Bullets in the Gun (song) explained

Bullets in the Gun
Cover:Toby-Keith-Bullets-single cover.jpg
Border:yes
Type:single
Artist:Toby Keith
Album:Bullets in the Gun
Released:September 27, 2010
Recorded:2010
Genre:Country
Length: (album version)
(radio edit)
Label:Show Dog-Universal Music
Producer:Toby Keith
Prev Title:Trailerhood
Prev Year:2010
Next Title:Somewhere Else
Next Year:2011

"Bullets in the Gun" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Toby Keith. It was released in September 2010 as the second single and title track from his 2010 album of the same name. The song peaked at number 12 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Keith co-wrote the song with Rivers Rutherford.

Critical reception

Juli Thanki of Engine 145 gave the song a "thumbs up", saying that Keith's vocals had "nearly tangible bravado".[1] Randy Lewis of the Los Angeles Times called the song "cinematic" and compared it to Marty Robbins's "El Paso".[2] Reviewing for The New York Times, Jon Caramanica called the song "a pumped-up and comically desperate tale" and "almost parodic".[3] Matt Bjorke of Roughstock gave the song a positive review, saying that it was Keith's best single in a decade. He also called it "a fantastic reminder of how a strongly lyrical song can take us places and into a movie in our minds." Bjorke also said that "even if you don’t condone the fictional story being told, it’s still a damn good song with a melody which suits the lyric perfectly."[4]

Controversy

In January 2011, Emily Robison of the Dixie Chicks stated during a video chat that she thought the song resembled Robert Earl Keen's "The Road Goes on Forever".[5] Robert Earl Keen observed the same thing, saying, "But you know what they say about people from Oklahoma: They'll steal your hat and help you look for it." In fact, he specifically aimed his song "The Road Goes on and On" at Keith to criticize him.[6]

Music video

Michael Salomon directed the song's music video.[7] It stars Danielle Vasinova and Chad Bannon.

Chart performance

"Bullets in the Gun" debuted at number 37 on the Hot Country Songs chart dated for the week ending 9 October 2010. It also debuted at number 97 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week of 20 November 2010.[8]

Year-end charts

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Toby Keith – "Bullets in the Gun" . Thanki . Juli . 8 October 2010 . Engine 145 . 24 October 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121010115340/http://www.engine145.com/toby-keith-bullets-in-the-gun/ . 10 October 2012 .
  2. Web site: Album review: Toby Keith's 'Bullets in the Gun' . Lewis . Randy . . 5 October 2010 . 26 October 2010.
  3. News: Critics' Choice - New CDs from Toby Keith, Marnie Stern and King Sunny Adé - Review - NYTimes.com . Caramanica . Jon . . 3 October 2010. 26 October 2010.
  4. http://www.roughstock.com/blog/toby-keith-bullets-in-the-gun- Bullets in the Gun review by Matt Bjorke
  5. Web site: Court Yard Hounds Question Toby Keith's 'Bullets in the Gun'. Duvall. Erin. 20 January 2011. The Boot. 23 January 2011.
  6. Web site: Robert Earl Keen Parries Toby Keith and Shows He's Ready For Confetti'. Parker. Chris. 17 January 2013. Nashville Scene. 14 October 2013.
  7. Web site: "Bullets in the Gun" video . https://web.archive.org/web/20101024173942/http://www.cmt.com/videos/toby-keith/588704/bullets-in-the-gun.jhtml . dead . 24 October 2010 . . 26 October 2010.
  8. Web site: Zac Brown Band Crowns Album Charts With You Get What You Give . https://web.archive.org/web/20101006051741/http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1649188/zac-brown-band-crowns-album-charts-with-you-get-what-you-give.jhtml . dead . 6 October 2010 . Morris . Edward . 2 October 2010 . CMT . 26 October 2010.
  9. Best of 2011: Country Songs . . . 2011 . 10 December 2011.