AC/DC has no shortage of timeless rock anthems. A list of their greatest hits reads more like a “best of rock” playlist than one band’s discography. Among that host of hits is the rousing “Thunderstruck.” You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who couldn’t chant along to the opening of this song. But, do you know the meaning behind the lyrics? If not, find out below.
[RELATED: AC/DC and Fans Pay Tribute to Drummer Colin Burgess, Dead at 77: “Rock in Peace”]
Videos by American Songwriter
Behind the Meaning
Inspiration can come from anywhere. That fact is proven by “Thunderstruck.” What is now one of the most iconic guitar riffs in rock history, started as little more than a warm-up for guitarist Angus Young.
“It started off from a little trick that I had on guitar,” Young once explained. “I played it to Malcolm [Young] and he said, ‘Oh I’ve got a good rhythm idea that will sit well in the back.’ We built the song up from that.”
From there, the band added the sensuality required of all great rock songs. The term “Thunderstruck” is interpreted a couple of different ways throughout the song, but the overarching idea is the conflation between being struck by lightning and the electrifying sensation of sex.
Rode down the highway
Broke the limit, we hit the town
Went through to Texas, yeah, Texas, and we had some fun
We met some girls
Some dancers who gave a good time
Broke all the rules
Played all the fools
The second verse holds the meat of the song. The lyrics describe a wild night out in Texas—during which many rules were broken. They met some girls and some dancers and immediately got off to the races. Yeah, them ladies were too kind /You’ve been / Thunderstruck, the crux of the verse reads.
Despite being “Thunderstruck,” the band ensures the listener knows they enjoyed their time: It’s alright, we’re doin’ fine.
Photo by Jeffrey A. Camarati/Getty Images
More Features
-
UNITED KINGDOM – JANUARY 01: WEMBLEY ARENA Photo of Johnny DUNCAN and Janie FRICKE, w/Johnny Duncan (Photo by David Redfern/Redferns) -
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – JANUARY 11: Debbie Harry of Blondie performs on stage at Hammersmith Odeon on January 11th, 1980 in London United Kingdom. (Photo by Pete Still/Redferns) -
lake Shelton, presenter Video Director of the Year (Photo by Frank Mullen/WireImage) -
Photo by Robert Kern/Getty Images -
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 1958: Pianist Bob Gaudio, drummer Tom Austin, tenor sax Larry Qualiano, singer Dianne Costello and guitarist Billy Dalton of the rock and roll band "The Royal Teens" pose for a portrait in September or October of 1958 at the Brooklyn Paramount in New York, New York. (Photo by PoPsie Randolph/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
Left to right: Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page, of British heavy rock group Led Zeppelin, performing at Earl's Court, London, May 1975. The band were initially booked to play three nights at the venue, from 23rd to 25th May, but due to public demand, two more concerts were later added, for 17th and 18th May. Total ticket sales were 85,000. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)
