‘Shoot Me Down’ by Nat Hills review

We’ve all I’m sure at some point experienced that moment of being belittled, or undervalued. Nat Hills has perfectly captured this feeling in her debut Country Rock inspired debut single out for release 11th November 2025.

It’s no accident that the song is being released on Remembrance Day; many feel a connection to 11:11 and it is believed to be a sign to make a wish, signal of spiritual awakening, or a reminder to stay present and mindful. Something that ties quite nicely to the ethos of the song. People may want to ‘Shoot Me Down’ however your strength and defiance shall prevail!

“It’s all about people trying to keep me small throughout my life, especially growing up in the 90s. I very much felt that I was designed to be seen like quite literally see but not heard. That my voice didn’t actually matter and if I did use my voice, I was too opinionated, I was too bossy…”

“I've been destined to break free, since 86

From the clutches and desperation of patriarchy and all its tricks”

The opening verse starts by painting a very vivid picture of almost being imprisoned and restricted in what we can do. Referencing the year adds further context as to how long this has been experienced, but of course it should also be considered that in 86, they were different societal and cultural norms to what we’re used to today, however some may still remain. The verse infers the reference to the 15th Century John Mirk expression that has been adapted over the years ‘children should be seen and not heard’.

“Daddy broke our home

Grandpa had to set the tone

of what it takes, to be a man”

Here the lyrics reference learning from the previous generation, and how they ‘set the tone’ however arguably gender roles nowadays are far more fluid and relaxed. Even the notion of ‘what it takes to be a man’ can be largely damaging, not least with the pressure and expectation, but also with the preconceived idea of being the ‘man of the home’.

“Somewhere along the lines

Poison crept into my mind

And I believed I should be seen and never heard.”

The bridge references ‘poison crept into my mind’; now this could literal poison of some description, however given the context of the song this is to represent the negative comments eroding the self worth and esteem; whilst also emulating the personal self destruction we put ourselves through. Whilst it may’ve only loosely been touched upon earlier, the bridge sees direct reference to John Mirk’s 15th century expression. There once was a time and a place for people, not just children being present but not vocal, it could be said that this is ever present through mindfulness because we can see that people are present but don’t always understand what’s going on in their head.

Photo by @naomigoesdigital

“I lost my voice but I can't stand the silence

What I've faced won't be in vain

No longer hiding, coming straight for ya

Wanna shoot me down, gonna take my Aim

I lost my voice but I can't stand the silence

What I've faced won't be in vain

No longer hiding, coming straight for ya

Wanna shoot me down, gonna take my Aim.”

The chorus uses clever oxymoronic and polarising ideas by means of “I can’t stand the silence” whereas usually it’d be I can’t stand the noise. Conversely, not being able to “stand the silence” is reflective of our mental state. Sometimes we need to allow the silence in, in order to clear our sensory palette and come at things afresh. “No longer hiding, coming straight for ya” gives hint to the defiance, the resistance and the retaliation. What’s also interesting is the direct relation between a gun and its ammunition and the words and opinions of people and how they both have penetrating qualities, able to inflict harm to some degree.

Photo by @naomigoesdigital

“Guess you thought you'd kick me down, but I got up (yes I did)

Throw punches then start running out of town, guess you're not that tough (no you're not that tough)

Well I hate to break the news

But I'm starting to see through

All the bullshit that has held me back for years

This verse portrays how both physically as well as mentally resilient we must be when we’re kicked down, sometimes literally. The lyrics speak to the fight or flight response we all exhibit in these scenarios. What’s also evident is how sometimes we’re reluctant to see throw bad things are becoming; only when we do, often it’s too late and damage is usually inflicted.

The song returns to the chorus to emphasise its significance of speaking up and ensuring your voice is heard.

“Ground control your ego has landed

Bet ya never thought you'd end up stranded

My words are like a silent venom

Kill em with kindness, my mama's weapon”

The use of “ground control” is interesting as it’s comparing us (specifically our ego) to a plane or spaceship; and reference to being “stranded” only enhances the feeling of isolation and belittlement being in space miles away from help and support. I particularly like how the comparison is drawn how words are like “silent venom’” however one persons venom is another medicine. “Kill em with kindness” is a testament to your resilience and inner strength that regardless of the circumstances, you remain positive and can quash any negativity.

“Take me on but don't be fooled

I've got more grit than you

Say I'm less than, I'll keep coming back for more”

This verse is an interesting one to dissect. At its core, much like the song, is not underestimating people and what they’re capable of. Whilst it may appear an easy comparison to say “I’ve got more grit than you” because productively they’re doing more, however we all work differently and have been exposed to different scenarios. That may be all that they can muster in that moment.

The song closes out by revisiting the chorus, reminding us that we too can find our voice and our aim!

‘Shoot Me Down’ by Natalie Hills was released 11th November 2025, and is available to stream and download from your respective music platforms. Make sure to follow her social media for more news and updates on new music and any planned events, gigs and festivals.