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Guster — Barrel of a Gun
Album: Lost & Gone Forever
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1102









Released: 1999
Length: 3:06
Plays (last 30 days): 0
I know a movie star
I've got her plastered to my wall
Just like we're dear old friends
Like she already knows me

She's perfect as she seems
Lifts me right out the mezzanine
I finally fell in love
I'd been waiting forever.

CHORUS:

Four, Three, Two One
When at the barrel of a gun
Keep my head way down
Stay out I'll stay in
Half dead, half numb
She's enough to make me warm
It's all so safe and sound

Lie back and fast asleep
If you could see what I could see
Drip drop a lovely dream

Goddamn you movie star
Can't you just stay a minute more?
We'd be the best of friends
You could stay here forever.

CHORUS:

Four, Three, Two One
When at the barrel of a gun
Keep my head way down
Stay out I'll stay in
Half dead, half numb
She's enough to make me warm
It's all so safe and sound

BRIDGE:

She will be sweet on me
Just like a mystery
It's not so hard to see
If I'm not mistaken
She comes from far away
Gets closer everyday
And all that I can say
She's all I want and all that I live for

CHORUS:

Four, Three, Two One
When at the barrel of a gun
Keep my head way down
Stay out I'll stay in
Half dead, half numb
She's enough to make me warm
It's all so safe and sound
Comments (93)add comment
Who is Bill mad at?

Get back Temptation
Jolene
Caleb Meyer
Barrel of a Gun

I'm staying way out of Bill's way. Is Florida far enough?
 ThePoose wrote:

I could muster a lot of bluster for Guster before I ride off in my Duster.

Buster.

I could muster a lot of bluster for Guster before I ride off in my Duster.
Whole lotta Old 97's influence in this track
 Sjaaks wrote:

I could've sworn this was Toad The Wet Sprocket, the voice is absolutely reminiscent of Glenn Phillips' voice.

  I thought of the Waltons when I heard this.Nice Canadian band from the (eek) 90's.

Nice typewriter (as percussion instrument).
 daveesh wrote:
wow... can't believe this was 1999.

 



Ouch, 16 years ago. Still sounds as good as ever, though.
We really enjoyed seeing them in early November in Northampton, MA!
thought this was early 90s Brit pop. Bluetones anyone?
Hard to imagine the sheer force of impact this song, this record had — and still has — on me. My goodness, it's so frickin' AWESOME!
 yes...like an old Beatle track.  MrsTom wrote:
sounds like Generic boy band. Nice pop sound
 


sounds like Generic boy band. Nice pop sound
wow... can't believe this was 1999.
 lily34 wrote:
they remind me so much of some other band (i know, i know...so many people say that about every band) and it's making me frustrated as i can't think of who it is. toad? no, that's not it...

 
I could've sworn this was Toad The Wet Sprocket, the voice is absolutely reminiscent of Glenn Phillips' voice.
Guster growin on me, got some sleeper stuff goin on there..{#Music}
Yep...sounds like Andy Sturmer and Jellyfish here.
 lily34 wrote:
they remind me so much of some other band (i know, i know...so many people say that about every band) and it's making me frustrated as i can't think of who it is. toad? no, that's not it...
 

They bring to mind Jellyfish for me. And that's a great thing!
 lily34 wrote:
they remind me so much of some other band (i know, i know...so many people say that about every band) and it's making me frustrated as i can't think of who it is. toad? no, that's not it...
  Makes me think of Jellyfish.  In parts at least.


9 for the nostalgia.
Thanks for playing "classic" Guster.  It's been awhile since I've heard some on RP.

 
they remind me so much of some other band (i know, i know...so many people say that about every band) and it's making me frustrated as i can't think of who it is. toad? no, that's not it...

 fredriley wrote:
"She's perfect as she seems, lifts me right out of the mezzanine" - it's not often you see the word mezzanine in song lyrics, let along being used as a rhyme. Nice song, though, toe-tappin' stuff.
  lily34 wrote:

yes, i agree!
 
