Barrel Of A Gun
Depeche Mode · The Singles 86>98
Set upon weary feet
Who looks in need of sleep
That doesn't come
This twisted, tortured mess
This bed of sinfulness
Who's longing for some rest
And feeling numb
What do you expect of me
What is it you want
Whatever you've planned for me
I'm not the one
A vicious appetite
Visits me each night
And won't be satisfied
Won't be denied
An unbearable pain
A beating in my brain
That leaves the mark of Cain
Right here inside
What am I supposed to do
When everything that I've done
Is leading me to conclude
I'm not the one
Whatever I've done
I've been staring down the barrel of a gun
Is there something you need from me
Are you having your fun
I never agreed to be
Your holy one
Whatever I've done
I've been staring down the barrel of a gun
Barrel Of A Gun
Released in 1992, 'Barrel Of A Gun' stands as a defining track in Depeche Mode's evolution toward a darker, more aggressive sound. The song exemplifies the band's shift during the early 1990s, characterized by driving rhythms, prominent synthesizer work, and a brooding atmosphere that departed from their earlier synth-pop roots. Featured on the compilation album 'The Singles 86>98', the recording showcases Martin Gore's lyrical focus on themes of violence and the consequences of unchecked ambition, delivered with a vocal intensity that became a hallmark of the era. The track remains a staple of the band's discography, often cited as a pivotal moment in their transition to a heavier, more industrial-influenced style that would define their subsequent work.