Introduction:
Released in 2010, “Bullets in the Gun” by Toby Keith is both the title track and lead single from his fourteenth studio album. The song narrates a gripping outlaw story where Keith takes on the role of a protagonist involved in crime, danger, and betrayal. The narrative style, reminiscent of classic western tales, features a love interest and an intense showdown that culminates in a daring escape. The song’s evocative storytelling reflects Keith’s knack for crafting vivid scenes and has drawn comparisons to the classic outlaw ballads of country music’s past.
Keith co-wrote “Bullets in the Gun” with Rivers Rutherford, and together they crafted a song that blends country rock with gritty lyrics and a western theme. The track received praise for its edgy, cinematic storytelling, with critics highlighting Keith’s vocals and the song’s high-energy instrumental arrangement. Musically, it departs from Keith’s usual sound, featuring a rock-infused approach with electric guitar riffs, a powerful beat, and an intense, suspenseful build-up that complements the narrative’s tension.
The song charted well, reaching number 12 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. The album itself was commercially successful, debuting at number one on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. The popularity of “Bullets in the Gun” also led to a striking music video that emphasizes its cinematic qualities, further reinforcing the song’s story-driven appeal and capturing its dramatic themes. This single showcases Toby Keith’s versatility as both a songwriter and performer, merging classic country storytelling with contemporary rock elements to deliver a memorable anthem within his discography.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Bullets In The Gun”
I was always quick to strike
Had everything I own
In the saddles on my bike
I had a reputation
For never staying very long
Just like a wild and restless drifter
Like a cowboy in a songI met a darkhaired beauty
Where they lay the whiskey down
In southern Arizona
In a little border town
She had to dance for money
In that dusty old saloon
I dropped a dollar in the jukebox
Played that girl a tune, yeah
Never see it comin’
It just hits you by surprise
It’s that cold place in your soul
And the fire in her eyes
That makes you come together
Like wild horses when they run
Now the cards are on the table and
The bullets in the gun
She was sittin’ on my lap
We still had shots to kill
When a man pulled up
Who owned the bar
In a Cadillac Deville
Grabbed her by her raven hair
And threw her on the floor
Said, “No free rides for the cowboys,
That ain’t what I pay you for, no”
She jumped up and grabbed my pistol
Stuck it in the fat man’s back
Said, “Open up the safe
And put your money in the sack”
Then tied his hands behind him
And put a blindfold on his eyes
Said, “If you’re dumb enough to chase us, man,
You’re dumb enough to die”
Never see it comin’
It just hits you by surprise
It’s that cold place in your soul
And the fire in her eyes
Makes you come together
Like wild horses when they run
Now the cards are on the table
And the bullets in the gun
We rode across the border
Down into Mexico
When you’re runnin’ from the law
Ain’t that where everybody goes
We came upon a town
With a name I couldn’t spell
She gave me what I came for
In that Mexican motel
I woke up to sirens
And the sound of running feet
Near 50 Federals locked and loaded in the street
She grabbed my 44
I grabbed the money in the sack
I kissed her for the last time
And we headed out the back
Every gun was on us
And every heartbeat pounded
The only thing that’s left to do
When they got you all surrounded
She fired that old pistol
But we didn’t stand a prayer
Money hit the gravel
Bullets filled the air
Never see it comin’
Just hits you by surprise
It’s that cold place in your soul
And the fire in her eyes
Makes you come together
Like wild horses when they run
Now the cards are on the table and
The bullets in the gun
Bullets in the gun
Bullets in the gun
Bullets in the gun