I Believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don't

GHOSTEMANE's song "I Believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don't" is a raw and intense exploration of defiance, inner turmoil, and the complexities of self-identity. The lyrics are a blend of aggressive bravado and introspective vulnerability, reflecting the artist's struggle with his own sense of worth and the external pressures of fame. The opening lines, "I wasn't shit until I told you Take 7 steps back," set the tone for a narrative of transformation and self-assertion. GHOSTEMANE acknowledges his rise to prominence, yet he remains skeptical of the superficial adulation he receives, as evidenced by the line, "Now these bitches throw my picture up and say that I'm they dad."

The song delves into themes of violence and existential dread, with GHOSTEMANE warning potential adversaries of the physical dangers they might face at his shows. This is juxtaposed with his own willingness to face death, a recurring motif in his work that underscores his nihilistic outlook. The reference to promoters misspelling his name, "Y'all forgot the E for everytime I drop the room explode," highlights his frustration with being misunderstood or underestimated, despite his undeniable impact on the music scene.

GHOSTEMANE's lyrics also touch on his intellectual pursuits and the esoteric knowledge he has acquired, as seen in the lines, "Dropped out of college the knowledge I fathered through alchemy made me supreme." This suggests a rejection of conventional education in favor of self-taught wisdom, further emphasizing his nonconformist attitude. The repeated refrain, "What if I told you I believe you but my Tommy don't," serves as a powerful metaphor for distrust and the readiness to defend oneself, drawing a parallel to the infamous gangster Al Capone. This line encapsulates the duality of GHOSTEMANE's persona: a blend of belief and skepticism, vulnerability and aggression.