The Cab – “Angel With A Shotgun” Lyrics Meaning

The Cab’s “Angel With A Shotgun” is a powerful ode to unwavering love, emphasizing the lengths one would go to protect and cherish it. It portrays the conflict between divine duty and earthly love, where the angel is willing to abandon heaven and forsake his faith to shield his beloved. With a clear message that love is worth fighting for, even if it means going against one’s nature or beliefs, the song captures the spirit of rebellious love.

Ready for a lyrical deep-dive? Venture into a celestial journey of sacrifice, devotion, and the intricacies of love.

“Angel With A Shotgun” Lyrics Meaning

From the onset, “Angel With A Shotgun” sets a combative tone: “Get out your guns, battles begun”. This introduces the narrative of a looming conflict where love is the battleground.

Questions like “Are you a saint, or a sinner?” and the proclamation “If love’s a fight, then I shall die with my heart on a trigger” underline the intensity and stakes of the romantic battle. Love, here, isn’t a passive emotion but a cause worth defending.

The chorus dives deeper into the selfless nature of the angel’s love. “I don’t care if heaven won’t take me back” emphasizes the angel’s willingness to forsake eternal paradise for the sake of earthly love. This sentiment is further intensified by the line, “I’ll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe”. It’s a stark declaration that for this angel, the beloved’s safety is paramount.

In the lines “Sometimes to win, you’ve got to sin”, the angel acknowledges the inherent contradictions in his actions. He’s consciously embracing imperfections for love. The references to “Major Tom” and being dubbed a “dreamer” further highlight the outsider status the angel feels.

The phrase “And I, wanna live, not just survive, tonight” embodies the angel’s desire to experience love fully, even if it’s fleeting, rather than just coasting through an immortal existence.

The repeated refrain, “I’m an angel with a shotgun”, solidifies the blending of celestial innocence with earthly aggression, illustrating the convergence of two worlds for the sake of love.

The Story Behind “Angel With A Shotgun”

“Angel With A Shotgun” was released when The Cab navigated their identity in the music world. The song, while catchy and energetic, carries a depth that resonates with many listeners. It can be seen as a metaphor for the challenges artists face: the constant balancing act between staying true to one’s artistry and adapting to the evolving demands of the music industry.

For the band members, the song might also represent personal challenges. Every artist grapples with the pressure of maintaining their authenticity while also catering to a broader audience. The angel in the song, willing to forsake heaven and battle for love, parallels an artist’s journey of risking everything for their passion and the love of their craft.

Furthermore, this song can be interpreted as the band’s statement about love’s unparalleled power. It’s a universal sentiment, resonating with anyone willing to make sacrifices for someone or something they hold dear.

Overall, “Angel With A Shotgun” is a poetic fusion of ethereal themes with gritty, earthly challenges, celebrating the indomitable spirit of love and the lengths one might go to protect it.