Reminds me that mrstuba and I have tickets to see the Cheiftans on our anniversary this fall, sitting in the second section, stage center of the  mezzanine so we can see all of the instruments {#Biggrin}
 fredriley wrote:
"She's perfect as she seems, lifts me right out of the mezzanine" - it's not often you see the word mezzanine in song lyrics, let along being used as a rhyme. Nice song, though, toe-tappin' stuff.
 
yes, i agree!
"She's perfect as she seems, lifts me right out of the mezzanine" - it's not often you see the word mezzanine in song lyrics, let along being used as a rhyme. Nice song, though, toe-tappin' stuff.

KevinM wrote:

From Wikipedia:

Brian Rosenworcel, the band's percussionist plays using only his bare hands. With Lost and Gone Forever, Rosenworcel began introducing a more traditional drum kit into the stage and studio performances in an effort to move away from bare-hand percussion (which can lead to nerve damage).



 
canadave wrote:

On this song, though, he used a typewriter at one point, which just sounds awesome.
 

wouldn't a typewriter damage the drum heads?
 KevinM wrote:

From Wikipedia:

Brian Rosenworcel, the band's percussionist plays using only his bare hands. With Lost and Gone Forever, Rosenworcel began introducing a more traditional drum kit into the stage and studio performances in an effort to move away from bare-hand percussion (which can lead to nerve damage).
 
On this song, though, he used a typewriter at one point, which just sounds awesome.
Just saw them in Orlando (missed the Portland show).  A great show!!!  See them if you get the chance.
{#Drummer}
That cover art always makes me think of this.



 j7 wrote:

So true ...like maybe mum and dad should've listened to Nigel when he said he didn't want piano lessons.

 
{#Roflol} ha! Thank you! You made me laugh.
 WonderLizard wrote:
So I (finally) ordered this a few weeks back, and I'm playing it in the Man Cave upstairs when my daughter bursts in, "That's Guster! I didn't know we had that! I love that song!" And I have no idea how she knows about this song at all because she was six when it came out. I stopped trying to understand a while ago...{#Tongue-out}
 
{#Lol}  After I turned her on to the Floyd (Atom Heart Mother) at the tender age of 8 or so, it was my daughter who kept me up-to-speed on things I might like through her teenage and college years. Since she turned me on to (the original) Napster and MP3 collecting ten years ago, the table is once again turned.


So I (finally) ordered this a few weeks back, and I'm playing it in the Man Cave upstairs when my daughter bursts in, "That's Guster! I didn't know we had that! I love that song!" And I have no idea how she knows about this song at all because she was six when it came out. I stopped trying to understand a while ago...{#Tongue-out}
 handyrae wrote:
I love the album cover — it could have so many different meanings.
 
So true ...like maybe mum and dad should've listened to Nigel when he said he didn't want piano lessons.

I love the album cover — it could have so many different meanings.
 lovemydog wrote:


How about this: the drummer doesn't use sticks.

And this: shut up.
 
OK, I was just passing thru here and spotted this, and I have to say that I nearly died laughing. . .


 Stefen wrote:

What does the drummer use?
 
From Wikipedia:

Brian Rosenworcel, the band's percussionist plays using only his bare hands. With Lost and Gone Forever, Rosenworcel began introducing a more traditional drum kit into the stage and studio performances in an effort to move away from bare-hand percussion (which can lead to nerve damage).


 lovemydog wrote:


 the drummer doesn't use sticks.

 
What does the drummer use?
 lunar1963 wrote:


Other good uses for typewriters

Wordy Rappinghood - Tom Tom Club
Typist Of Candy - Nits

 
Lather - Jefferson Airplane 1968

 Sloggydog wrote:
I've been trying to find something good about this but i'm giving up...there is nothing good about it
 

How about this: the drummer doesn't use sticks.

