Motivation Monday – Andy Black: “Put The Gun Down”

I mentioned this song two weeks ago. I am not a huge Andy Black fan. I used to love Black Veil Brides, but Andy’s solo stuff has just never tickled my fancy. However, “Put The Gun Down” hit me with roughly the force of a tank. It remains one of my go-to tracks whenever I’m feeling low.

You can listen here and read the lyrics below. I think this is a message we’ve all needed at some point in our lives.

“Put The Gun Down”

Here’s where it starts
Another night alone in the dark
Hate is running through my veins
Steady now I’m takin’ aim
The darkness of day
All the skies are turning to gray
I can’t tune the voices out
How’d they get so Goddamn loud?
‘Cause there’s a side
Another side of me that can’t get out
A darker side that no one knows about

Can anybody hear me?
Can anybody see me?
‘Cause I think I lost my way
Put the gun down, just put the gun down
Will anybody watch me?
Is someone gonna stop me?
This could be my last mistake
Put the gun down, just put the gun down

Here’s where it ends
I’m never going back there again
‘Cause every time I’m standin’ by
The shadow’s in my line of sight
When does it stop?
‘Cause I’m livin cold and shut off
Even when I clench my fists
It’s slipping through my fingertips
‘Cause there’s a piece
There’s a piece of me that’s missing now
Yeah there’s a piece of me that’s breakin down

Can anybody hear me?
Can anybody see me?
‘Cause I think I lost my way
Put the gun down, just put the gun down
Will anybody watch me?
Is someone gonna stop me?
This could be my last mistake
Put the gun down, just put the gun down

That’s when I look myself in the mirror
Now I’m seeing things a little clearer
Honest I can’t hide what’s inside me
I said I’m tired of pointing the finger
Tired of this hand holding the trigger
Now I’m done with that
I gotta take one step back
Can anybody

Can anybody hear me?
Can anybody see me?
‘Cause i think i lost my way
Put the gun down, just put the gun down
Will anybody watch me?
Is someone gonna stop me?
This could be my last mistake
Put the gun down, just put the gun down

Here’s where it starts
Another night alone in the dark
Hate is running through my veins
Steady now I’m takin’ aim

10 Songs to Help You Through Hard Times

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, as I haven’t been in the best place mentally or emotionally for the past month. Music is the only thing that makes sense anymore.

I know we all have those songs that make us feel good, but what about the ones that are like a balm to our bruised hearts/souls? My recent struggles have led me to a few discoveries, one of which surprised me very much.

Alter Bridge: “I Know It Hurts”

Myles Kennedy is the king of uplifting lyrics. I can name a track from each Alter Bridge album that could be on this list, but “I Know It Hurts” takes the spot because of one simple line: “Now is not forever.” Sometimes, that is the best thing to remember.

Alter Bridge: “All Ends Well”

I said Myles was the king, right? “If you believe in nothing else, just keep believing in yourself.”

Almost Kings: “Better Than This”

There are actually a couple of songs from these Georgia natives that I could have chosen. However, “Better Than This” immediately struck a chord in me. I understand it so much more now.

Asking Alexandria: “Alone in a Room”

I know, I know. I haven’t shut up about this band or this song, but the lyrics describe my mindset so accurately that it’s scary.

Linkin Park: “Heavy”

Honestly, isn’t it nice to know you’re not the only one? This song has brought me to tears more than once, especially following Chester’s death.

Asking Alexandria: “Under Denver”

“Just wait and see, just sit and breathe.”

Andy Black: “Put the Gun Down”

This was the one that surprised me. I hadn’t listened to Andy’s solo record, then I randomly decided to let it play on Amazon. I ended up with this song on repeat. I couldn’t have found it at a better moment.

Blink-182: “Adam’s Song”

Self-explanatory.

Fun: “Carry On”

“May your past be the sound of your feet upon the ground. Carry on.”

Modest Mouse: “Float On”

My line has always been Don’t worry, even if things end up a bit too heavy. We’ll all float on alright.”

What I’m Listening To: Andy Black

I wasn’t overly impressed with “Ribcage” or “We Don’t Have to Dance,” so yeah, it took me a while to sit down and listen to The Shadow Side.

Overall, I enjoyed the album. It was certainly a departure from Black Veil Brides (always a plus when you decide to do a side project). The Shadow Side will likely find its way into my CD player many more times.

Though there are multiple high points, my absolute favorite track is “Put the Gun Down.” Check it out: