Meaning of "Stick To Your Guns" by Watsky
The lyrics of "Stick To Your Guns" delve into the theme of anger and resentment towards those who have mistreated and marginalized the narrator. The first verse paints a picture of the narrator feeling betrayed by the people they encountered in life. The mention of being mocked, ignored, and labeled as a weakling or freak points to a history of bullying or exclusion. The narrator's desperation and frustration are evident as they contemplate taking revenge, fantasizing about a violent confrontation. The desire to walk in the door with a shotgun and make others suffer reflects their deep-seated anger and desire for retribution.
In the second verse, the song shifts its focus to criticize the sensationalism and exploitation that occurs in media coverage of tragedies. The narrator sarcastically applauds the news network for being the top-rated crew and emphasizes the disconnect between the seriousness of the situation and the focus on ratings and graphic visuals. The lyrics call attention to the media's obsession with presenting tragedy in a way that caters to pre-existing opinions and ensures maximum viewership. The segment that features an interview with a student who survived being shot in the head highlights the disturbing voyeuristic tendency of news outlets to exploit victims' pain for their own gain.
The following part sarcastically acknowledges the insincere condolences and sentiments expressed by politicians and political opponents after a tragedy. The song criticizes the practice of using such events as opportunities for political gain rather than genuinely seeking solutions to prevent similar incidents in the future. The mention of twisting pain for political gain and casting blame highlights the hypocrisy and opportunism of these acts.
In the final lines of the song, the lyrics encourage listeners to "stick to your guns." This phrase serves as a metaphor for staying true to oneself, holding onto personal values, and not succumbing to societal pressures or superficial distractions. Despite the darkness and anger present throughout the song, the concluding lyrics suggest that finding strength in one's own convictions can be a powerful way to navigate through difficult times and maintain authenticity.