And this: shut up.
I've been trying to find something good about this but i'm giving up...there is nothing good about it
Gotta be one of the best pop bands ever. Good lyrics, melodies, harmonies, hooks, they have it all. I generally do not like pop music, but love these guys.

Awesome song. I love Guster!
i love this song.
Cool. Thought it was the Old 97s.
Probably have listened to this 1/2 dozen times (at least) on RP. I like it. Sounds like somebody listened to the Who.
lathyris wrote:
That was so lame
Yeah, well, they can't all be winners...
Govi wrote:
Bubblegum music. Oh, Goddess, deliver us from adolescent music. Please?
Pop. Not bubblegum. Guster writes smart insightful lyrics and catchy melodies. Listen closely and think. Or are you not capable of paying attention.
Govi wrote:
Bubblegum music. Oh, Goddess, deliver us from adolescent music. Please?
Have to disagree here. I think of bubblegum/adolescent music as lyrically vapid and on the verge of nonsensical. Full of cliches and all that. While some of Guster's music isn't necessarily complex or advanced theoretically, they do have some depth.
Danimal174 wrote:
"4, 3, 2, 1..."...I can guarantee none of those numbers are in my ranking of this super-cool song. I've been fortunate enough to see these guys live once, and they're great in concert!
That was so lame
Bubblegum music. Oh, Goddess, deliver us from adolescent music. Please?
Two of us in the office trying to whistle this at the same time...not pretty.
.........huh, imagine that....yet ANOTHER stalker song on RP.......
E_A_D_G wrote:
It's all about the hook. Beatlesque.
You say that like it's a bad thing.
lostintokyo wrote:
one-hit wonder...
more like multi-hit wonder https://www.radioparadise.com/content.php?name=Music&func=search&type=artist&search=Guster
one-hit wonder...
This was first out wow already 7 or 8 years ago? And this is a band that stays firmly among my favorites, largely thanks to RP keeping me up on their work! Thanks, Bill!
DoctorHooey wrote:
And then "Turning Japanese"!
PICTURES OF LILY!
valerama wrote:
Nothing like a song about jerking your chain to top off my Friday afternoon. Maybe Bill could follow this with Longview by Green Day?
And then "Turning Japanese"!
Nothing like a song about jerking your chain to top off my Friday afternoon. Maybe Bill could follow this with Longview by Green Day?
See these guys live!!! They are great! It totaly changed the my perspective on them.
Intrumentals are decent and interesting but the vocals are to disposable.
this is supposed to be about masturbation. 4 3 2 1 when at the barrel of the gun Keep my head way down stay out, I'll stay in Half dead half numb She's enough to make me warm It's all so safe and sound Lie back and fast asleep, if you could see what I could see Drip drop a lovely dream
It's all about the hook. Beatlesque.
His whole oeuvre sounds outstanding in my car, where the bass thumps loud enough to give me shakes in my bones. At low volume. But then, perhaps I am the only one who enjoys such things. ;)
lunar1963 wrote:
Other good uses for typewriters Wordy Rappinghood - Tom Tom Club Typist Of Candy - Nits
Let's not forget In The Nursery's "Red Harvest" (click here) (Unfortunately not to be heard in the short snippet)
sounds like old 97s
Good song, indeed. This one was on the radio back when my marriage to una Mexicana loca burned up on re-entry to the US last time in 2000. Glad I heard further. They have given me lots of joy. LOVE THIS RECORDING, AND THIS BAND!
eskles wrote:
One of the few bands I can think of which makes "commercial" sound alright. Infectious stuff.
They do have an irresistable quality about them. Jump (Little Children) is similar in that regard.
Great Band, Great Song!! Saw them Play in the 'natti last year good stuff!
VERY FUN BAND - LOTS OF GOOD TUNES...:)
I'd like a set consisting of this song, "Every Breath You Take" by The Police, and "Run for Your Life" by The Beatles. A spooky psychopath's delight!
