20 Songs About Shots

When it comes to songs about shots, there are two types: those that sing the praises of alcohol, and those that bemoan the pain of being hurt. Whether you’re looking to party hard or reflect on the morning after, these 20 tracks have got you covered. Here are the best songs about shots.

1. “Shot Through the Heart” by Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi - You Give Love A Bad Name (Official Music Video)Bon Jovi – You Give Love A Bad Name (Official Music Video)

First on the list is a song about the pain of love lost, courtesy of ’80s hair metal icons Bon Jovi. “Shot Through the Heart” is taken from the band’s breakthrough self-titled album, and it perfectly captures the anguish of a failed relationship. It was released in 1984 and can still be streamed on all music platforms out there.

2. “Shots” by LMFAO

LMFAO ft. Lil Jon - Shots (Official Video)LMFAO ft. Lil Jon – Shots (Official Video)

The next song is a party anthem by the American duo LMFAO. The song is all about having a good time and enjoying life.

The lyrics talk about taking shots of alcohol and getting “wasted”. The song also has a positive message, urging listeners to “live life to the fullest”.

3. “I Shot the Sheriff” by Bob Marley and the Wailers

I Shot The SheriffI Shot The Sheriff

Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff” is a reggae classic with a dark twist. The song is about a man who kills the sheriff, but claims that he was acting in self-defense.

Marley’s lyrics paint a picture of a society that is unfair and unjust, and often leads to violence. It was released in 1974 as part of the 461 Ocean Boulevard album.

4. “Shot for Me” by Drake

Shot For MeShot For Me

“Shot for Me” is a heartbreak song by Canadian rapper Drake. The song is about a relationship that ended because of infidelity.

Drake reflects on the good times he had with his ex, and how she “shot” him by cheating on him. The song was released in 2011 as part of the Take Care album.

5. “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar

Pat Benatar- Hit Me With Your Best ShotPat Benatar- Hit Me With Your Best Shot

The next song is an 80s classic by American rock singer Pat Benatar. “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” is a song about fighting back and taking control.

The lyrics talk about how the narrator is not going to take any more crap from anyone. The song was released in 1980 as part of the Crimes of Passion album. It has been covered by many artists over the years.

6. “Shots” by Lil Tecca

Lil Tecca - Shots (Official Music Video)Lil Tecca – Shots (Official Music Video)

Next on the list is “Shots” by American rapper Lil Tecca. The song is about taking risks and not caring about the consequences.

The lyrics talk about how the narrator is “shooting for the stars” and doesn’t care if he misses. The song was released in 2019 as part of the We Love You Tecca mixtape.

7. “Big Shot” by Billy Joel

Billy Joel - Big Shot (Official Video)Billy Joel – Big Shot (Official Video)

Billy Joel’s “Big Shot” is a song about being successful and taking advantage of opportunities. The lyrics talk about how the narrator is a “big shot” who always gets what he wants.

The song was released in 1978 as part of the 52nd Street album and can also be streamed on all music platforms out there.

8. “One Shot At Love” by LL Cool J

LL Cool J - One Shot At LoveLL Cool J – One Shot At Love

The next song on the list is “One Shot At Love” by LL Cool J. The song is about taking a chance on love and not giving up.

The lyrics talk about how the narrator is willing to take a shot at love, even though he knows it might not work out. The song was released in 1989 as part of the Walking with a Panther album.

9. “Shot Down in Flames” by AC/DC

AC/DC - Shot Down In Flames (Official Video)AC/DC – Shot Down In Flames (Official Video)

“Shot Down in Flames” is a song by Australian rock band AC/DC. The song is about being rejected and feeling like a failure.

The lyrics talk about how the narrator was “shot down in flames” when he tried to ask someone out. The song was released in 1979 as part of the Highway to Hell album.

10. “Had A Shot” by Makenzie Schriner

"Had A Shot" (Lyric Video) l Makenzie Schriner“Had A Shot” (Lyric Video) l Makenzie Schriner

Next on the list is a song that’s less about getting drunk and more about enjoying life, “Had A Shot” by Makenzie Schriner.

