Gunslinger song meaning

Gunslinger features Shanna Crooks, a singer from a group named the Music Mafia. Originally, M. Shadows envisioned a heavy riff that would be played throughout the entire song. However, Synyster Gates insisted on playing an acoustic introduction. “It’s just that kind of song where it gives you chills,” says Zacky Vengeance. “The song is definitely one of the most touching set of lyrics that Matt’s probably ever wrote. He’s really great at writing when it comes to people being separated from each other.” M. Shadows explains the basis behind the song, saying, “I was specifically writing it for our troops in Iraq, and people who are at war anywhere in the country, or anywhere in any country, that are away from people they love.” Zacky also adds, “Instead of bitching and complaining about whose fault it is, or why they’re over there fighting wars, it’s just the human element of being separated from the people you love.” However, M. Shadows says the song isn’t directed at just that: “I also think that the song is not so directed at that, to where someone that’s just on vacation can’t, or someone that’s on tour and missing their loved ones can’t, relate to the song.”