One of the few bands I can think of which makes "commercial" sound alright. Infectious stuff.
Tireux_De_Roche wrote:
You found Guster to be anticlimactic? I find this more than a little shocking.
Let me rephrase: Guster WAS the climax of the show!
tiger_town_trumpet wrote:
Saw these guys open for John Mayer a few years ago...talk about anticlimactic.
You found Guster to be anticlimactic? I find this more than a little shocking.
tiger_town_trumpet wrote:
Saw these guys open for John Mayer a few years ago...talk about anticlimactic.
I was at one of those shows in Mesa, AZ. Guster stole the show.
Saw these guys open for John Mayer a few years ago...talk about anticlimactic.
guster is awesome
It's unintentional, but you can also hear some typewriter in Janis Joplin's "Trouble In Mind," off a Janis compilation album called "18 Essential Songs." lunar1963 wrote:
Other good uses for typewriters Wordy Rappinghood - Tom Tom Club Typist Of Candy - Nits
coloradojohn wrote:
I propose that The Pogues "Down All The Days" (based on the story that became the movie My Left Foot) off the album Peace and Love is the best use of a typewriter in an AWESOME song...Give a listen! Keep it futile!
Other good uses for typewriters Wordy Rappinghood - Tom Tom Club Typist Of Candy - Nits
MrMocha wrote:
The best use of typwriter in a song hands down is Cornelius - Typewrite Lesson (demo). Typewrite Lesson is a bonus track from the album Fantasma. If only Radio Paradise tapped into the Cornelius vault we could be so lucky.
I propose that The Pogues "Down All The Days" (based on the story that became the movie My Left Foot) off the album Peace and Love is the best use of a typewriter in an AWESOME song...Give a listen! Keep it futile!
Guster continues to grow and improve. A really good band now moving into the territory of great with the release of "Ganging Up On The Sun". I hope a couple tracks make it to Paradise!!!
twiggy77 wrote:
yay! only guster can put a typewriter into a song and have it sound so cool.
The best use of typwriter in a song hands down is Cornelius - Typewrite Lesson (demo). Typewrite Lesson is a bonus track from the album Fantasma. If only Radio Paradise tapped into the Cornelius vault we could be so lucky.
Bought this CD used and promptly gave it away.
actually one of my least favorite Guster songs...but still an 8!
WonderLizard wrote:
Re Lovin' Spoonful's "Money" and Pink Floyd's (oddly enough) "Money"--tho' my memory's so bad I'm open to correction on the latter...
my guess would be a cash register. cha-ching
twiggy77 wrote:
yay! only guster can put a typewriter into a song and have it sound so cool.
Re Lovin' Spoonful's "Money" and Pink Floyd's (oddly enough) "Money"--tho' my memory's so bad I'm open to correction on the latter...
I liked this song better the first few times I heard it. It hasn't aged well for me, and like a previous writer, I bought the CD based on this song and was disappointed overall. But at least it's not PC, you don't often hear songs about being a stalker.
I bought this CD based on the few Guster tunes I'd heard here on RP, and although I like some of the cuts, it's not as consistently strong as I'd hoped it would be. Still, these guys are different enough to remain interesting. Also, I could swear Bill has been eavesdropping on the mix CDs I'm playing in my car. The last three songs or so have been pretty far up on my personal rotation list, and I'll have to check, but I think Bill even got the playlist order right.
just plain love guster
Hm, not bad. Almost cliched college-rock standard fare, but unique enough and has enough pleasant and unusual melodies/harmonies to be interesting.
More Guster, please. Thank you.
This was the song that introduced me to Guster back in the days of World Class Rock out here in L.A. before that station was sold off by the Borg of broadcast radio, Clear Channel. Whenever I'd hear Guster on R.P. I'd wonder if and when we'd start to hear this tune.
Forgot this was Guster!
yay! only guster can put a typewriter into a song and have it sound so cool.