Lykke Li

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I am longing for your poison
Like a cancer for its prey
Shot an arrow in your harbor
Where you waited in the rain
I am siren, I am ivy
I am no one, I'm nobody
I am longing for your honey
I am longing for your love

[Chorus]
And the shot goes
Through my head and back
Gunshot
I can't take it back

[Verse 2]
Lay me down in your ocean
Carry me and my burden
I was dreaming about you, honey
I was hoping you'd save me

[Chorus]
And the shot goes
Through my head and back
Gunshot
I can't take it back
My heart cracked
Really loved you bad
Gunshot
Never get you back
[Bridge]
And I ache, while you're not here
Feel you aching
Wide awake, while you're not here
I can feel you firing straight into my heart

[Chorus]
Goes
Through my head and back
Gunshot
I can't take it back
My heart cracked
Really loved you bad
Gunshot
Never get you back

[Outro]
Never get you back
Never get you back
Never get you back
Never get you back

Have you ever experienced the delicate dance between love and regret? That bittersweet intertwining of emotions that can leave you feeling both euphoric and heartbroken at the same time? It's a tumultuous journey that many can relate to, and it serves as the foundation for Lykke Li's hauntingly beautiful ballad, "Gunshot." Released as the third single leading up to her third studio album, "I Never Learn," this reverby romp takes listeners on a slow-paced exploration of the complexities of love and the aftermath of a painful breakup.

Like a delicate brushstroke on a canvas, "Gunshot" captures the essence of a guilty lover's perspective post-breakup. Lykke Li drew inspiration from her own personal experiences, infusing the song with raw vulnerability and authenticity. It's this authenticity that resonates so deeply with listeners, as they find solace in knowing that they are not alone in the labyrinth of emotions that follows the end of a relationship.

Released on April 16, 2014, "Gunshot" emerged from a popup site, captivating audiences with its poignant lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes. It followed in the footsteps of two equally powerful singles, "Love Me Like I'm Not Made of Stone" and "No Rest For the Wicked." The music video, directed by Fleur & Manu, adds another layer of intensity to the song, with expertly choreographed movements by Ryan Heffington.

About Gunshot

As you dive deeper into the world of "Gunshot," a multitude of emotions will wash over you. Lykke Li's delicate vocals, accompanied by a haunting instrumental arrangement, create an ethereal atmosphere that envelops the listener from the first note. The slow-paced tempo allows each word to resonate, drawing out the feelings of vulnerability and regret that permeate the song.

Lyrically, "Gunshot" is a masterpiece of emotional storytelling. The guilt-ridden lyrics paint a vivid picture of a complex relationship: "I am longing for your poison, like a cancer for its prey." The imagery evokes a sense of helplessness and yearning, capturing the desperate desire to hold on to something that has already slipped through your fingers.

Throughout the song, Lykke Li's vocals carry a sense of fragility, as if every word could shatter like glass. The reverberation in her voice adds to the dreamlike quality of the track, engulfing the listener in a sonic haze that mirrors the haze of emotions experienced after a breakup.

Instrumentally, "Gunshot" is an atmospheric masterpiece. The reverb-drenched guitars and haunting synths create a sonic landscape that feels both intimate and expansive. The arrangement builds gradually, adding layers of complexity and intensity as the song progresses. The moments of silence between each verse become pregnant with anticipation, enhancing the impact of the lyrics when they do appear. It's a careful balance of subtlety and grandeur, perfectly capturing the emotional weight of the song.

The music video for "Gunshot" adds another layer of visual poetry to the already evocative track. Directed by Fleur & Manu, the video transforms the emotional landscape of the song into a stunning visual narrative. The choreography by Ryan Heffington perfectly complements Lykke Li's movements, capturing the essence of the lyrics in the physicality of the dance.

Through "Gunshot," Lykke Li invites listeners into her world of heartbreak and self-reflection. It's a song that resonates with those who have experienced the turbulent aftermath of a breakup, offering solace in its vulnerability and authenticity. With its atmospheric soundscapes and poignant lyrics, "Gunshot" is a musical gem that explores the complexities of love and regret with unwavering honesty.

• Release Date: May 2, 2014
• Artist: Lykke Li