Gurf Morlix‘s lastest release “Finds The Present Tense” finds Mr. Morlix wrestling with the ever present tension and danger that permeates the world we live in.
“He had a horse named Trigger, a dog named Bullet
squinty eyes, and nerves of steel
he could rope, and he could ride
shootin’ iron, hangin’ at his side”
Including the G-word. Guns.
“wide eyed kids, we were mesmerized
eyeballs glued to that TV screen
every Saturday mornin’, we were thrilled
to see how many bad guys, Roy could kill”
On first listen “Bang Bang Bang” sounds like the most upbeat, least “muddy” track on this excellent album of original tunes and a little bit nostalgic.
“BULLETS FLYIN’ THROUGH THE AIR
EACH ONE’S GONNA LAND SOMEWHERE
GUNS WERE FIRIN’, RICOCHETS SANG
BIG OL’ SHOOT ‘EM UP, BANG BANG BANG”
And then it turns personal, turns tragic.
“A drunk, a poet, a fighter, and a friend
a life force about to come to an end
sittin’ with an old man, followin’ his code
at 5 AM it was about to explode
standin’ up for right, or maybe wobblin’ a bit
was shot down so deliberate
shot down, gone away
gone forever, miss him every day”
Unfortunately we are all left wondering when, not if, the next murder, massacre, slaughter will occur.
“BULLETS FLYIN’ THROUGH THE AIR
EACH ONE’S GONNA LAND SOMEWHERE
SUN WOULD RISE, BUT THE SMOKE WOULD HANG
BLAZE OF GLORY, BANG BANG BANG”
Gurf takes a brave and often unpopular stance since somewhere around 45% of Americans feel the need to arm themselves so they can join a militia, prepare for the coming apocalypse (religious, political or nuclear) and insure public safety.
“BANG BANG BANG, BANG BANG BANG, BANG BANG BANG”
Statistically the owner of the gun is more likely injure or kill themself, a friend or family member whether intentionally or accidentally.
“Now we shoot people for comin’ in our yards
we shoot politicians, we shoot superstars
I’m not sure what all this shootin’ proves
but we’ll shoot, anything that moves”
It’s been said artists don’t write protest songs anymore.
“Guns in bedrooms, guns in cars
guns in purses, guns in bars
guns in backpacks, guns in schools
we’re a bunch of gun carryin’ fools”
Gurf did.
“BULLETS FLYIN’ THROUGH THE AIR
EACH ONE’S GONNA LAND SOMEWHERE
COMIN’ BACK AT US LIKE A BOOMERANG
EVERYBODY’S GOIN’ BANG BANG BANG
WHOLE COUNTRY’S GOIN’ BANG BANG BANG”
Here’s proof. Listen. I wish Congress would.
A big thank you to Gurf for providing a lyric sheet and allowing their publication and the streaming of “Bang Bang Bang”.
