Barrel of a Gun (Depeche Mode song)
"Barrel of a Gun" is a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released as the first single from their ninth studio album, "Ultra" (1997), on 3 February 1997. The song reached number one in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain and Sweden while reaching the top 10 in several other countries, including Finland, Germany, Norway and the United Kingdom. In North America, the song reached number 47 on the US "Billboard" Hot 100 and number five on the Canadian "RPM" Alternative 30. Song meaning. "It's about understanding what you're about  and realising that you don't necessarily fit into somebody else's scheme of things," said keyboardist Martin Gore. Singer Dave Gahan, who was weakened from his battle with substance abuse at the time, added, "The song sums up the way I was treating myself and everybody around me. That's what life had in store for me every day. It's a really powerful statement. When you're in that kind of row, the last thing on your mind is dying." Critical reception. Larry Flick from "Billboard" wrote, "One of the true pioneering acts of electro-pop ends a  lengthy break from the airwaves with a thoroughly satisfying if often caustic blend of techno synths and metallic guitars. Singer Dave Gahan has a field day digging into Martin Gore's typically heavy lyrics, comfortably swerving back and forth between hypnotic lethargy to white-knuckled intensity. Producer Tim Simenon wisely underlines the track with the kind of hip-hop motion needed to crack the pop market, while carefully weaving the instrumentation so that rockers and clubheads alike can happily jam on this one—and they will." Dominic Pride from "Music & Media" noted that Depeche Mode "serve up the sombre, industrial  sound for which they've become huge in Europe, but with Simenon adding some open space to the production." He added that Gahan's "distorted vocals bring a touch of Nine Inch Nails to the party." Music video. The music video for the song, shot in Morocco by Anton Corbijn, features Gahan with long hair singing with his eyes closed, with eyeballs drawn on his eyelids to make it seem like they are open. Track listings. All songs were written by Martin L. Gore. UK and US 12-inch single (12BONG25; 0-43828) UK and European CD single (CDBONG25; 74321464902 ) US 7-inch single (7-17409) US CD single (2-17409) Canadian CD single (CD 43828) Australian CD single (D1560, LCDBONG 25)