. The song is about a father teaching his son how to safely use and care for a gun. The father tells his son that guns are not toys and should be respected. He also advises his son to never point a gun at someone unless he is prepared to shoot them. The song has received positive reviews from critics, who praised Atkins’ writing and performance.
Janie’s Got A Gun – Aerosmith
Janie’s Got a Gun is a song by American rock band Aerosmith, released in 1989 as the second single from their album Pump. The song was written by Steven Tyler and Tom Hamilton. The lyrics tell the story of a young girl who takes revenge on her abusive father with a gun. The song was inspired by a newspaper article Tyler read about a young girl who shot her sexually abusive father. The song was nominated for two Grammy Awards and won the award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. It peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remains one of the band’s most popular songs.
Time To Get A Gun – Miranda Lambert
“Time To Get A Gun” is a song by American country music singer Miranda Lambert. The song was released as a single in October 2013, and it peaked at number four on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. “Time To Get A Gun” is a ballad with an emotional message about the need for gun reform in the United States. The song begins with the sound of a gunshot, and Lambert’s voice trembles with emotion as she sings about the loss of innocent lives to gun violence. She pleads with the listener to “put your guns down” and calls for stricter background checks and regulations on gun ownership. “Time To Get A Gun” is a powerful call for change, and it is one of the most moving songs in Lambert’s catalog.
Cupid’s Got A Shotgun – Carrie Underwood
In the song, “Cupid’s Got a Shotgun,” Carrie Underwood sings about the dangers of guns. She starts off the song by talking about how guns can be used for good, like hunting and protecting one’s family. However, she quickly turns to how guns can also be used for evil. She talks about how guns can be used to hurt people, and how they can be used to kill. She also talks about how guns can be used to scare people, and how they can make people feel unsafe. In the end, she asks for cupid to put his shotgun down, because she doesn’t want anyone to get hurt. The song is a powerful reminder of the dangers of guns, and it is sure to make anyone think twice before picking up a gun.
Gunpowder & Lead – Miranda Lambert
Gunpowder & Lead is a song released by Miranda Lambert in 2008. The song is about a woman who is in an abusive relationship and is telling her abuser that she is not going to take it anymore. She tells him that she is going to “shoot [him] with gunpowder and lead” if he doesn’t leave her alone. The song has been widely praised for its empowering message and has become an anthem for survivors of domestic violence. In addition to its positive message, the song is also notable for its catchy melody and Lambert’s powerful vocal performance. Gunpowder & Lead is a song that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped in an abusive situation.
I’m Gonna Get Me A Gun – Cat Stevens
“I’m Gonna Get Me a Gun” is a song by Cat Stevens, released as a single in 1966. The song is about a young boy’s fascination with guns and violence. The lyrics describe the boy’s desire to obtain a gun of his own, and his dreams of using it to commit acts of violence. The song culminates with the boy’s declaration that he will “shoot [his] teacher down” and “kill [his] mother dead”. While the song is clearly condemning violence, it also highlights the dangers of allowing children access to firearms.
Granddaddy’s Gun – Aaron Lewis
Granddaddy’s Gun is a song by Aaron Lewis that pays tribute to the firearms that have been passed down through generations. The song starts with the line “This old world is a mighty fine place,” which sets the tone of the rest of the song. Lewis goes on to describe how guns have been used throughout history, from hunting and protection to cattle drives and frontier justice. He also says that guns are a part of American culture, and that they will always be a part of his life.
Guns On The Roof – The Clash
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“Guns on the Roof” is a song by the English punk rock band The Clash. It was released in 1978 as the lead single from their third studio album, London Calling. Written by lead singer and guitarist Joe Strummer and bassist Paul Simonon, the song is a DIY anthem about the British government’s strict gun control laws. In the wake of several high-profile terrorist attacks, the government had enacted controversial measures to ban certain types of firearms.
Guns In The Sky – INXS
“Guns in the Sky” is a song by Australian rock band INXS, released as the second single from their 1987 album Kick. The song was written by band frontman Michael Hutchence and keyboardist Andrew Farriss and was produced by Chris Thomas. It is a mid-tempo rock song with new wave and dance-rock influences, featuring a distinctive synthesizer hook. The lyrics of “Guns in the Sky” are obliquely critical of the proliferation of firearms, with Hutchence singing, “There are too many guns in the sky / There are too many guns in the ground.”
Don’t Take Your Guns To Town – Johnny Cash
Don’t Take Your Guns To Town is a song written and performed by Johnny Cash. The song was released in 1958 as a single, and it reached number one on the country charts. The song tells the story of a young man who is killed while trying to take his guns into town. The young man’s mother tries to warn him of the dangers of carrying guns, but he doesn’t listen. The song ends with the mother grieving over her son’s body. Don’t Take Your Guns To Town is an important song because it speaks to the dangers of gun violence. It also highlights the importance of listening to our elders. The song is still relevant today, and it continues to resonate with people all over the world.
