Meaning of He Got a Gun by Westside Gunn

The Westside Gunn song titled 'He Got a Gun' explores a multitude of themes within its lyrics. At first glance, the song's overall theme seems to revolve around wealth, power, and the pursuit of success. However, upon deeper analysis, it becomes apparent that the song delves into more unexpected and imaginative themes that all tie back to the overarching concept.One standout lyric in the song is "I cruise my city seeing poverty, bulletproof the Mulsanne in case they try to body me." This line showcases the stark contrast between the luxurious lifestyle and the harsh reality of the city streets. It highlights the deep-rooted fear that success can bring, where individuals must constantly protect themselves from those who may try to harm them out of envy or desperation. This lyric, in turn, develops the theme of the precarious nature of success and the lengths one must go to maintain it.Another intriguing lyric is "All black war face painted, I'm looking like Sting." This unexpected reference to the iconic wrestler provides a fresh perspective within the song. It delves into the idea of putting on a persona and transforming oneself into a formidable force that demands respect and attention. The allusion to Sting's face paint suggests that individuals may need to adopt a certain image or alter ego to establish their presence and differentiate themselves from others. This lyric, therefore, contributes to the underlying theme of self-reinvention and the creation of an identity that commands authority.The line "Money falling apart, this shit's so old, using clear tapes, Cheerios in Versace bowls" presents a paradoxical theme of extravagance and degradation. It reveals a sense of opulence on the surface, represented by Versace bowls, juxtaposed against financial instability and a need for resourcefulness in making ends meet. This lyric comments on the ephemeral nature of wealth and the constant struggles that come with trying to maintain appearances. It further develops the theme of materialism, highlighting the emptiness that can accompany the pursuit of material success.The lyric "Don't fuck around and get killed, nigga, a hundred round drum, I call it Wilt, nigga" brings in a theme of violence and survival, juxtaposed against references to basketball player Wilt Chamberlain. It explores the notion of having to defend oneself in a dangerous world by comparing the presence of a hundred round drum (a high-capacity ammunition magazine) to the dominance and prowess of Wilt Chamberlain on the basketball court. This lyric not only emphasizes the need for protection but also touches on the concept of power, equating physical strength with the ability to overcome obstacles.Through these multiple standout lyrics, 'He Got a Gun' continuously reinforces the overarching theme of the song, which revolves around wealth, power, and the pursuit of success. However, by exploring unexpected and imaginative themes within each individual lyric, Westside Gunn encourages listeners to contemplate the complexities and sacrifices that come with these endeavors. Whether it be the fear that success can bring, the need to reinvent oneself, the emptiness of materialism, or the violence that may accompany the pursuit of power, the song delves into deeper layers of meaning, provoking thought and discussion. Ultimately, 'He Got a Gun' provides listeners with a thought-provoking narrative that goes beyond surface-level interpretations and encourages introspection on the multifaceted nature of success in modern society.