The lyrics describe a man being shot by a bullet, emphasizing how the bullet passes through various parts of his body, including his skin, stomach, heart, and head, carrying with it memories and experiences before exiting.

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Meaning of "Bullet" by David Byrne


"Bullet" by David Byrne can be interpreted as a metaphor for the transient nature of life and the impact of past experiences on a person's present and future. The bullet symbolizes the inevitability of death and how it can intrude unexpectedly into one's life, disrupting the flow of thoughts, emotions, and memories that make up a person's identity. The mention of women's touch, fine meals tasted, kisses inhaled, and thoughts of love and hate alludes to the richness of human experience that can be abruptly halted by a single event. By comparing the bullet to an old grey dog on a fox's trail, the lyrics suggest a sense of inevitability and purpose to the man's journey towards his own mortality. Ultimately, the song reflects on the fragility of life and the impermanence of human existence.