"Janie's Got a Gun" is a song by the American rock band Aerosmith, released in 1989 as the third single from their album Pump. The track was written by lead vocalist Steven Tyler and produced by Bruce Fairbairn. It addresses the dark and serious subject of child abuse, narrating the story of a character named Janie who seeks retribution against her father for sexually abusing her. Musically, the song blends hard rock with theatrical elements and features narrative lyrics delivered in a storytelling style.
The song received critical acclaim for its bold lyrical content and was a commercial success, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It earned Aerosmith their first Grammy Award in 1990, winning the category for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
The accompanying music video, directed by David Fincher, expanded on the storyline and received significant attention for its stark visual storytelling and cinematic quality. It contributed to the song’s cultural impact and helped bring awareness to the issue of domestic and sexual abuse.
"Janie's Got a Gun" remains one of Aerosmith's most recognized and analyzed songs, frequently cited for its narrative depth and social relevance.