The song lyrically delves into themes of betrayal, emotional pain, and the consequences of broken promises. The narrator expresses a deep sense of hurt and anger towards someone who has wronged them, using vivid metaphors like having 'a gun for a mouth and a bullet with your name on it' to convey the intensity of their feelings. The repeated chorus emphasizes the sense of being made a fool of and the physical and emotional toll it has taken on the narrator. The imagery of bleeding blood from an empty pocket in the chorus further symbolizes the personal loss and emptiness felt by the narrator. The outro encapsulates the ongoing struggle and the inescapable nature of the pain inflicted.

The song captures a narrative of confusion and disillusionment, deeply rooted in the experience of betrayal. It uses the metaphor of being 'dealt a crooked hand' to describe the inevitability and the harsh impact of betrayal, likening it to an unexpected bad event coming 'Out of the Black.' The lyrics explore the contradiction between the protagonist's vow of silence towards the betrayer and their inability to stop the harm caused by words, akin to bullets from a gun. This intense emotional turmoil is further highlighted by references to feeling disrespected and the unrealistic expectations set by vows, possibly hinting at the breakdown of a marriage or a solemn promise. Mike Kerr's explanation adds a layer of personal betrayal to the song, emphasizing the shock and disillusionment that inspired its creation.