Both Reached For The Gun

The song 'Both Reached For The Gun' from the musical 'Chicago' is a satirical take on media manipulation and the justice system. The narrative centers around Roxie Hart, a woman accused of murdering her lover, Fred Casely. The song is set during a press conference orchestrated by Roxie's slick lawyer, Billy Flynn, who masterfully controls the narrative to paint Roxie as an innocent victim. The repetitive chorus, 'Oh yes, they both reached for the gun,' is a fabricated story designed to exonerate Roxie by suggesting that she acted in self-defense.

Billy Flynn's role is crucial as he manipulates the press with ease, turning the reporters into his puppets. His ventriloquist-like control over Roxie, symbolized by the line 'notice how his mouth never moves... almost,' highlights the theme of manipulation. The press, represented by the chorus, blindly echoes Flynn's version of events, showcasing how easily public opinion can be swayed. The song's upbeat, almost circus-like melody contrasts sharply with its dark subject matter, emphasizing the absurdity of the situation.

The lyrics also delve into Roxie's backstory, painting her as a tragic figure who fell from grace. This portrayal is designed to garner sympathy from the public and the jury. The song's humor and irony lie in the exaggerated innocence and victimhood attributed to Roxie, despite her clear culpability. The repeated assurances that her actions are 'understandable' and 'defensible' serve to mock the superficiality of media narratives and the gullibility of the public. Through this song, 'Chicago' critiques the sensationalism of the press and the performative nature of the legal system, where truth is often secondary to a compelling story.