Meaning of "Where You Been Before" by Black Pistol Fire

The lyrics of "Where You Been Before" convey a sense of familiarity and understanding despite the distance between the narrator and the person they are addressing. The mention of a river being cold and fires below suggests that the person has been through a challenging and tumultuous period in their life, one that the narrator refuses to follow or engage with. This could represent a toxic or destructive relationship that the narrator is consciously choosing to distance themselves from. The repetition of the line "You'll never see me again" indicates a firm decision to break free and move on. However, the subsequent line "But you best believe, I know where you been before" suggests a deeper level of knowledge and understanding. The narrator may have witnessed the struggles and hardships that the other person has endured, granting them insight into their past experiences. This could also symbolize a sense of empathy or shared pain between the two individuals, despite their current detachment. The jam session towards the end of the song adds an element of raw emotion and passion, reflecting the intense feelings involved in this relationship dynamic.

The overall meaning of the lyrics could be interpreted as a message of personal growth and empowerment. The narrator refuses to be consumed by the chaos and pain of the other person's past, asserting their own autonomy and independence. The repetition of the phrase "get away from my gun" in the jam session section could be symbolic of the narrator reclaiming their power and protecting themselves from further harm. It conveys a sense of defiance and a firm boundary being set, emphasizing the narrator's determination to move forward and not be dragged back into a destructive cycle.