AEROSMITH - JANIE’S GOT A GUN

Released: November 8, 1989

Charts: US: #4   UK: #76 

"Janie's Got a Gun" is a song co-written by Steven Tyler and Tom Hamilton. Released as the second single from the album “Pump”, the song achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart in 1990. It also topped the charts in Australia, marking Aerosmith's first number-one single there, and reached number two in Canada, number 12 in Sweden, and number 13 in New Zealand.

Steven Tyler began writing "Janie's Got a Gun" in his basement, originating the line "Janie's got a gun." After several months of development, the song's theme evolved into one addressing child abuse, inspired by an article he saw in Time magazine detailing handgun deaths in the U.S. Tyler was particularly struck by a woman's account of the alarming rates of child abuse, leading him to feel compelled to write about the issue. This realization marked the turning point for the song, as he aimed to shed light on the frightening reality of child abuse in his lyrics.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Steven Tyler discussed his complex feelings regarding fatherhood and attraction, particularly in relation to his daughter, Liv. He stated, "How can a father not be attracted to his daughter, especially when she's a cross between the girl he married and himself?" Tyler emphasized that while it's natural for a father to recognize his daughter's beauty, it's crucial to maintain appropriate boundaries. He expressed that "the real man knows that's just a place to never go" and instead honors his daughter by celebrating her as a "precious child of God." He clarified that "Janie's Got a Gun" addresses fathers who fail to understand this distinction.

The music video directed by David Fincher, is a cinematic depiction of a girl named Janie who kills her father, showcasing the aftermath of the crime. Recognized as one of the most impactful videos on MTV, Fincher’s expertise in building tension is evident throughout, employing lighting and composition techniques that would later feature in his acclaimed films like “Se7en”, “Alien III”, and “Panic Room”. The video stars Kristin Dattilo as Janie and Lesley Ann Warren as her mother, effectively illustrating the song's dark narrative.