Daddy’s Gun – Sarah Bettens

Daddy’s Gun is a song from Sarah Bettens’ 2007 album, Shine. Despite the upbeat tempo and beautiful melody, its message regarding the gun-related deaths of children is chilling.

The lyrics are written from the perspective of a child who shot her playmate while playing with her father’s gun:

“Looked at me and hit the ground, I couldn’t hear a single sound. Daddy could you check outside and tell me he’s alright.”

Every time I hear these words and imagine the confusion and fear of a small child who has yet to fully understand the consequences of his/her actions, I tear up. I cannot even begin to imagine what a parent would feel upon hearing this from their child.