Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: singer-songwriter
Song Meaning of “Priceless Antique Pistol Shoots Startled Owner” by Corb Lund
This song is a dark and cautionary tale about the power of a lethal object and the dangers of recklessly handling firearms. Corb Lund sings of a man who discovers a priceless antique pistol, and when he tries to test out the weapon, he ends up shooting himself in the leg. This incident stands as a lesson in the importance of being knowledgeable and responsible when handling firearms, as the protagonist’s carelessness has now cost him dearly. The song is a metaphor for how the allure of power-physical or otherwise-can end up being our own undoing if we don’t use it with caution and control. The narrator’s injury also serves as a reminder of the weight of a mistake that cannot be undone, and how it can leave deep scars that take time and effort to heal. Ultimately, this song reflects on the cost of recklessness-both literal and figurative-and is a reminder to stay mindful of the power we hold.