A BOY IS A GUN*

## Background

“A BOY IS A GUN\*” is one of the more Kanye-esque tracks out of *IGOR*, as seen by Tyler’s delivery of the chorus and the clear use of “Bound” by the Ponderosa Twins, which was also sampled by West in his 2013 album, Yeezus. The song was first teased in a 28-second snippet posted by Tyler on May 13, 2019. It is one of the softer cuts on the album with the chorus featuring prominent use of a soul sample, with glittery synths and keys littered throughout the background.

Tyler seems to be alluding to his possible bisexuality, with the lyrical similes of his lover being like a gun and the title of the track being “A BOY IS A GUN\*.” Throughout the song, Tyler compares being with his love interest with gun ownership in several ways.

The title “A BOY IS A GUN\*” was inspired by the 1971 French western movie *A Girl Is a Gun* which Tyler confirmed at the *IGOR* Apple Music concert.

The song’s music video was released on September 16th, 2019.

## Lyrics

[Refrain]

No, don't shoot me down (Yeah)

No, don't shoot me down (Okay)

No, don't shoot me down

[Chorus]

You so motherfuckin' dangerous

*(You started with a mere hello)*

You so motherfuckin' dangerous

You got me by my neck (A boy is a gun)

That's why these other n!ggas lame to us

'Cause all these other n!ggas lame as fuck

We show 'em no respect
[Post-Chorus]
*(You started with a mere hello)*
When the time's right, yeah
When the time's right, baby
When the time's right (A boy is a gun)
(Turn me up a little bit)
[Refrain]
No, don't shoot me down
[Verse 1]
Take your hoodie off, why you hide your face from me?
Make your fuckin' mind up, I am sick of waitin' patiently
How come you're the best to me? I know you're the worst for me
Boy, you're sweet as sugar, diabetic to the first degree
My spidey sensies got me on the fencies
Whole squad in Ginza, travel bag by Balenci'
Big dawg hittin' big wheelies on the six speed
[Refrain]
No, don't shoot me down
[Chorus]
You so motherfuckin' dangerous
*(You started with a mere hello)*You so motherfuckin' dangerous
You got me by my neck (A boy is a gun)
That's why these other n!ggas lame to us
'Cause all these other n!ggas lame as fuck
They show 'em no respect
[Post-Chorus]

*(You started with a mere hello)*

When the time's right (Yeah)

When the time's right, baby

When the time's right (A boy is a gun)

(Look)

No, don't shoot me down

[Verse 2]

Oh, you passive-aggressive? Oh, you fakin' you're mad?

*(You started with a mere hello)*

Oh, you wanna go home? Cool, you better call you a cab

I ain't takin' you home, yeah, I'm brushin' you off

'Cause this parka is Comme, you're my favorite garçon

Don't leave, stay right here, yeah, I want you right near

*(You started with a mere hello)*

You invited me to breakfast, why the fuck your ex here?

Well, let's see if you 'round a god around this time next year

[Refrain]

No, don't shoot me down

No, don't shoot me down (Fucked up)

No, don't shoot me down

No, don't shoot me down

[Chorus]

You so motherfuckin' dangerous

*(You started with a mere hello)*

You so motherfuckin' dangerous

You got me by my neck (A boy is a gun)

That's why I start to think it's lame as fuck

(Well, I'm here for you)

[Post-Chorus]

*(You started with a mere hello)*

When the time's right (Yeah)

When the time's right, baby

When the time's right (A boy is a gun)

[Refrain]

No, don't shoot me down

[Bridge]

*(You started with a mere hello)*

You're a gun 'cause I like you on my side at all times

You keep me safe (No, don't shoot me down)

*(You started with a mere hello)*

Wait, wait, depending on, you know *(All the time)*

You could be dangerous to me *(Time, time)*

Or anyone else

[Verse 3]

Look, they be bringin' us up

*(You started with a mere hello)*

Yeah, like now and again

Give a fuck what they talkin' 'bout, I see you as a 10

I'ma leave it at that, I'ma leave us as friends

'Cause the irony is I don't wanna see you again

Stay the fuck away from me

Stay the fuck away from me

Stay the fuck away from me

I ain't gon' repeat myself, but stay the fuck away from me

[Outro]

*(You started with a mere hello)*

(A boy is a gun)

No, don't shoot me down

*(You started with a mere hello)*

(A boy is a gun)