Billy’s Got A Gun – Def Leppard
Billy’s Got a Gun is a song by English rock band Def Leppard, released as the eighth and final single from their second studio album, Pyromania. The song was written by guitarist Phil Collen and bassist Rick Savage, with lead singer Joe Elliott adding the lyrics. It is one of the band’s most political songs, with its subject matter focusing on gun control. The song opens with the sound of a gunshot, followed by Collen’s guitar riff. The verses describe a young man named Billy who finds a gun and starts using it to get what he wants. The chorus implores Billy to put down the gun before it’s too late.
Guns, Guns, Guns – The Guess Who
Guns, Guns, Guns is a song by the Canadian rock band The Guess Who. It was released as a single in 1971 and peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. A song is an up-tempo number with a heavy guitar riff and lyrics that extol the virtues of guns. The chorus features the repeated line “Guns, guns, guns/We need more guns”. The lyrics paint a picture of a world in which guns are seen as the solution to all of life’s problems. In addition to being a hit single, Guns, Guns, Guns has been featured in various films and television shows over the years.
Don’t Need A Gun – Billy Idol
In his song “Don’t Need a Gun,” Billy Idol provides a powerful commentary on the dangers of gun violence. The song opens with the sound of a gunshot, followed by the lyrics “I don’t need a gun/To blow your mind.” These opening lines set the stage for the rest of the song, which details the various ways that guns can be used to harm innocent people. Throughout the song, Idol consistently underscores the message that guns are not necessary to achieve one’s goals; in fact, they often do more harm than good. With its catchy melody and thought-provoking lyrics, “Don’t Need a Gun” is a powerful anthem against gun violence.
Love Gun – Kiss
“Love Gun” is a song by the American rock band Kiss, released on their 1977 album of the same name. Written by lead vocalist Paul Stanley and produced by Vini Poncia, it was one of the first songs recorded for the album. The song is about a man who falls in love with a woman who is already in a relationship. Despite its suggestive lyrics, the song is not about sex; rather, it is about the power of love. In a 1982 interview, Stanley explained: “It’s not so much a sexual thing as it is…when you’re in love, you’re ready to conquer the world.” “Love Gun” has been performed live by Kiss on many occasions, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
Guns – Justin Moore
Justin Moore’s song “Guns” is a fun, high-energy country anthem that celebrates the Second Amendment. Moore paints a picture of a utopic American lifestyle where everyone owns guns and knows how to use them. The lyrics promote gun ownership and safety, and the catchy chorus encourages listeners to “let their guns sing.” While some gun control advocates may take issue with the song’s message, “Guns” is a harmless ode to an iconic American right. Whether you’re a fan of country music or not, it’s hard to deny that this song is fun and catchy. So crank up the volume and enjoy a little taste of the American dream.
God Gave Me A Gun – Roger Clyne And The Peacemakers
“God Gave Me a Gun” is a song written by Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers. The song is about guns and gun violence. It was released as a single in 2001 and peaked at number 37 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. The song’s lyrics describe how guns can be used for both good and evil, and how they can be a blessing or a curse. The song also contains a message of peace, and how guns can be used to create division and hatred. “God Gave Me a Gun” is an important song that tackles the issue of gun violence head-on. It is a powerful reminder that guns are not always the answer and that we must all work together to promote peace.
Guns For The Afghan Rebels – Angelic Upstarts
The Angelic Upstarts were a punk rock band that formed in the late 1970s in England. The band was known for their political lyrics, and “Guns for the Afghan Rebels” is one of their most famous songs. The song is about the Soviet-Afghan War, which lasted from 1979 to 1989. The song criticizes the British government for sending guns to the Afghan rebels, who were fighting against the Soviet Union. The song also criticizes the Western media for glamorizing the war and not showing the human cost of the conflict. Despite being released over 40 years ago, “Guns for the Afghan Rebels” remains relevant today, as it highlights the futility of violence and war.
Lawyers, Guns And Money – Warren Zevon
The song “Lawyers, Guns and Money” by Warren Zevon is a satirical take on the American dream gone wrong. The narrator tells the story of a man who has squandered his inheritance on gambling and women and is now reduced to begging for money from his friends. The chorus of the song features the iconic line “Send lawyers, guns, and money/The shit has hit the fan.” This line is often interpreted as a cynical comment on the American justice system, which is often seen as being more concerned with protecting the interests of the rich and powerful than with delivering justice.
Tommy Gun – The Clash
The Clash’s song “Tommy Gun” is a political commentary on the proliferation of guns in society. The lyrics tell the story of a young man who turns to crime to make money and ultimately ends up getting shot by the very product he was selling. The song is critical of the easy availability of guns, and how they can lead to violence and death. In the chorus, the singer asks “Who needs a tommy gun?” in a sarcastic tone, implying that no one needs such a weapon. The song is also critical of the government’s response to gun violence, with the lyrics “They say it makes us free / We say it makes us die.”
Big Gun – AC/DC
The Clash’s song “Tommy Gun” is a political commentary on the proliferation of guns in society. The lyrics tell the story of a young man who turns to crime to make money and ultimately ends up getting shot by the very product he was selling. The song is critical of the easy availability of guns, and how they can lead to violence and death. In the chorus, the singer asks “Who needs a Tommy gun?” in a sarcastic tone, implying that no one needs such a weapon. The song is also critical of the government’s response to gun violence, with the lyrics “They say it makes us free / We say it makes us die.”
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