I Got A Gun
John Hiatt · Warming Up To The Ice Age [1985]
From an old fruit jar
She rubbed it on her belly
Where he left his scars
She's such a fragile thing
Like pigeon bones
He couldn't whip my little brother
He wouldn't leave her alone
So if you see that man
Done these things to her
Tell him, he'd better run
I got a gun
I got a gun y'all
Justice will be done
I got a gun, got a gun
They say a man with a weapon
He gets 99 years
But I would give my life
To wash away her tears
So if you see that man
Done these things to her
Tell him, he'd better run
I got a gun
I got a gun y'all
Justice will be done
I got a gun, got a gun
Now I never looked at a pistol
But now I lost my grip
The judge would only give him a slap on the wrist
I ain't had it very long
But now it's in my hand
She took her very last whippin' from that spineless man
I got a gun
I got a gun y'all
Justice will be done
I got a gun, got a gun
I Got A Gun
John Hiatt's 'I Got A Gun' stands as a defining track from his 1985 album *Warming Up To The Ice Age*, showcasing his signature blend of folk storytelling and sharp social observation. The song reflects the era's growing tension regarding gun control, delivered with Hiatt's characteristic wit and melodic sensibility. It exemplifies his ability to weave personal narrative with broader cultural commentary, a hallmark of his discography that spans decades. Recorded during a period when Hiatt was refining his approach to blending acoustic roots with contemporary rock influences, the track remains a poignant example of his work addressing public policy through music. Its enduring appeal lies in Hiatt's ability to make complex political issues accessible and emotionally resonant without resorting to didactic preaching.