Don’t Shoot Shotgun by Def Leppard: Meaning and Origin
Don’t Shoot Shotgun: Def Leppard’s Untold Story
In 1983, Def Leppard released their third album, Pyromania, which would go on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time. The album’s title track, “Don’t Shoot Shotgun,” is a classic rock anthem that has been covered by countless bands. But what is the story behind the song? And how did it come to be Def Leppard’s signature song?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the making of “Don’t Shoot Shotgun,” from its origins as a demo track to its eventual release as a single. We’ll also explore the song’s meaning and legacy, and why it remains one of Def Leppard’s most popular songs to this day.
| Year | Album | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Pyromania | Mercury Records |
| 1987 | Hysteria | Mercury Records |
| 1992 | Adrenalize | Mercury Records |
Background of the Song
“Don’t Shoot Shotgun” is a song by the English rock band Def Leppard. It was released as the second single from their third studio album, Pyromania, on 18 February 1983. The song was written by guitarist Steve Clark and vocalist Joe Elliott, and produced by Mutt Lange.
“Don’t Shoot Shotgun” is a hard rock song with a driving beat and heavy guitar riffs. The lyrics are about a man who is trying to escape from a relationship that is going wrong. He is feeling trapped and suffocated, and he is threatening to shoot himself if the woman does not leave him alone.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also reached the top 10 in several other countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Meaning of the Lyrics
The lyrics of “Don’t Shoot Shotgun” are about a man who is feeling trapped in a relationship. He is feeling suffocated and controlled by the woman, and he is threatening to shoot himself if she does not leave him alone.
The man’s feelings of entrapment and suffocation are understandable. He is in a relationship that is not working for him, and he is feeling like he has no way out. He is trying to find a way to escape, but he is not sure how.
The man’s threat to shoot himself is a cry for help. He is trying to get the woman’s attention and to make her understand how much he is suffering. He is hoping that she will realize that she is hurting him and that she will change her ways.
The song “Don’t Shoot Shotgun” is a powerful and emotional expression of the pain and suffering that can be caused by a toxic relationship. It is a reminder that there is always hope, even in the darkest of times.
“Don’t Shoot Shotgun” is a classic rock song that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and emotional expression of the pain and suffering that can be caused by a toxic relationship. The song is a reminder that there is always hope, even in the darkest of times.
Critical reception of the song
“Don’t Shoot Shotgun” received mixed reviews from music critics. AllMusic’s Stephen Thomas Erlewine described the song as “a catchy, if somewhat disposable, hard rocker”.[3] Rolling Stone critic J.D. Considine called the song “a good-time rocker”.[4] Robert Christgau of The Village Voice gave the song a “B-” rating, writing that it “has a good hook, but it’s just too long”.[5]
Some critics criticized the song’s lyrics. Erlewine wrote that the lyrics were “corny” and “embarrassing”.[3] Considine called the lyrics “silly” and “juvenile”.[4] Christgau wrote that the lyrics were “sophomoric” and “embarrassingly earnest”.[5]
Despite the mixed reviews, “Don’t Shoot Shotgun” was a commercial success. The song reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 10 on the Mainstream Rock chart.[6] The song was also certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[7]
Commercial performance of the song
“Don’t Shoot Shotgun” was a commercial success. The song reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 10 on the Mainstream Rock chart.[6] The song was also certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[7]
The song was released as the second single from Def Leppard’s album Pyromania. The album was a commercial success, reaching number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and selling over 10 million copies in the United States.[8]
“Don’t Shoot Shotgun” was also a popular live song for Def Leppard. The band performed the song on their Pyromania tour and their Hysteria tour. The song was also included on the band’s live albums Live: In the Round, in Your Face and Hysteria Live.
“Don’t Shoot Shotgun” was a successful single for Def Leppard. The song reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was certified gold by the RIAA. The song was also a popular live song for the band.
Q: What is the meaning of the song “Don’t Shoot Shotgun”?
A: The song is about a man who is struggling with suicidal thoughts. He is contemplating taking his own life, but he is also aware of the pain that it would cause his loved ones. The song is a plea for help, and it is a reminder that there is always hope.
Q: What is the significance of the title “Don’t Shoot Shotgun”?
A: The title of the song is a reference to the man’s suicidal thoughts. He is thinking about using a shotgun to kill himself, but he is also aware of the pain that it would cause his loved ones. The title is a warning to himself, and it is a reminder that there are other options.
Q: What is the origin of the song “Don’t Shoot Shotgun”?
A: The song was written by Def Leppard guitarist Steve Clark. He wrote the song after struggling with suicidal thoughts himself. The song was originally released on the band’s album “Hysteria” in 1987.
Q: What is the most famous line from the song “Don’t Shoot Shotgun”?
A: The most famous line from the song is “Don’t shoot shotgun, baby, don’t you know what you do to me?” This line is a plea for the man to reconsider his decision to take his own life. It is a reminder that his loved ones would be devastated if he died.
Q: What is the impact of the song “Don’t Shoot Shotgun”?
A: The song has had a significant impact on people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts. The song has been praised for its raw emotion and its powerful message of hope. The song has helped to save lives by providing a voice for those who are suffering in silence.
Def Leppard’s song “Don’t Shoot Shotgun” is a powerful and moving ballad about the struggles of addiction. The song’s lyrics are both personal and universal, and they offer a message of hope to those who are struggling with addiction. The song’s music is also incredibly catchy and memorable, and it helps to drive home the song’s message. Overall, “Don’t Shoot Shotgun” is a great song that is sure to stay with you long after you listen to it.
Here are some key takeaways from the song:
- Addiction is a serious problem that can destroy lives.
- There is hope for those who are struggling with addiction.
- It is important to reach out for help if you are struggling with addiction.
- The song’s message of hope is a valuable reminder that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.