Although it has universally been recognised as the quintessential “emo brag track”, and the best case for the popular “Jesse Lacey is a huge dick” theory, Tommy Gun, when it came out, was given a very, very different sense by listeners.

In 2003, it was clear to many that the song was specifically aimed at Adam Lazzara from Taking Back Sunday. When Deja Entendu was written, Lacey and John Nolan, then in TBS, had mended their friendship and were close as ever.

Nolan was having a bad time in his friendship with Lazzara, however, affected by a hefty collection of events including Lazzara cheating on Nolan’s sister, abusing drugs and alcohol, and making fun of Nolan’s concern for his fragile mental health.

After Nolan departed from TBS because of this, Lacey was especially aggressive towards Lazzara, doing everything in his power to rid him of his friends and reputation as retaliation for hurting the Nolans—something for which Lazzara never forgave Lacey. This song is one instance of it, and it cuts deep.

Lacey, here, sings in the point of view of Lazzara in an exaggerated, mocking manner—the arrogance, the famous stutter, and the bragging about misdeeds and disrespect that drove Nolan away, all align, among others.

There is even a reference to Lazzara’s notable use of TV/movie characters to define his own personality (his obsession with Fight Club, in particular). The title comes from the “Angels With Filthy Souls” parody in Home Alone 2:

Alright. I believe you, but my Tommy Gun don’t!
Get down on your knees and tell you love me!"

This isn’t the brag track people nowadays make it out to be. However, it’s a pretty mean and hypocritical one—who’s holding on to their grudge, here, Jesse? Also, making fun of someone’s pathological stutter isn’t really fair play. Pick your own fights!