Elephant Gun

Beirut's 'Elephant Gun' is a song that seems to capture the essence of youthful restlessness and the desire to escape the confines of one's beginnings. The opening lines, 'If I was young, I'd flee this town / I'd bury my dreams underground,' suggest a longing to break free from the limitations of a small town or a stifling environment. The mention of burying dreams could imply that in order to leave, one might have to give up on certain aspirations, or perhaps that the act of fleeing itself is a dream that has been suppressed.

The chorus, with its repeated call to 'Let the seasons begin,' evokes a sense of readiness for change and the start of a new adventure. The 'elephant guns' metaphorically represent a significant challenge or 'big game' that the protagonist is determined to confront. This could be interpreted as a personal battle or an external obstacle that must be overcome. The song's atmosphere is one of determination mixed with a touch of melancholy, as if the speaker is both excited for the journey and aware of the sacrifices it entails.

The haunting refrain, 'And it rips through the silence of our camp at night,' could symbolize the disruptive nature of change or the inner turmoil that often accompanies the pursuit of one's dreams. The silence of the camp could represent a peaceful status quo that is shattered by the pursuit of something greater. The song ends on a note of introspection, with the acknowledgment that what is left after all the noise and struggle is the part of oneself that is hidden away, perhaps the true dreams and desires that motivate us all.