It’s got a great beat that will make you want to get up and dance, and the lyrics are all about living in the moment and taking advantage of every opportunity. It was released in 2021 for the album of the same title.

11. “Shot of Poison” by Lita Ford

Lita Ford - Shot of PoisonLita Ford – Shot of Poison

Lita Ford’s “Shot of Poison” is a song about being addicted to love, and it’s got a catchy rock beat that will make you want to headbang along.

It was released in 1991 on the album Dangerous Curves. You can definitely hear the influence of Ford’s time spent in The Runaways on this track.

12. “I Just Shot John Lennon” by The Cranberries

The Cranberries - I Just Shot John LennonThe Cranberries – I Just Shot John Lennon

“I Just Shot John Lennon” by The Cranberries is a dark and haunting song about the assassination of the former Beatle. It was released in 1997 on the album To the Faithful Departed. The Cranberries are known for their dark and emotive lyrics, and this song is no exception.

13. “Hot Shot” by Jimmy Cliff

Jimmy Cliff - Hot ShotJimmy Cliff – Hot Shot

Jimmy Cliff’s “Hot Shot” is a reggae song that was released in 1985 on the album Ti Ti Ti – Internacional.

It’s about a man who is trying to make it big in the music business, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get there. The lyrics are both aspirational and cautionary, and the catchy beat will make you want to move your feet.

14. “5 Shots of Whiskey” by Hank Williams III

Hank Williams III - 5 Shots of WhiskeyHank Williams III – 5 Shots of Whiskey

Next on the list is “5 Shots of Whiskey” by Hank Williams III. This song is about a man who is trying to forget his troubles by drinking, and it’s got a country twang that will make you want to two-step along. It was released in 2002 on the album Lovesick, Broke and Driftin’.

15. “Hot Shot Love” by Foghat

Hot Shot Love (2016 Remaster)Hot Shot Love (2016 Remaster)

Foghat’s “Hot Shot Love” is a bluesy rock song that was released in 1977 on the album Foghat Live.

It’s about a man who is trying to impress a woman with his money and his possessions, but he’s really just a hot shot. The lyrics are clever and the guitar solo is scorching, making this one of Foghat’s best-known tracks.

16. “Shot Down” by DMX

Shot DownShot Down

“Shot Down” by DMX is a dark and intense song about being caught in the crossfire of a gang shooting. It was released in 1998 on the album It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot.

DMX is known for his gritty and realistic lyrics, and this song is proof. It was released in 2003 as part of the Grand Champ album.

17. “One Shot 2 Shot” by Eminem

One Shot 2 ShotOne Shot 2 Shot

The next song on the list is “One Shot 2 Shot” by Eminem. This song is about being caught in the middle of a gang shooting, and it’s got a hard-hitting beat. It now has over 8 million views on Youtube and can be streamed on all music platforms out there.

18. “Long Shot” by Aimee Mann

Aimee Mann - Long ShotAimee Mann – Long Shot

Aimee Mann’s “Long Shot” is a song about taking a chance on love, even though it might not work out. It’s a beautiful ballad with a great message, and it has been featured in the movie Live at St. Ann’s Warehouse. It was released in 1995 and it now has over 28k views on Youtube.

19. “16 Shots” by Stefflon Don

Stefflon Don - 16 Shots (Official Video)Stefflon Don – 16 Shots (Official Video)

Next on the list is a song called “16 Shots” by Stefflon Don. The title is a direct reference to the number of times Laquan McDonald was shot by police officer Jason Van Dyke in 2014.

The lyrics are about how the shooting affected Stefflon Don and how she feels about it. It was released in 2018 as part of the Honey: Rise Up and Dance Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

20. “Shots” by Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons - Shots (Official Music Video)Imagine Dragons – Shots (Official Music Video)

Wrapping up our list is “Shots” by Imagine Dragons. It’s a song about feeling like you’re a failure to everyone even since the day you were born. This track was released in 2015 as part of the Smoke + Mirrors album. You can stream it on all music platforms out there.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are quite a few songs about shots and gun violence. Some of them are also about alcohol and partying, but the majority seem to be about the serious issue of gun violence.

It’s a wholesome mix of songs that come from different genres and eras so there’s something for everyone on this list. Thanks for reading!