I'm Gonna Get Me a Gun


"I'm Gonna Get Me A Gun" is a song that Cat Stevens wrote, composed, and recorded in 1967, and was produced by Mike Hurst of Decca Records's recently added Deram Records label. It was released as a 45 in the UK, reaching number 6 in the UK Singles Chart, and it was featured on U.S pressings of his debut album Matthew and Son. The b-side was a pop song called "School is Out" that followed the same style as the rest of the album.

Personnel

Subject

The song's protagonist is a young man who means to obtain a gun, out of frustration with his grinding, unfulfilling work and the lack of respect he apparently receives from his co-workers. The selection can be perceived as a kind of sequel to "Matthew and Son" and a prelude to Northern Wind.
"I'm Gonna Get Me a Gun" was recorded on 23 January 1967 together with "When I Speak To The Flowers", "The Tramp", "Hummingbird" and "Lady", all of which appeared on Steven's debut album Matthew and Son. The song was written, composed, and originally released in the middle 1960s, years before workplace violence and school shootings became a major problem in the United States.

Charts

Song
YearChartChart Position
1967UK Singles Chart6
New Zealand 4