About The Song
(Watch the video below)
"Ballad of a Well-Known Gun" is a compelling and evocative track by Elton John, featured as the opening song on his 1970 album "Tumbleweed Connection." This haunting ballad showcases John's storytelling prowess and musical depth, transporting listeners to the wild and untamed landscape of the American frontier.
Lyrically, "Ballad of a Well-Known Gun" tells the tale of a mysterious and enigmatic gunslinger who roams the lawless frontier, leaving a trail of chaos and destruction in his wake. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist's solitary existence, haunted by his past and driven by a sense of wanderlust and adventure. Lines like "I just rode in to town today, With fire in my hands, I wasn't long before they rode along" capture the essence of the gunslinger's dangerous and unpredictable nature.
Elton John's vocal performance on "Ballad of a Well-Known Gun" is nothing short of mesmerizing, with his emotive delivery imbuing the lyrics with a sense of drama and intensity. His powerful voice soars over the sparse instrumentation, drawing listeners into the song's atmospheric and haunting narrative.
Musically, "Ballad of a Well-Known Gun" is characterized by its stripped-down arrangement, featuring acoustic guitars, mournful harmonica, and subtle percussion that evoke the desolate and barren landscape of the American frontier. The song's haunting melody and atmospheric soundscapes create a sense of tension and suspense, immersing listeners in the world of the gunslinger and his solitary quest for redemption.
Despite its dark and brooding themes, "Ballad of a Well-Known Gun" also carries a deeper message about the human condition and the search for meaning and purpose in a world filled with violence and uncertainty. In the midst of chaos and turmoil, the song serves as a reminder of the power of redemption and the possibility of finding peace and salvation, even in the most unlikely of places.
As one of the standout tracks on "Tumbleweed Connection," "Ballad of a Well-Known Gun" remains a fan favorite and a testament to Elton John's enduring legacy as one of the most iconic and influential artists in popular music history. Its haunting beauty and timeless appeal continue to captivate audiences around the world, making it a cherished part of John's vast musical repertoire.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
I pulled out my stage coach times
And I read the latest news
I tapped my feet in dumb surprise
And of course I saw they knew
The Pinkertons pulled out my bags
And asked me for my name
I stuttered out my answer
And hung my head in shame
Now they've found me
At last they've found me
It's hard to run
From a starving family
Now they've found me
Well I won't run
I'm tired of hearing
There goes a well-known gun
Now I've seen this chain gang
Lord, I say let me see my priest
I couldn't have faced your desert sand
Old burning brown backed beast
The poor house they hit me for my kin
And claimed my crumbling walls
Now I know how Reno felt
When he ran from the law
Now they've found me
At last they've found me
It's hard to run
From a starving family
Now they've found me
Well, I won't run
I'm tired of hearing
There goes the well-known gun
Now they've found me
Lord, I say at last they've found me
It's hard to run
From a starving family
Lord, I say now they've found me
Well I won't run
I'm tired of hearing
I said, there goes a well-known gun
Lord, I say now they've found me
At last they've found me
It's hard to run
From a starving family
Now they've found me
I won't run
And I'm tired of hearing
There goes a well-known gun