Fast Hand

Cody Jinks' song "Fast Hand" delves into the life of a man who is haunted by his past actions and the unintended consequences of his quick reflexes. The protagonist begins by recounting a fateful night where, under the influence of alcohol, he shot a man who had heard of his reputation for being fast. This act of violence sets off a chain of events that forces him to flee, unable to claim self-defense, and burdened by the weight of his sins.

As the song progresses, the protagonist finds himself in various towns, each filled with men who share similar fates. These towns become a refuge for those running from their pasts, yet they also serve as a constant reminder of the protagonist's own guilt. The lyrics poignantly capture the cyclical nature of violence and the inescapable shadow it casts over one's life. The protagonist's encounters with others who recognize him as the man who shot that boy further emphasize his internal struggle and the inevitability of his demise.

In the latter part of the song, the protagonist reflects on his life in Fort Worth, a place where he is unknown and time has softened the edges of his past. Despite the physical changes brought by age, the emotional scars remain. The line "there’s a piece of my soul in every man I've killed" underscores the profound impact of his actions on his psyche. The song concludes with a sense of resignation and a desire for redemption, as the protagonist acknowledges that he never intended to be a bad man, but his fast hand led him down a path of regret and sorrow.