There was a shootout at that house
I was headed downtown
Unaware of the SWAT who blocked my path
I was only aware of the sky
Excuse me ma'am, could you go around?
You're not really safe here
Better go and find another way
Please cross the street right now
Now she's all gussied up, a fresh coat of paint and new owners
Civil service pension, all the high-tech nylon gear
Standing round talking with the neighbours in the park like any old one
Unless you're staring down the barrel how could you know what you should fear?
When you stare
Straight down the barrel of a long thin gun
When you stare
Straight down the barrel and you find someone
When you stare
Straight down the barrel of a loaded gun
Someone's waiting there
I heard the neighbours say, “he could have lost everything”
His wife had run out of town and the kids were off at school
What turns a man into empty anger?
And makes him take his shame and point it out the window
When you stare
Straight down the barrel of a long thin gun
When you stare
Straight down the barrel and you find someone
When you stare
Straight down the barrel of a loaded gun
Someone's waiting there