Hey AurealiusB! This song has a good length - when I react with “what? It’s over already?” usually causes me to play it again. Good harmony vocal! Andrew
Hey, AB, I'm so glad this wasn't about actual guns. Having lived in Phoenix, Arizona for 20 years where men "settle" arguments and traffic altercations with guns, any mention of guns makes me wary. We are relieved to have left Arizona. But anyway, you've really got a heck of a hook going in this song with the rhythmic "You better shoot before your shot" chorus. The easy and catchy melody and story line are a lot of fun and a unique way of saying "you better get me before I get you." It's very well written and really should get much more attention. John
At first people may be taken aback by Kathy Keogh's lyrics. And for good reason as the title is, well a bit scary.
But yes, you're right -- the lyrics aren't about gun violence at all, but about Kathy's use of military imagery on what appears to a very poor relationship. Note her opening lines: "your eyes are army green, your head is camouflage, you're wearin' your heart half-mast like a flag, ten-gun salute." She is essentially using a military motif to describe a relationship that has gone sour.
And, like you said, this is more about I'm going to get you before you get me (but not in a violent way).
AurealiusB, this is an extremely clever song. I thought this was going to be about guns, that is until I heard the lyrics. You made Kathy's lyrics come to life. Great vocal, harmonies, and backing tracks. IMHO this is your best to date.
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Mario, Great to hear your very nice compliments on this song (the lyrics, my vocals and backing tracks). I'll pass this on to Kathy - she'll be thrilled! AurealiusB
I congratulate you and Kathy on an excellent song. I love the hook. Right from the start, I interpreted the "Shoot before you're shot" as a metaphor. It didn't occur to me to consider it any other way. I'm guessing that that's partly because here in Australia, guns are restricted, and thinking about guns from a weapon perspective is not something that automatically springs into my mind.
The writing, arrangement, vocals and production are excellent. I enjoyed the journey.
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
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