Eddie Cohn is back with a powerful message, and his new single, “Stop Waving the Gun,” released today, November 8, is a reminder of his capacity to create thought-provoking, boundary-pushing music that strikes a deep emotional chord. Known for past releases like “Wave Goodbye” and “Keep Them Away,” Cohn has established himself as an artist unafraid to delve into society’s more challenging topics. With this release, he masterfully channels his frustration and empathy into a raw and resonant piece that confronts the realities of gun culture in America.
Opening with a heavy, grounding pulse from the bass and drums, “Stop Waving the Gun” sets an urgent tone that would pull you in right away. Sean Hurley’s deep throb of the bass guitar and Jake Reed’s steady percussion lay a weighted foundation, as if each beat echoes the heartbeat of a society on edge. The production by Cohn himself is rich, and it allows each instrument to stand out while seamlessly blending. There’s an organic quality here; a groundedness that makes the message hit even harder. Brett Farkas’s electric guitar lines cut through the mix, adding an almost abrasive edge that intensifies the song’s confrontational spirit, while Philip Peterson’s cello offers a poignant counterpoint, hauntingly underscoring the lyrics with a mournful resonance.
From the outset, the lyrics are blunt, biting, and resonant. “Bill me for your time. I don’t give a fuck. Why’d you pick a fight, I’m innocent.” Cohn delivers these opening lines with vulnerability and defiance, setting a tone that carries through the entire track. His vocals, as the lead and background, are striking in their sincerity. There’s a rawness in his voice that captures a deeply personal connection to the issue. His delivery ranges from soft-spoken reflection to outright confrontation, making the lyrics feel as though they’re coming straight from his core. The refrain, “Stop waving the gun. In front of my eye eye eye. Stop waving the gun. And live my life,” is an appeal and a demand, inviting us to step back and reflect on the personal costs of a culture so entwined with weapons.
Cohn’s lyrics cut to the quick of the issue, calling out the paradoxes in a culture that prizes freedom yet is trapped by fear. “Take pride in your gun. Not surprised. You take your time to pick out. Who you’ll shoot again” – lines like these don’t mince words, and his delivery is piercing. There’s a sense of despair and outrage, but it’s tempered by a glimmer of hope that perhaps this message will reach those who need to hear it. His music becomes a vehicle for social commentary, holding up a mirror to the culture he critiques, and making it impossible to ignore the devastation wrought by violence.
The rock genre fits this song’s message perfectly. The instrumentation is bold and direct, every element playing a role in expressing Cohn’s vision. The electric guitars by Brett Farkas amplify the intensity, while synth layers and acoustic guitar lines bring an eerie, reflective quality to the arrangement. Mixed and mastered by Kevin Penner, the production is flawless yet retains a gritty authenticity that makes it feel alive. There’s an artful balance between polish and rawness, giving the song a timeless quality that resonates with urgency.
Eddie Cohn’s “Stop Waving the Gun” is a bold return to form for an artist who continually pushes the boundaries of music and meaning. With this track, he solidifies his reputation as a musician unafraid to hold up a light to society’s darker corners. This is a call to action, a plea for empathy, and a bold challenge to examine our relationship with violence. In a time when messages like these are sorely needed, Eddie Cohn reminds us of the power of music to make us think, feel, and hopefully, change.
Listen to “Keep Them Away” by Eddie Cohn on Spotify or SoundCloud, and watch the video with the link above.
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